Overview
- San Antonio Express-News published a screenshoted message from April 28, 2025 in which Regina Santos-Aviles wrote she had an "affair with our boss," which the paper says it verified came from her phone number.
- An unnamed former district staffer told the outlet the relationship occurred in 2024, said Santos-Aviles fell into depression after her husband discovered messages, and faulted the office for failing to intervene as meetings she set were canceled.
- Rep. Tony Gonzales has previously called the rumors "completely untruthful" and, after the latest story, declined to address the claim while accusing primary rival Brandon Herrera of politicizing the aide’s death; Herrera and some conservatives urged Gonzales to resign.
- Authorities say Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation in September 2025 with no evidence of foul play, the Texas Rangers are assisting Uvalde police, and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office sealed related 911 calls and reports in December.
- The Express-News rescinded its endorsement ahead of the March 3 GOP primary as national coverage broadened, while Gonzales enters the vote with backing from President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson and joint NRCC ad spending reported at $441,000.