New texts deepen scrutiny in tony gonzales texas scandal
Newly disclosed text messages show an aide saying she had an affair with Rep. Tony Gonzales months before she died by suicide, intensifying pressure on the congressman as he seeks re-election. The revelations come as early voting opened this week ahead of the March 3, 2026 primary in a district that includes Uvalde and parts of San Antonio and the Texas-Mexico border.
What the messages and timelines show
Messages reviewed by reporters include a line in which the aide wrote, "I had affair with our boss and I'm fine. " The aide, 35-year-old Regina Santos-Aviles, was found critically burned near her Uvalde home in mid-September 2025 and died on Sept. 14, 2025. In November 2025, the county medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Other former staffers have said the alleged affair was known among some office employees as early as 2024. One former colleague says Santos-Aviles became isolated after her husband learned of the relationship and that her responsibilities in the office were curtailed. That ex-staffer denies being paid by any of the congressman’s primary opponents and has moved out of state to pursue other work.
The congressman has publicly denied the affair. In a November appearance he called the rumors "completely untruthful. " In a separate statement this week he declined to engage with the allegations, saying he would not "engage in these personal smears and instead remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans. " He also described Santos-Aviles as "a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place. Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, healthcare, and rural water like never before. "
Political fallout as the primary approaches
The disclosures have rapidly become a campaign issue. The congressman is running for a fourth term in what is typically a safely Republican district, but the primary this cycle has been unusually competitive. His leading challenger called for him to step down, describing the alleged conduct as unacceptable for a sitting member of Congress. Another Republican state lawmaker also urged resignation, saying the family deserves space to heal and that the continued presence of the congressman on the ballot would make that difficult.
Campaign operatives and political observers note the timing of the revelations — just days after early voting began — could sway a narrowly divided primary electorate. The congressman narrowly survived a close primary last cycle, and this year’s contest has remained unpredictable with active early voting ahead of the March 3, 2026 primary.
Local reaction has included a re-evaluation of endorsements and renewed calls for transparency from both party members and community leaders. Lawyers for family members of the deceased have said they are pursuing accountability while declining to draw direct links between the alleged affair and the aide’s death.
What comes next
Expect immediate pressure for a fuller accounting from the congressman’s office and for investigators to review any relevant communications and personnel records. With ballots already being cast in early voting, the political consequences could be felt quickly. Voters in the district will decide whether the scandal alters their assessment of the incumbent when the primary concludes on March 3, 2026.
As the situation develops, campaign events, statements from party officials, and any legal filings will be closely watched for new details. For now, the combination of a tragic death, newly disclosed texts and a tight primary has pushed the congressman’s re-election bid into the spotlight.
