Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales denies affair with late staffer Regina Santos-Aviles after her tragic self-immolation, calling reports “completely untruthful” amid ongoing investigation
Texas congressman Tony Gonzales has spoken publicly for the first time about the rumors linking him to the tragic death of his longtime aide, Regina Santos-Aviles — calling reports of an affair between the two “completely untruthful” and urging respect for the grieving family. The Republican representative from Texas’s 23rd District addressed the speculation during a recent appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, nearly two months after Santos-Aviles, 35, died in a horrifying act of self-immolation.
The congressman’s denial comes after weeks of whispers, social-media speculation, and tabloid coverage surrounding the aide’s death — which authorities have ruled a suicide. “The rumors are completely untruthful, and Regina’s family has asked for privacy,” Gonzales said firmly. “This was a tragedy that hurt a lot of people, and the least we can do is let them grieve without lies adding to their pain.”
Santos-Aviles, who worked as a regional district director for Gonzales’s office since late 2021, was found severely burned in the backyard of her home in Uvalde, Texas, on the night of September 13. Emergency responders arrived after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a fire; when they reached the scene, they found the aide with life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital, where she later died. The Bexar County Medical Examiner confirmed her cause of death as self-inflicted burns, ruling out foul play.
Still, the shocking nature of her death, combined with her close professional relationship with the congressman, fueled intense public curiosity. Anonymous online posts and foreign news outlets speculated that the two were romantically involved, alleging that the supposed affair may have contributed to her emotional state. Gonzales has dismissed all such claims. “I have worked with hundreds of staffers during my time in Congress,” he said. “Regina was a valued member of my team, respected by everyone. The idea that there was anything inappropriate is false, and it’s deeply unfair to her memory.”
The congressman’s remarks echoed statements from Santos-Aviles’s mother, Nora Gonzales, who told reporters earlier that the rumors were “completely false.” Family members have since asked the public and media to stop spreading speculation that has only compounded their grief. “Regina was more than a headline,” her mother said. “She was a loving daughter and a devoted mother. These stories are cruel.”
At the time of her death, Santos-Aviles was raising an 8-year-old son and had been separated from her husband. Friends described her as a passionate public servant who cared deeply about her community. “She worked hard for the people of Uvalde,” one former colleague said. “She was proud to represent her district and help people navigate government programs. This loss is devastating.”
Authorities say the investigation remains open, though they have found no evidence of criminal involvement. Police reports reviewed by several Texas outlets indicate that Santos-Aviles was alone when she set herself on fire, and that no one else was present on the property. Gasoline containers were recovered at the scene, and a handwritten note reportedly expressing distress was found nearby. Law enforcement officials have not released the full contents of that note, citing the family’s privacy.
Gonzales told journalists that he has not been contacted by investigators and has not personally reached out to them, explaining that he wishes to avoid interfering with the ongoing inquiry. “I haven’t been contacted by any agency,” he said. “I’m letting the authorities do their job.”
The congressman’s decision to remain silent for weeks after the tragedy sparked criticism in political circles, with some accusing him of evading questions. Gonzales defended his initial silence, saying he wanted to wait for verified facts. “When something like this happens, emotions run high,” he said. “But leadership means not reacting impulsively. I needed to make sure that whatever I said was grounded in truth and sensitivity to the family.”
His office had previously issued a short written statement in September calling Santos-Aviles’s death “a deep personal loss.” That message offered condolences to her loved ones and praised her years of service to the district but did not address any of the emerging rumors.
In recent weeks, the congressman has faced political challenges beyond this tragedy. Gonzales, a moderate Republican representing one of Texas’s most sprawling and politically diverse districts, is up for re-election and facing a strong primary challenge from conservative influencer Brandon “AK Guy” Herrera. Political analysts note that the controversy has placed him under heightened scrutiny, but so far there is no indication that it has derailed his campaign.
At the same time, the case has brought renewed attention to the mental-health pressures faced by congressional staffers. Former colleagues of Santos-Aviles have described long hours, relentless constituent demands, and the emotional weight of working on public tragedies like the Uvalde school shooting, which occurred within the district Gonzales represents. “Everyone who worked in that office was under enormous stress,” one aide told a local newspaper. “It’s a tough job, and mental health isn’t talked about enough.”
Santos-Aviles’s friends held a small vigil in her honor shortly after her death, remembering her warmth and commitment to public service. “She believed in helping people,” said one attendee. “That’s the person we want people to remember — not the headlines.”
Despite calls for restraint, the rumors continued to circulate on social media, prompting Gonzales to address them directly in his Texas Tribune appearance. “It’s unfortunate that people would take a tragedy and turn it into gossip,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of ugly things in politics, but this is one of the worst. Regina’s family deserves better than this.”
As the congressman spoke, he appeared visibly emotional, pausing at several points to gather his thoughts. His aides later confirmed that he has been in contact with Santos-Aviles’s relatives, offering support and assistance. “This has been painful for everyone,” he said. “She was part of our team — part of our family in the office. Losing her hit us all hard.”
Law-enforcement officials say the investigation will conclude once all toxicology results are finalized, though it is not expected to change the overall ruling of suicide. A spokesperson for the Uvalde Police Department said no further information would be released until that process is complete.
Meanwhile, Gonzales’s office continues to operate under the cloud of the tragedy, with staff members describing an atmosphere of quiet sadness. Many of them have chosen to honor Santos-Aviles’s memory by continuing her outreach projects in rural communities, including one focused on youth mentorship — a cause she had championed before her death.
The case has also underscored how quickly unverified claims can take on a life of their own in the digital age. Within days of Santos-Aviles’s passing, social-media accounts and online forums were filled with speculation, much of it baseless. Several of the rumors originated from foreign tabloid sites, which repeated claims without citing evidence. The congressman’s public denial aims to put those rumors to rest once and for all, but observers say the episode illustrates the challenge of containing misinformation once it spreads.
For Gonzales, the priority now is to shift focus back to his work and his district. “People in my community know my heart,” he said. “They know I care about Uvalde, Del Rio, San Antonio — about everyone I represent. That’s where my focus is, and it always will be.”
He also expressed empathy for the millions of Americans who have lost loved ones to mental-health struggles. “We need to talk about these issues openly,” he said. “Regina’s death should remind us how fragile life can be, and how important it is to reach out for help.”
In the end, Gonzales’s denial may not erase the speculation, but it marks his clearest effort yet to reclaim the narrative — one centered not on scandal, but on humanity. “It’s heartbreaking that gossip can overshadow a life of service,” he said. “I’m asking everyone to honor Regina for the person she was — not for the lies that have been told.”
As the investigation nears its end, one truth stands out amid the noise: a young woman lost her life in devastating circumstances, leaving behind a child, a family, and a community still struggling to understand. And for Tony Gonzales, the tragedy has become a painful reminder of the fine line between public duty and personal vulnerability — one that few in Washington ever expect to cross so suddenly.
