WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, responded to allegations of an affair with a former staffer by blaming his GOP primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, for politicizing the death of Regina Santos-Aviles. This came a day after the San Antonio Express-News reported on a text message from Santos-Aviles admitting to the affair.
Gonzales declined to comment directly on the allegations but has previously stated they are untrue. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in Uvalde last year, setting herself on fire outside her home.
According to the Express-News, an ex-staffer in Gonzales’ office stated that Santos-Aviles told him in 2024 about the affair and provided a text message where she said she “had an affair with our boss.”
Gonzales stated, “Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” He further accused Herrera of using a “disgruntled former staffer” to smear her memory and gain political advantage, particularly given the timing coinciding with the start of early voting.
The ex-Gonzales staffer confirmed to the Express-News that he had not been compensated for coming forward but had been in contact with Herrera regarding the affair. He is now employed by Democrats in California.
Gonzales previously addressed rumors of the affair in November during an interview with Punchbowl News at the Texas Tribune Festival, stating the rumors were “completely untruthful” and emphasizing Santos-Aviles’ community perform.
Gonzales, a Navy veteran representing the 23rd Congressional District since 2021, is married with six children. He is currently facing a primary challenge from gun rights activist Brandon Herrera, who nearly defeated him in a 2024 runoff election by 400 votes. The district is the largest in the state, encompassing West San Antonio and a large portion of the Texas-Mexico border.
Other GOP primary candidates include former Rep. Quico Canseco and Marine Corps veteran Keith Barton.
Herrera has called for Gonzales to resign, citing ethical misconduct and the potential risk to Republican control of the seat. He argued the affair violated House ethics rules and broke a promise of trust to the public, given Gonzales’ initial denial of the allegations. Herrera stated that similar behavior in the military would result in court-martial, and dismissal.
State Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady, whose district overlaps with Gonzales’, echoed the call for resignation, posting on X that Gonzales should step down if the allegations are true to allow the family to heal.
Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, stated Gonzales should resign if the affair report is accurate. The San Antonio Express-News editorial board similarly rescinded its endorsement of Gonzales.
Gonzales maintains support from prominent Republicans, including Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and numerous law enforcement associations. The National Republican Congressional Committee has invested over $100,000 in joint ads with the Gonzales campaign.
The situation bears similarities to the 2022 Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District, where allegations of infidelity led to Rep. Van Taylor dropping out of the race. Taylor was ultimately succeeded by his runoff opponent, Keith Self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the renewed attention to the allegations against Tony Gonzales?
The San Antonio Express-News reported on a text message from Regina Santos-Aviles admitting to an affair with Gonzales, prompting the renewed attention.
Who is calling for Tony Gonzales to resign?
Brandon Herrera, his GOP primary opponent, state Rep. Wes Virdell, and Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, have all called for Gonzales to resign.
What is the status of the Republican primary race in the 23rd Congressional District?
Gonzales is facing a challenging primary race against Brandon Herrera, who nearly defeated him in a runoff election in 2024. Former Rep. Quico Canseco and Keith Barton are also running.
Given the serious nature of these allegations and the ongoing primary election, what role will voters’ values and priorities play in determining the outcome of this race?
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