Congressman Tony Gonzales Subject of Federal Investigation Following Aide's Tragic Death
Embattled Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales has been under federal investigation since last year over allegations of an affair with his aide, Regina Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) initiated its probe four months ago, focusing on the purported relationship between Gonzales, 45, and his former regional district director, according to the attorney for Aviles' husband.
Allegations and Initial Reports
The Daily Mail first reported the alleged affair in October, revealing that Gonzales, a married father of six, was involved with Aviles, 35, who began working for him in November 2021. Aviles died tragically after dousing herself with gasoline in her backyard and setting herself on fire. Her husband, Adrian Aviles, confirmed the affair to the Daily Mail in his first-ever interview, stating that federal investigators contacted him in November following the media report.
Text messages obtained by the Daily Mail show Aviles admitting to sleeping with her boss. In one message, she allegedly comforted a friend by saying, 'I had [an] affair with our boss and I'm fine. You will be fine.' This evidence has fueled the investigation into potential violations of House Rule 23, which prohibits members of Congress from having sexual relations with subordinates.
Gonzales' Denials and Public Response
Gonzales, who is currently seeking re-election, has publicly denied the allegations. In November, he told reporters, 'The rumors are completely untruthful.' However, when initially approached by the Daily Mail in September, he did not deny the affair. The congressman has not responded to requests for comment regarding the federal investigation, and the OCC has declined to comment, maintaining its reputation for secrecy.
Details of the Alleged Relationship
According to anonymous sources and Adrian Aviles, the romantic relationship began in 2022. Adrian believes Gonzales made the first move, which his wife initially rebuffed due to its inappropriateness. In May 2024, the pair allegedly met twice at a cabin in Concan, Texas, for trysts. Adrian discovered the affair in June and confronted Gonzales and his staff via text messages.
After the affair became known in Gonzales' office, Aviles was not fired but was given a paid month off. Upon her return, she was gradually sidelined, losing responsibilities, which her husband described as being 'black-listed.' This professional isolation contributed to her emotional distress, with Adrian noting she was 'spiraling' as they attempted to reconcile.
Tragic Outcome and Aftermath
On September 13, 2025, Regina Aviles doused herself with gasoline while on the phone and was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital after catching fire. She died the following day, with her autopsy revealing she was intoxicated at the time. Adrian has moved out with their eight-year-old son and is considering releasing text messages between his wife and Gonzales to reveal the truth while protecting their child.
The investigation continues as Gonzales faces scrutiny over his conduct, with potential implications for his political career and adherence to congressional ethics rules.
