Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) claimed on Thursday he was being blackmailed by the husband of a former staffer who died by setting herself on fire.
Gonzales posted a note on X from the lawyer of Adrian Aviles, the widower of former congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, requesting a $300,000 settlement.
“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” Gonzales wrote on X. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report. I will keep fighting for #TX23.”
I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED. Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report. I will keep fighting for #TX23
pic.twitter.com/L0OSrUpcWF
— Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) February 19, 2026
Aviles responded promptly to the post, denying the allegation.
“We have never blackmailed anyone,” Aviles wrote in response. “What we’ve seen instead is a consistent pattern of evasion, refusal to take accountability, and outright lies to protect your image. You’re a classic case of a two-faced politician who says whatever is convenient to save face.”
Aviles told the San Antonio Express-News that Gonzales engaged in an affair with his wife, who was the congressman’s regional district director. The outlet had previously published a text message, shared by a former Gonzales staffer, in which Santos-Aviles acknowledged the affair.
Last year, authorities said Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself outside her home and set herself on fire, and she died the next day at a hospital in San Antonio. Police ruled the death a suicide.
HUSBAND OF TONY GONZALES STAFFER WHO DIED BY SUICIDE CALLS ON REPUBLICAN TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY
Gonzales has denied the affair. The three-term congressman is facing a heated primary challenge from Second Amendment activist Brandon Herrera. Gonzales narrowly defeated Herrera in 2024 for the Republican nomination.
The Texas primary is slated for March 3.
