Texas congressman claims blackmail over alleged affair with a staffer
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas claims he is being blackmailed after reports surfaced of an alleged affair with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by self-immolation in 2025.
- Text messages obtained by the San Antonio Express-News reportedly reveal the affair, and Santos-Aviles’ husband was aware of it before her death; he is pursuing potential legal action under the Congressional Accountability Act.
- Gonzales posted on social media denying blackmail claims and accusing the husband’s attorney of trying to profit politically and financially from the tragedy, while the attorney denies any blackmail attempt.
- The attorney alleges Gonzales retaliated against Santos-Aviles at work after the affair was discovered, but
