{"id":226680,"date":"2026-03-05T18:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/05\/tony-gonzales-congressman-admits-to-affair-with-staffer-who-committed-suicide-by-fire\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T18:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:00:25","slug":"tony-gonzales-congressman-admits-to-affair-with-staffer-who-committed-suicide-by-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/05\/tony-gonzales-congressman-admits-to-affair-with-staffer-who-committed-suicide-by-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Tony Gonzales: Congressman Admits to Affair With Staffer Who Committed Suicide By Fire"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>For months, Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas) denied having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, the 28-year-old congressional staffer who committed suicide by setting herself on fire last year.<\/p>\n<p>Now, amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into the matter, Gonzales has finally come clean.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking with conservative pundit Joe \u201cPags\u201d Pagliarulo, Gonzales confessed to the affair, but promptly assured viewers that it\u2019s okay, as God has forgiven him.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><\/noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks alongside U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) at a news conference on border security outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.  \" class=\"wp-image-549928 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1793559714-1-scaled.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks alongside U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) at a news conference on border security outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.  <span class=\"image-caption-credit\"> (Photo by Anna Moneymaker\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions,\u201d he told the radio host. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cSince then, I\u2019ve reconciled with my wife, Angel. I\u2019ve asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever,\u201d Gonzales continued, adding:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing. And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this week, Gonzales faced off in a primary with challenger Brandon Herrera.<\/p>\n<p>The two advanced to a special election as neither gained the required 50 percent of the vote to secure the nomination.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.\" class=\"wp-image-549929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-scaled.jpg 1706w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.\" class=\"wp-image-549929 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-scaled.jpg 1706w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365261-1-scaled.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.<span class=\"image-caption-credit\"> (Photo by Alex Wong\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201c2 weeks ago this man called me a liar because I accused him of committing the heinous acts that he just publicly admitted to doing. Is there anyone left who still trusts this now objectively proven liar?\u201d Herrera tweeted in response to Gonzales\u2019 long-delayed confession.<\/p>\n<p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/rep-tony-gonzales-admits-to-affair-with-former-staffer-calling-it-lapse-in-judgment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CBS News<\/a> reports, the House of Representatives\u2019 code of conduct says lawmakers \u201cmay not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under the supervision of the Member.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The code bans \u201cunwelcome sexual advances or conduct\u201d toward staff.<\/p>\n<p>Gonzales may be on the hook for that as well, as text messages obtained by CBS show that he once asked Santos-Aviles to send him \u201ca sexy pic\u201d and she replied, \u201cThis is going too far boss.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Flanked by members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), co-chair Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.  \" class=\"wp-image-549927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\"\/><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Flanked by members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), co-chair Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.  \" class=\"wp-image-549927 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 20px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-1461365139-scaled.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flanked by members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), co-chair Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.  <span class=\"image-caption-credit\"> (Photo by Alex Wong\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When Santos-Aviles replied, \u201cYou don\u2019t really want a hot picture of me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In another text, Santos-Aviles, who was also married, wrote to a friend, \u201cI had an affair with our boss and I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>During the months when he was still aggressively denying the affair, Gonzales also repeatedly bashed Santos-Aviles\u2019 widow.<\/p>\n<p>Gonzales further alleged that \u201cwithin hours\u201d of Santos-Aviles\u2019 death, her husband contacted his office to inquire about \u201cher death benefits and how he could gain access to her retirement fund.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was eerie. It was creepy,\u201d Gonzales said.<\/p>\n<p>He also alleged that the widower might have been gay or engaging in an affair himself.<\/p>\n<p>Numerous members of Congress from both parties have called on Gonzales to step down.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehollywoodgossip.com\/2026\/03\/tony-gonzales-congressman-admits-to-affair-with-staffer-who-committed-suicide-by-fire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reading Time: 3 minutes For months, Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas) denied having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, the 28-year-old congressional staffer who committed suicide by setting herself on fire last year. Now, amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into the matter, Gonzales has finally come clean. Speaking with conservative pundit Joe \u201cPags\u201d Pagliarulo, Gonzales confessed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":226681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-226680","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hollywood"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226680"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226680\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}