Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has called for the resignation of her colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales, following allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The controversy has reignited scrutiny over Gonzales, 45, amid reports of an alleged affair with Santos-Aviles, 35, and revelations regarding the nature of their communications.
Recent text messages, published by the San Antonio Express-News, indicate that Gonzales requested provocative photographs from Santos-Aviles, despite her hesitance. In messages dating back to May 2024, Gonzales asked her to “send me a sexy pic” and probed her with explicit questions about sexual intimacy. Santos-Aviles reportedly expressed discomfort, stating that he was taking things “too far” on two occasions.
Boebert’s demand for Gonzales to resign came on X, where she urged, “RESIGN!” This call for accountability has been echoed by other Republican representatives, including Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Texas Rep. Brandon Gill, both of whom have voiced their support for Boebert’s stance. Gill remarked on X that “America deserves better. Tony should drop out of the race.”
In a statement to the New York Times prior to the recent developments, Gonzales referred to Santos-Aviles as a “kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” Despite this acknowledgment, he has refrained from commenting on the affair allegations, labeling them as “personal smears.”
As Gonzales faces increasing pressure to step down, he is also preparing for a challenging re-election campaign in Texas’s 23rd district. He is contending against Brandon Herrera, a 30-year-old YouTuber and firearm manufacturer who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primaries. The race is anticipated to be competitive, with Gonzales under scrutiny from both constituents and party members alike.
The resurfacing of text messages has intensified the focus on Gonzales’s conduct, particularly in light of prior allegations of an affair that Santos-Aviles reportedly disclosed to her husband. According to Bobby Barrera, a lawyer representing Santos-Aviles’s widower, she admitted to the affair with Gonzales for a month during the previous year.
Earlier this month, a former staffer to Gonzales revealed more details about the alleged affair, claiming it took place while Gonzales was campaigning for re-election. At the time, he was seeking to represent a district that includes parts of San Antonio and El Paso, located near the U.S.-Mexico border. Gonzales, who is married and a father of six, now finds himself embroiled in a scandal that could significantly impact his political future.
The tragic death of Santos-Aviles raises serious concerns about mental health and the pressures faced by individuals in high-stress environments. For those in the United States needing mental health support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day, while individuals in other countries can visit www.befrienders.org to find local helplines. In the UK, the Samaritans provide support at 116 123 or via email at [email protected].
As the situation unfolds, the demand for accountability in political circles remains a pressing issue, with the implications of this case likely echoing through the upcoming elections.
