Suggestive Messages from Representative to Aide
Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) was revealed to have sent suggestive texts to a female aide in May 2024, according to messages released by the woman's widower. The aide — Regina Santos-Aviles — self-immolated in her backyard 16 months later.
Message Content Released by Family
According to the message content provided by the family to the press, in the early morning of May 9, 2024, Gonzales texted: "Send me a suggestive picture." Santos-Aviles replied: "This is going too far, boss."
Gonzales continued by asking "What do you like," offered to send photos, and added: "I'm a visual person." Santos-Aviles responded: "Please tell me you didn't hire me just because I'm attractive."
Messages Extracted from Victim's Phone
The messages were extracted from Santos-Aviles' phone by a forensic team working with her husband, Adrian Aviles, with the intention of making public the content of the exchanges between her and the representative.
Gonzales Yet to Respond, Faces Primary Election
Gonzales' campaign office and congressional office have not yet responded to requests for comment. He is seeking a fourth term in the House of Representatives and faces a competitive primary election on March 3.
