Congressman Tony Gonzales’ Aide Receives 26% Pay Hike Amid Affair

UPDATE: New reports confirm that U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales awarded his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, a staggering 26% salary increase in 2024, the same year she allegedly had an affair with him. The shocking revelation raises serious questions about employment practices in Gonzales’ office, especially as her pay surged to $68,000 just before her tragic death on September 14, 2025.

This urgent story is developing as authorities reveal that after her husband discovered the alleged affair, Santos-Aviles’ raises and bonuses ceased. The congressman’s office reportedly attempted to push her out, leading to a dramatic decline in communications and support following her husband’s claims of infidelity.

During her tenure as Gonzales’ regional district director from December 2021 until her untimely death, Santos-Aviles saw her quarterly salary rise from just under $12,000 to $17,000. In 2024, her total income reached nearly $73,000, a sharp increase of $19,000, or 35%, compared to the previous year. Comparatively, other staff members, such as Benjamin Shipkey, received far lower raises and bonuses.

The affair’s implications have intensified as Santos-Aviles’ death brought forth explosive allegations. Following her passing, her husband, Adrian Aviles, divulged details of Santos-Aviles’ emotional distress, claiming the affair contributed to their separation and her subsequent spiral into despair. His statements coincide with the ongoing Texas primaries, where Gonzales is seeking re-election amid mounting pressure from critics.

Gonzales, representing Texas’ 23rd district, has been vocal about his situation, asserting he is being “blackmailed” and sharing emails from Aviles’ attorney demanding a $300,000 settlement for a non-disclosure agreement. As public scrutiny grows, Gonzales has resisted calls for his resignation, maintaining his focus on the campaign trail.

The Uvalde community is reeling as police reports reveal the harrowing details of the night Santos-Aviles took her life. Witnesses reported her pouring gasoline on herself and igniting the flames, stating she called 911 in a moment of desperation, saying, “I don’t wanna die.” These tragic events raise significant concerns about mental health support for staffers and the ethical standards governing congressional offices.

As the investigation unfolds, the city of Uvalde has faced criticism for withholding police reports and 911 call audio related to the incident. Gonzales has called for the release of this information, while Aviles has requested it be kept confidential for the sake of their young son.

This story not only highlights the urgent need for accountability in political offices but also serves as a stark reminder of the human impact behind the headlines. With early voting for the Texas primaries now underway, all eyes are on Gonzales as he navigates the fallout from these explosive allegations.

Stay tuned as more details emerge in this developing story, with implications that could reverberate through the upcoming election and beyond.