Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has publicly demanded the resignation of her colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales, following allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to a former staffer prior to her death by suicide. The controversy centers around Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who worked for Gonzales and reportedly claimed to have had an affair with him. Santos-Aviles, aged 35, died by suicide in September 2025.
Gonzales, 45, has faced ongoing scrutiny since the scandal emerged. Text messages obtained and published by the San Antonio Express-News have reignited public interest in the matter. In one message from May 2024, Gonzales requested that Santos-Aviles “send me a sexy pic,” and persisted in his requests despite her discomfort. She expressed her unease, telling him he was taking things “too far” on two occasions.
Pressure Mounts for Resignation
Boebert’s call for Gonzales to resign was made via social media platform X, where she straightforwardly stated, “RESIGN!” The situation escalated as other lawmakers joined her in demanding accountability. Representatives Anna Paulina Luna from Florida and Brandon Gill from Texas voiced their support for Boebert’s stance, emphasizing that “America deserves better.” Gill urged Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election, stating it was time for him to step down.
Gonzales has refrained from commenting on the allegations regarding the affair, describing them as “personal smears.” In a recent statement to the New York Times, he referred to Santos-Aviles as a “kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” Yet, the mounting evidence, including the newly released text messages authenticated by Santos-Aviles’s widower, intensifies the scrutiny surrounding his conduct.
Background of the Allegations
The controversy originates from the alleged affair that took place while Gonzales was campaigning for re-election in Texas’s 23rd district, which includes parts of San Antonio and El Paso. As the Republican representative prepares to face a challenge from Brandon Herrera, a 30-year-old YouTuber and firearms manufacturer, the implications of these allegations could significantly impact his campaign. Herrera narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primaries.
Earlier this month, a former staffer of Gonzales disclosed messages from April 2025, wherein Santos-Aviles admitted to the affair. The affair reportedly concluded in mid-2024. Bobby Barrera, a lawyer representing the widower, confirmed that Santos-Aviles had disclosed her involvement with Gonzales to her husband.
In light of the serious nature of these claims, it is essential for individuals struggling with mental health issues to seek help. In the United States, individuals can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org for more resources. For those outside the U.S., the website www.befrienders.org offers access to helplines worldwide. In the UK, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or via email at [email protected].
