Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is forcefully rejecting allegations of an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide, while accusing an attorney representing her husband of attempting to pressure him through a financial settlement.

Regina Santos-Aviles, a former congressional aide, reportedly sent a text message to a co-worker in April 2025 claiming she had an “affair” with her “boss.” In September, she died after setting herself on fire. The circumstances surrounding her death have drawn public scrutiny and online speculation.

Gonzales, who is married with children and represents Texas’s 23rd Congressional District, responded publicly this week after details of a proposed settlement became known.

“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” Gonzales wrote in a post on X. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.” He also called for the full release of the Uvalde Police Department report, stating that the public should have immediate access to the findings.

The congressman shared what he described as a message from attorney Robert J. Barrera, who represents Santos-Aviles’ husband, Adrian Aviles. The communication referenced a potential settlement and nondisclosure agreement.

Barrera confirmed that his firm sent correspondence to Gonzales’ legal team on February 10 as part of what he characterized as a confidential settlement negotiation. He disputed the blackmail claim, arguing that the excerpt posted online did not include the full context of the exchange.

Adrian Aviles also responded publicly, denying that he or his attorney engaged in extortion. In a lengthy social media post, he criticized Gonzales’s conduct and said the decision not to release certain police materials was made to shield the couple’s young son from graphic content.

The dispute has now spilled into the political arena. Gonzales’ primary challenger, Brandon Herrera, weighed in on social media, calling on the incumbent to resign.

No criminal charges have been announced in connection with the allegations, and the matter appears confined to a growing legal and political conflict as Gonzales continues to deny wrongdoing.