Rep. Tony Gonzales Says Ex Husband Of Former Aide Who Died By Suicide After Alleged Affair With Him Is Trying To 'Blackmail' Him

Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales said that the ex husband of a former aide of his who died by suicide after she claimed having an affair with him is trying to "blackmail" him.

Gonzales posted an image on social media showing a message from a lawyer that appears to be representing Adrian Aviles, the man in question. It claims that Aviles is seeking $300,000 for a non-disclosure agreement to refrain from filing a civil action that could damage his career.

"We definitely have limitation deadlines on our CAA so time is of the essence," reads a passage of the communication.

Gonzales slammed the message, saying he "will not be blackmailed." "Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death. The public should IMMEDIATELY have full access to the Uvalde Police report. I will keep fighting for" Texas' 23rd district, he added.

A user claiming to be Aviles responded to the publication, saying he has never blackmailed the lawmaker, but seen "a consistent pattern of evasion, refusal to take accountability, and outright lies to protect your image."

"Your actions have been disgraceful, and you continue to mislead your constituents with falsehoods. You may avoid responsibility here on earth, but one day you will answer to a higher authority. Today, though, you still answer to the people you represent—people who deserve the truth, not more deception," the user adds.

Aviles gave an interview to the San Antonio Express-News to make public comments about the allegations for the first time since the incident.

"I said the truth would come to light when it's time, and the time is now," Aviles told the Texas-based outlet. "Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader." He added that he hopes Gonzales "will stand up and be accountable for his actions."

Aviles spoke a day after the newspaper reported that a former Gonzales staffer shared a screenshot of a text message in which Santos-Aviles wrote: "I had affair with our boss." The outlet said it verified the message came from her phone number. Santos-Aviles, 35, was Gonzales' regional district director in Uvalde and the mother of an 8-year-old boy.

Authorities said Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself outside her home on September 13, 2025, and died the next day at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide, and police said surveillance video showed she was alone and that there was no evidence of foul play.

Aviles disputed that conclusion, saying, "I don't think that it was an intentional act. I think it was a cry for help that turned into a tragedy."

He said he discovered the alleged relationship in May 2024 when he saw his wife texting Gonzales and later found messages he described as "very sexual in nature." He said the relationship had lasted two to three weeks at that point. Aviles said he later contacted Gonzales and members of his staff to say he knew about the relationship and intended to make it public, after which, he claimed, his wife was marginalized at work.

Gonzales is seeking reelection in Texas' 23rd Congressional District where he faces a contested Republican primary led by challenger Herrera, who previously raised the issue of the affair back in December.