EXCLUSIVE: GOP Rep Could Be In Big Trouble If Public Learns More About Alleged Affair Partner Setting Herself On Fire

Republican Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales’s support from GOP primary voters craters after they learn of his alleged affair with a district staffer, according to a new Trafalgar Group poll obtained by the Daily Caller.

Regina Santos-Aviles, Gonzales’s regional district director, set herself on fire in her backyard in Uvalde, Texas in September before succumbing to her injuries at the hospital, according to a 24sight News report. Gonzales was allegedly having an affair with Santos-Aviles, who was also married, according to more than half a dozen sources who spoke to 24sight News and the Daily Mail. Gonzales has not publicly denied having an affair.

Has the recent scandal involving Congressman Tony Gonzales (had an affair with his married staffer which may have been a factor in her su1c1de via self-immolation) led you to prefer Brandon Herrera in the TX-23 Congressional District?

Who would you support?

— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) October 21, 2025

The Trafalgar Group poll, conducted Oct. 26 to Oct. 29 on behalf of an outside organization not connected with either campaign, asked Texas 23rd District voters whether they were aware of reports that “Gonzales, who is married, was having an affair with one of his congressional employees, Regina Santos-Aviles, and that employee recently committed suicide by setting herself on fire.” (RELATED: Death Of Congressional Staffer For Republican Texas Rep Under Investigation)

Of the 503 likely Republican primary voters polled, 46% said they were unaware of the reports of the alleged affair between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles.

A follow-up question asked if voters were aware that Gonzales is “subject to an investigation by the House Ethics committee for violating rules for having an affair with an employee?”

House rules prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with staff. The House Ethics Committee declined to comment on whether they had opened an investigation into Gonzales when reached by the Caller. Gonzales’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Respondents were then asked how the alleged affair and potential ethics investigation impacted their support for Gonzales. 49% said they were either “less likely” or “much less likely” to vote for Gonzales in the primary after learning about his alleged misconduct. (RELATED: ‘Serve With Some Real Scumbags’: GOP Rep Rips Fellow Republicans Who Oppose Mike Johnson)

Trafalgar conducted a separate public poll Oct. 31–Nov. 1 that shows Rep. Tony Gonzales leading the Texas 23rd primary election with 40.4% support, followed closely by challenger Brandon Herrera — an entrepreneur and Second Amendment activist — at 35.2%, with the remainder of voters undecided.

BREAKING: @trafalgar_group Texas US House District 23 Primary Poll (10/31-11/01)

40.4% @TonyGonzales4TX
35.2% @TheAKGuy
24.4% Und

See full report: https://t.co/w1TOdovWKJ pic.twitter.com/epUKg3mzdS

— The Trafalgar Group (@trafalgar_group) November 2, 2025

However, the alleged affair and the surrounding scandal has the potential to flip the race, the Trafalgar poll obtained by the Caller indicates.

When voters are informed of the alleged affair, along with Gonzales’ support for “fully [investigating]” President Donald Trump’s “rhetoric and actions” on Jan. 6 and Herrera’s charity work for veterans, Gonzales’s lead disappears.

43.9% of likely GOP primary voters said they would vote for Herrera and 32.4% said they would vote for Gonzales after learning new information about the candidates.