Texas Rep. Gonzales Accuses Rivals of ‘Blackmail’ After Aide Affair Texts
Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales says he is being “blackmailed” after reports alleged he had an affair with a former staffer who later died. The claim has surfaced as he seeks reelection in a contested Republican primary.
The allegation centers on text messages attributed to former district office staffer Tania “Tanny” Santos-Aviles, who died in September 2025. The timing has intensified scrutiny and fueled political fallout in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Santos-Aviles told a colleague in a message, “I had (sic) affair with our boss and I’m fine,” referring to Gonzales. The Daily Beast and Yahoo News later amplified the report, describing it as a bombshell claim involving the married congressman.
Gonzales has denied the allegation and argued that political opponents are attempting to damage him ahead of the primary. A Republican challenger has publicly called for his resignation following the reports.
“I am being blackmailed,” Gonzales said, according to published accounts.
No law enforcement agency has announced an investigation, and authorities have not publicly linked Santos-Aviles’ death to the alleged relationship.
The controversy adds new volatility to a race already shaped by internal GOP divisions, and it places Gonzales under renewed national scrutiny.
With early voting approaching, attention is likely to remain fixed on whether additional documentation or official inquiries emerge.
For now, the dispute remains political and unresolved.
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