Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tony Gonzales

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Tony Gonzales.

Tony Gonzales is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district since 2021. A Republican and U.S. Navy veteran, his district encompasses a significant portion (over 800 miles) of the U.S.-Mexico border. His political career is relatively recent, with his election to the House marking his entry into national politics.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals

2022: Supported The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Tony Gonzales supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Respect for Marriage Act, which led to censure from the Texas Republican Party on March 4, 2023

March 4, 2023: Censured by the Texas Republican Party

On March 4, 2023, the Texas Republican Party's executive committee censured Tony Gonzales for not voting in line with the party positions.

2023: Opposed the Border Safety and Security Act

In 2023, Tony Gonzales was the only Texas Republican in the House to oppose the Border Safety and Security Act of 2023. This led to a censure from the Texas Republican Party.

April 2024: Gonzales blasts primary challenger

In April 2024, Tony Gonzales blasted his primary challenger Brandon Herrera, calling him a "neo-Nazi" and an "anarchist" during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union.

May 29, 2024: Santos-Aviles confesses to affair

On May 29, 2024, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles confessed to her husband, Adrian Aviles, about her affair with Tony Gonzales.

April 2025: Santos-Aviles texts about affair

In text messages from April 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles wrote that she had an affair with Tony Gonzales in 2024.

September 13, 2025: Santos-Aviles self-immolates

On September 13, 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles poured gasoline on herself and self-immolated outside her home in Uvalde.

September 25, 2025: Santos-Aviles's funeral

On September 25, 2025, the funeral of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles was held; Tony Gonzales did not attend.

November 2025: Santos-Aviles's death ruled as suicide

In November 2025, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles's death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County medical examiner.

February 2026: San Antonio Express-News publishes text messages

In February 2026, the San Antonio Express-News published text messages allegedly from Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, a political aide to Rep. Gonzales, to another staffer.

2026: Calls for Gonzales's resignation

In 2026, following the publishing of text messages alleging an affair, several conservatives called on Tony Gonzales to resign, and the San Antonio Express-News revoked their endorsement. The White House declined to comment.