Who is Adrian Aviles? Late Regina Santos Aviles’ husband talks about her romance with Tony Gonzalez, ‘He abused his power’

A former staffer in Tony’s district office who worked closely with Regina said she told him in 2024 that they were having an affair, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Regina also admitted that she fell into depression.

“I said the truth would come out in time and that time is now,” Adrian said. “Tony abused his power. As a leader in Congress, he should hold himself to a higher standard.

“I hope Tony will step up and take responsibility for his actions,” he added.

Adrian, 40, recalled discovering the affair on the night of May 31, 2024, when he noticed his wife texting Tony. Adrian had just come home from Jiu-Jitsu class.

“I looked back and she was texting Tony,” Adrian said.

When he asked his wife for this information, she told him: “You’re not going to like what you see.”

Adrian said he took the phone from his wife and left the home, later discovering text messages Tony had sent to Regina that were “extremely sexual in nature.” He said Tony and his wife appeared to have been having an affair for at least two weeks.

Adrian said he was speaking out now because he “couldn’t bear to stand by” and listen to Tony “lying in my wife’s name”.

Tony told the New York Post on Wednesday, February 18, that he “will not participate in these personal smears and will continue to focus on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”

“Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind person who dedicated her life to making her community a better place,” he said. “Her efforts have led to unprecedented improvements in school safety, health care and rural water.”

“Shameful [primary rival] Brandon Herrera used a disgruntled former staffer to discredit her memory and score political points, and pushed the plan with ease the day early voting began,” he added.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed to PEOPLE that Regina died by self-immolation, meaning she intentionally set herself on fire. Authorities said there was no evidence of foul play.

Discussing suicide may be emotionally triggering for some people. However, suicide can be prevented. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).