Texas congressman accused of affair with staffer who died from setting herself on fire

A staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with him before she died in September after she set herself on fire, according to multiple reports.

Unnamed sources allege that the married Texas Republican and Regina Santos-Aviles, who had separated from her husband, had an affair while she served on his staff.

Santos-Aviles, 35, doused herself with gasoline and set herself on fire outside her Uvalde home last month. She died later after being taken to a hospital.

She worked the Uvalde regional district director for Mr. Gonzales, 45.

The Washington Times has reached out to Mr. Gonzales’ office.

The mother of Santos-Aviles denied her daughter had an affair with the married congressman, allegations first reported by the Daily Mail.

Nora Gonzales, her mother, said the claims are “completely false” and she doesn’t believe them to have “any merit.”

Texas law enforcement is investigating her death and said that Santos-Aviles was alone at the time of the fire.

“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” the congressman said in a statement after her death. “She will always be remembered for her passion toward Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”