Texas GOP Primary Turns Into Real-Life Soap Opera with Sexy Pics and Suicides
KEY POINTS
- •Rep. Tony Gonzales faces backlash from House GOP, including calls from Lauren Boebert to resign over alleged affair.
- •Accuser Regina Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation in Uvalde last year; texts reveal Gonzales requested 'sexy pic' in May 2024.
- •Despite Trump's recent endorsement, opponent Brandon Herrera leads polling ahead of March 3 primary as ethics investigation looms.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) is swimming in a political swamp after being accused of an affair with his late staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died by self-immolation outside her Uvalde home last year—a real fireworks show no one RSVP'd for. Alleged text messages show Gonzales asking for a 'sexy pic' in May 2024, and Regina responding, 'this is too far tony,' turning House ethics rules into an awkward office romance from Texas chainsaw nightmare to daytime drama. GOP heavyweights including Lauren Boebert and Brandon Gill are calling for his resignation ahead of a March 3 primary with AK Guy Brandon Herrera, who nearly beat him by 400 votes previously and now leads in polling. Speaker Mike Johnson walks the tightrope supporting Gonzales but warns 'due process' must play out as Trump recently endorsed Tony just last week. Meanwhile, Gonzales screams blackmail over a alleged $300,000 hush-money NDA deal spat with Regina's husband, Adrian Aviles, who denies the extortion and calls Gonzales a dodger of accountability. The stage is set with Freedom Caucus factions torn between mystery sunsets and neon political intrigue, as the Office of Congressional Conduct kicks off an investigation that can't officially proceed till after election day. Bring your popcorn but dial 988 if drama hits too close to home.
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Nothing screams 'American politics' like requests for 'sexy pics,' suicide saga, and dueling hashtags of 'due process' versus 'resign now.' Texas GOP primaries now officially rated soap opera, not suitable for sanity.
When your campaign trail doubles as the Six Flags of scandal, ask yourself: is politics or daytime TV more gripping?
Sure, Trump's endorsement is a plus unless you're also fielding fiery texts about sexy pics and tragic burns.
Source: Axios | Published: 2/24/2026 | Author: Kate Santaliz
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