Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Navy veteran and father of six, is entering what could be the toughest primary of his political career. The 45-year-old lawmaker faces an uphill battle following a scandal involving a former aide who tragically died by suicide last year.
Gonzales was romantically involved with his former district director, Regina Ann “Regi” Santos-Aviles, 35. Santos-Aviles took her own life in September, setting herself on fire in the garden of her Texas Hill Country home, a devastating event that sent shockwaves through Gonzales’ office and the community.
Reports indicate that concerns about Santos-Aviles’ mental health were raised to Gonzales before her death. A former staffer told the San Antonio Express-News that the congressman did not take action despite being alerted to her struggles. Sources say Santos-Aviles’ depression deepened after her husband discovered the affair.
Political prediction markets now place Gonzales at a disadvantage, reflecting the impact of the scandal. Polymarket gives the incumbent a 41 percent chance of surviving the GOP primary against fellow Republican Brandon Herrera. Kalshi mirrors this trend, giving him just a 39 percent shot.
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