WASHINGTON — A Republican lawmaker’s apparent affair with an aide who later died by suicide has roiled a close primary election in Texas.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) said in a statement from his office to HuffPost that his former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, was “a kind soul” devoted to improving her community. He accused his Republican primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, of exploiting her death in order to win the March 3 primary election.

“It’s shameful that Brandon Herrera is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points, conveniently pushing this out the very day early voting started,” Gonzales said. “I am not going to engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”

The San Antonio Express-News published a story Tuesday in which another former aide to Gonzales, who was not named, said the lawmaker should have done something to prevent Santos-Aviles’ death. The aide said Santos-Aviles, 35, spiraled into a depression after her husband discovered the affair and Gonzales cut her off. She died after setting herself on fire in September.

In a social media post over the weekend, in response to a report that a “devastating” story would soon come to light, Herrera blamed Gonzales for what happened.

“It’s horrifically tragic that a young woman lost her life, especially under these circumstances,” Herrera wrote. “But I am glad the truth is finally coming to light, I hate it when corrupt politicians like Tony are guilty of atrocious behavior, and think they can lie their way out of it.”

On Tuesday, Herrera called on Gonzales to step down, echoing a statement from a Republican representative in the Texas legislature. And the Express-News revoked its endorsement of the lawmaker.

Herrera, a YouTube gun influencer who made a video of himself recreating the assassination of John F. Kennedy, first challenged Gonzales in 2024 and forced a runoff election he barely lost. Gonzales, a moderate who has occasionally gone against his party in House votes, would likely be a stronger candidate than Herrera in the November general election.

An attorney for Santos-Aviles’ husband told the Express-News the affair was an “open secret,” but he said he didn’t believe it was the cause of her death. The paper said it obtained text messages from Santos-Aviles corroborating reports of her romantic entanglement with Gonzales.

Gonzales denied rumors about the relationship in November.

“People throwing rocks at me, saying I’m doing nasty things — I totally get that. But the rumors are completely untruthful,” Gonzales told KSAT.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

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