State Rep. Chavez Apologizes For Dragging Opponent’s Sexuality Into Campaign

EL PASO, Texas – It began at a recent candidate’s forum with a question about a bill from a man in a leather jacket.

State Representative District 76 Democratic challenger Naomi Gonzalez told the group gathered she wasn’t familiar with the legislation.

After some jeers, she told the man she assumed the bill he mentioned was about motorcycle laws, given his attire.

Incumbent Norma Chavez, an avid motorcyclist herself, responded, “I don’t care if you wear leather, if you’re a biker.” Adding, “I have not attacked (Gonzalez) for being a lesbian, gay woman.”

More jeers followed, and Chavez’s remarks quickly drew criticism from El Paso gay advocates like Van English of the non-profit Rio Grande Adelante.

“(Chavez’s comments were) totally, totally unfair and irrelevant,” English told ABC-7.

Other local Democratic leaders weren’t too happy either.

“I think you cross the line when you’re indicting someone’s sexually,” said City Council Representative Steve Ortega.

Ortega — alongside State Representative Marisa Marquez, County Commissioners Anna Perez and Veronica Escobar, Mayor John Cook and City Council members Susie Byrd, Beto O’Rourke and Ann Morgan Lilly — condemned Chavez’s words in a joint statement.

“In El Paso, there is no room for bigotry,” the group said.

Chavez issued the following written apology:

“I regret that in response to one of my opponent’s repeated, negative, personal attacks, I made reference to her sexual orientation. My opponent’s sexual orientation has no bearing on this campaign. This campaign should be about who is going to be the most effective legislator for El Paso in the Texas House.”

Chavez’s office declined an interview on Monday.

Gonzalez called the remarks disappointing and said she believes Chavez is trying to distract voters ahead of the April 13th runoff.

Gonzalez added she’s thankful for those who are standing behind her.

“I do know that we have received a tremendous amount of support from the community, from the citizens of El Paso, from the voters of District 76 and for that I’m very grateful,” she told ABC-7. “But, you know, it’s in the hands of the voters at this point.”

Watch political blogger Jaime Abeytia’s video of the forum exchange between Chavez and Gonzalez here. The heated exchange starts at about the 5:22 mark.