Assistant County Attorney Naomi Gonzalez, 31, defeated State Rep. Norma Chávez, 49, to win the seat for Texas House District 76. The seat represents the residents of El Paso, Texas.
The loss was the first in Chávez’s 14 year political career (8 campaigns).
The political tactics employed by Chávez came into question during the campaign after Chávez twice publicly called her opponent a lesbian. In fact, members of Chávez’s staff resigned from their posts, which was a sign that the run could end in defeat.
Unfortunately, personal attacks between the two Democrats were routine and it appears as though Chávez paid the price, with her job.
Chávez was outspoken that Gonzalez should disclose her sexual orientation to voters as the state legislature could face policy votes on same-sex marriage.
Gonzalez refused to discuss her sexual orientation. But, she said, it was not an issue because voters in 2005 approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
After complaints began to surface, Chávez eventually apologized for making Gonzalez’s sexuality a campaign issue.
In an interview with The El Paso Times Gonzalez said, "This was a tough race, but we were focused on change, and the message resonated with the voters. We talked about the issues, the good and the bad. In the end, people decided to restore integrity in the district."
Chávez declined to comment.
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