City Won't Release Texts: N-Word and Slurs Exchanged in Racist Hidden Chat Linked to Two California Councilmen

Two city council members from California are facing significant criticism after acknowledging their participation in a group chat that featured derogatory slurs against Black individuals and Mexicans. Peter Ortiz and Domingo Candelas, both serving on the San Jose City Council, find themselves at the heart of this controversy. The existence of this racist chat, which included additional city officials and community leaders, was first reported by San José Spotlight. Named after the notorious Tammany Hall, the chat allowed members to exchange offensive messages, including racial slurs and belittling references to specific neighborhoods and schools in low-income areas. These messages were uncovered from the seized phone of former councilman Omar Torres, who recently pleaded no contest to felony charges. Following meetings with local NAACP representatives, Ortiz and Candelas admitted their involvement. Community leaders, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, have called for the text messages' release to ensure accountability and transparency in local governance.