Candidate Apologizes for Outing Opponent

A Texas lawmaker apologized in a statement Monday after she speculated on her political challenger's sexual orientation.

State representative Norma Chavez said that such statements concerning fellow Democrat Naomi Gonzalez have no place in a political campaign after a group of elected officials called her out, according to the El Paso Times.

Chavez, who has held her seat for 14 years, said Gonzalez is a lesbian and should be open about it to voters, just as she herself is open about being a biker. At a candidate forum, Chavez was asked about her stances on gay rights. She said Gonzalez was likely pro-gay because she was gay.

"I regret that in response to one of my opponent's repeated, negative, personal attacks, I made reference to her sexual orientation," Chavez said in a statement. "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."

The primary election is April 13.