Mayoral Candidate’s Husband Claims False Endorsement
A “miscommunication” led to E.J. Gary’s name landing on the endorsement list of Missouri City Council At-Large Position 2 candidate Danny Nguyen, according to Burt Levine, who was in charge of compiling the list for the candidate.
E.J. Gary is the husband of Cynthia Lenton-Gary, who is running for mayor against incumbent Allen Owen in the May 8 election. Nguyen is a supporter of Owen’s campaign, and is endorsed by Owen, along with At-Large Position 1 incumbent Jerry Wyatt and At-Large Position 2 incumbent Buddy Jimmerson, who is not seeking re-election.
“My husbands point was, ‘why would I support someone who is a supporter of my wife’s opponent?’” said Lenton-Gary.
“At no time have I given Mr. Nguyen permission or signed any releases to utilize my name for his campaign,” said E.J. Gary “Additionally, my wife and I have decided not to endorse any candidate during this election cycle and made it known to our campaign team. Furthermore, I am not in a position to endorse a candidate who has publicly endorsed my wife’s opponent.”
When asked how E.J. Gary’s name ended up on the list, Nguyen directed the question to Levin, who said it was a miscommunication, but did not elaborate further.
“This is an unfortunate incident that all too often happens in our local elections and thought that drawing attention to it would help remedy possible future problems,” said E.J. Gary. “We don’t need anymore confusion and thought clarification was needed.”