05/07/2025
On Sunday, April 27, an incident involving multiple candidates and attendees occurred at City Hall during Early Voting.
Candidate Eddie Torres was speaking with a voter near the South Houston First tent when Councilwoman Cynthia Piña approached. Shortly after, Candidate Leslie Montemayor, Councilwoman Piña’s opponent, introduced herself to the voter and Councilwoman Piña, who responded negatively by raising her voice and making accusatory statements. As tensions escalated, bystanders began recording, noting the interaction as aggressive.
The situation further intensified when Anessa Martinez Ezeude—daughter of Councilman Louis Martinez—confronted South Houston resident and volunteer Monica Escobar. Candidate Sophia Saenz attempted to de-escalate tensions with Councilwoman Piña but was subsequently confronted by Anessa and Michelle Martinez, Councilman Martinez’s wife. The exchange extended to accusations targeting Ruby Guzman and Juan Guzman Jr., children of Candidate Juan Guzman.
Even Mayor Soto struggled to remove Councilwoman Piña as she continued to shout accusations against her opponent. While distracted greeting a voter, he left the area. Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz, upon hearing the commotion, intervened, placing herself between Councilwoman Piña and Candidate Montemayor (2:24 in the video). She urged Councilwoman Piña to act professionally, but her efforts were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement was called, and South Houston Police officers took statements from candidates and witnesses. While no arrests were made, officers advised attendees to remain at their respective tents, warning that any further disturbances could result in legal consequences.
Following the incident, an investigation was launched into a false claim that Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz had pushed Councilwoman Piña. Video evidence swiftly dismissed the case. Councilwoman Piña has been notified by the detective that no probable cause was found, the district attorney has refused the charges, and the case has been closed.
This statement is prompted by a defamatory Facebook post made by Councilwoman Piña’s husband, Miguel Ortiz, which necessitates a public response. Video footage shows Ortiz walking away from the argument to vape—he was neither calmed by anyone nor witnessing the event he alleges took place. We are also deeply disturbed by Ortiz’s public statement expressing a desire to "slap this woman in her face," referring to Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz.
To provide full context, we have included:
• The complete video evidence (3 minutes and 15 seconds) submitted to investigators
• Ortiz’s public Facebook post
• A public comment in which Ortiz names Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz as the accused (malicious libel)
• A video where Councilwoman Piña falsely claims to have been assaulted
We formally and unequivocally refute these baseless accusations, intended to intimidate, bully, and harm Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz. Such behavior constitutes a clear abuse of power and false reporting, which wastes valuable law enforcement resources.
Despite these efforts to discredit her, Candidate Nora Camacho Muñoz has been vindicated by the South Houston Police Department.
We refuse to allow a false narrative to persist. We stand for transparency and justice.
— The South Houston First Candidates, 2025
