HOUSTON, TX—Houston Mayor John Whitmire (D) has withdrawn his endorsement of Taral Patel, a candidate for Fort Bend County Pct. 3 commissioner, following evidence that Patel engaged in online impersonation and fabricated racist attacks to boost his political profile.
Whitmire announced his decision on Facebook Tuesday, citing recent developments surrounding Patel.
In June, Patel was arrested and charged with a felony count of online impersonation and a misdemeanor count of misrepresentation of identity, offenses punishable by up to 3 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $14 thousand.
Patel was charged after an investigation revealed that he had created fake social media accounts under the guise of being supporters of his political opponents. He then used these accounts to launch attacks against himself and others, including racially charged rhetoric intended to evoke public sympathy and gain popularity among voters.
The candidate exploited and exacerbated racial and religious division for personal political gain.
The arrest occurred shortly after Patel secured the Democratic nomination for the Pct. 3 commissioner race. Since then, additional felony charges have been filed as more evidence has come to light regarding his actions.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George (D) has also been indicted in connection to the social media hoax, with investigators suggesting his involvement alongside Patel.
