In the heat of the local election season, tensions in Folsom have escalated to troubling interactions involving candidates running for a City Council seat. Barbara Leary, a candidate for the Folsom City Council District 4, reported having received a threatening voicemail. The alleged threat came after a campaign volunteer left a flyer at a resident's home. Leary described the voicemail, saying: "I will personally bring it over to you and pound it where the sun don't shine, and that's not a threat, that's a f------ promise," according to CBS News Sacramento.
Following the threat, Leary, compelled by fears over growing tensions, chose to immediately involve the police. "It was frightening and intimidating as the caller, whose name will not be shared, noted that it was not a threat but a promise," Leary told ABC10. Afterward, she advised her volunteers to no longer work alone, but instead to pair up for safety. Leary also reported facing sexism during her campaign, speaking to an environment of heightened negativity as Election Day draws near.
Another City Council candidate, Gul Khan, has also faced adversity characterized by racial prejudice. In statements obtained by multiple sources, Khan mentioned receiving racist remarks, including "Go back to your country," and other comments suggesting immigrants were trying to take over America. Despite these unfortunate events, Khan has expressed his commitment to continue his candidacy, receiving support from the Folsom community. "I’ve lived here for over 15 years without experiencing racism, and I’ve never let comments like these affect me…Those who make such remarks do not represent the spirit of our city, and my dedication to serve remains stronger than ever," Khan told ABC10.
Jim Ortega, the third candidate in the running, has not been subject to any direct threats or racist remarks but did point out the circulation of various lies about him. Ortega emphasized the importance of evaluating candidates on their visions and qualifications instead of succumbing to negatively driven narratives. "Voters in Council District 4 have a choice and should base their vote on the candidate's vision, experience and qualifications to serve as a council member," Ortega urged, as per ABC10.
With Election Day looming on Tuesday, November 5, incidents like these highlight the tensions that can flare in the microcosm of civic electioneering. The local authorities, meanwhile, are to continuing to treat these threats with the gravity they are due. "We take threats seriously and are committed to protecting the integrity of the election process," affirmed the Folsom Police Department in a statement, as noted by ABC10. Despite these challenges, all three candidates have expressed their determination not to be deterred by threats or discrimination as they continue their pursuit of public office.
