Disgraced Councilwoman Nury Martinez resigned from the Los Angeles City Council Wednesday, days after leaked audio captured her making racist remarks about the son of one of her colleagues — among many other insults.
“It is with a broken heart that I resign my seat for Council District 6, the community I grew up in and my home,” Martinez wrote in a statement.
“It’s hard to say goodbye,” she told her constituents, “but please know that I was in this fight for you.”
Martinez’s resignation has turned up the heat on Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, who were present for the appalling remarks but still haven't stepped down. Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera, who was also in attendance, resigned Tuesday.
The leaked audio was so explosive that even President Biden weighed in. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre praised Martinez’s decision to give up her seat Wednesday, but added that everyone else who was in the room should step down as well.
The controversy could end up spurring policy reform. The vile remarks were made during a discussion over redistricting. One proposal would put the next redistricting process in the hands of an independent citizens’ panel instead of the City Council. Another would expand the Council in 2024.
Martinez’s racist screed has cast a cloud over a city that is already dealing with numerous public corruption scandals and declining trust in City Hall.