Defamation of character is a real thing.

By definition, defamation is the act of communicating false statements about a person that damage their reputation. It includes libel (written lies) and slander (spoken lies).

With that said, I will be exposing the lies, gossip, and slander that were spread about me, my name, and my campaign by certain individuals who made outright false claims. I’m in the process of filing formal ethics complaints, and the truth will be made public.

No one should have to run for office and face lies unchecked. Whether I would have won or not, it’s wrong. Facts are fine yet lies, manipulation, and smear tactics are never okay.

Some of it was subtle — alluding to political affiliations, twisting facts, or even using scripture to mislead. Some of it was not — saying I had aliases instead of stating the truth that I’ve simply been married more than once, or suggesting I had “bouts with the law.” That’s just wrong. State facts for facts and truth for truth. Don’t make things up to twist your narrative.

Running for office takes courage, vulnerability, and an incredible amount of personal investment.

I poured my heart, time, and resources into running a campaign built on truth and community, not politics-as-usual.

You can’t fight the truth yet, you can fight the lies. It’s wrong, and it is punishable by law.

I’ve learned that not everyone plays fair or walks in integrity. That’s unfortunate, especially for those who hold or seek public office. Yet one thing’s for sure, I don’t play when it comes to my name, my character, or the truth.

People are entitled to their opinions.They are not entitled to their own facts.

The work continues with truth, transparency, and integrity.

Let’s keep building a better McDonough, together.