Stockton residents have been receiving robocalls spreading false information about mayoral candidate Tom Patti, according to a recent report. The calls, claiming to represent Patti’s campaign, make a series of statements about his political stance, none of which are true, according to Patti himself.
In the voicemail, a group identifying itself as “Business Leaders for Ethical Government” claims that Patti, a former Republican congressional candidate, has shifted his views to align with progressive Democratic policies. The message falsely asserts that Patti supports making Stockton a sanctuary city and is an advocate for gender-affirming care in schools and safe drug injection facilities for the unhoused.
“There is not one word that's been put out on that robocall that has any level of truth to it,” Patti told KCRA 3. He clarified that his positions are the opposite of what the voicemail claims, emphasizing that he does not support sanctuary cities or drug injection facilities.
The false claims have sparked confusion among residents. One Stockton local, Katya Evanhoe, contacted State Senator Susan Eggman’s office, as the voicemail mentioned her as one of Patti’s supporters. Eggman’s office confirmed that she is actually supporting Patti’s opponent, Christina Fugazi, and Eggman took to social media to clear up the misinformation.
Legal experts are weighing in on whether these robocalls could be considered defamation or election interference. According to Mary-Beth Moylan, a professor at McGeorge Law School, defamation requires proof that the caller knowingly made false statements with intent to harm. If the false statements are proven to have caused harm, the robocalls could be deemed illegal.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office is aware of the situation and issued a statement saying they are committed to maintaining the integrity of the election.
With the mayoral race heating up, this controversy highlights the importance of voters staying informed and checking the accuracy of campaign information they receive.