Jonathan Gomez-Noriega, a former aide to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, is suing the mayor and the city for firing him.
He claims he was let go because he supported his sister’s Republican campaign in Missouri.
This lawsuit raises important issues about free speech, political beliefs, and whether public employees should lose their jobs to support family members with different views.
Here’s the story behind the case and why it could affect how public employees are treated in the future.
- Jonathan Gomez-Noriega, former aide to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, is suing for wrongful termination after supporting his sister’s controversial Republican campaign.
- The lawsuit claims Fulop fired Gomez-Noriega because of his family ties, even though he disagreed with his sister’s views.
- The suit accuses Fulop and others of violating Gomez-Noriega’s rights to free speech, defamation, and retaliation based on his political beliefs.
What Led to Jonathan Gomez-Noriega’s Firing?
Jonathan Gomez-Noriega isn’t just any former aide—he’s a trained Olympic swimmer and a Colombian immigrant.
He has worked for Jersey City since 2018, including a role on the city’s LGBTQ+ Task Force.
In August, it was revealed that Gomez-Noriega had donated $1,250 to his sister, Valentina Gomez, who was running for Missouri Secretary of State as a Republican.
Valentina Gomez became known for her outspoken views against the LGBTQ+ community, which made her campaign controversial.
Despite not agreeing with her views, Jonathan chose to support her for one simple reason: family loyalty.
However, when the news of his donation became public, things quickly turned negative.
As Gomez-Noriega was a member of the LGBTQ+ Task Force, his involvement in a campaign that criticized the LGBTQ+ community became an issue.
Soon after, he was let go from his position.
He claims that his firing wasn’t about his job performance but about his political beliefs and his family ties.
He believes the mayor used his support for his sister’s campaign to make a political statement ahead of Fulop’s run for governor.
The Lawsuit: Alleging Retaliation and Free Speech Violations
Gomez-Noriega is now suing Fulop and several other city officials in federal court.
The 37-page lawsuit outlines several key accusations:
1. Violation of Free Speech and Political Association Rights
Gomez-Noriega argues that his firing was a direct result of his political beliefs and support for his sister.
He claims that the First Amendment protects his right to support family members in political matters, regardless of their political views.
According to his lawyer, Giancarlo Ghione, public employees should not face retaliation for exercising their constitutional right to free speech.
2. Retaliation and Coercion
The lawsuit states that after news of Gomez-Noriega’s donation went public, Fulop and his staff pressured him to publicly disavow his sister’s campaign.
Gomez-Noriega refused to do so, believing that it would be a betrayal of his family.
According to the suit, this led to his eventual termination as Fulop and other officials sought to distance the mayor from any association with the controversial campaign.
3. Defamation and Slander
The lawsuit also claims that Gomez-Noriega was defamed by city officials who publicly made negative statements about him.
He alleges that Fulop’s office painted him as a bigot and a racist, using these false claims to justify his firing.
The suit argues that these public statements damaged his reputation and made it harder for him to find work afterward.
In addition to seeking damages for wrongful termination, Gomez-Noriega is asking for compensation for emotional distress and harm caused by the defamation.
Fulop’s Defense: Justifying the Firing
Mayor Fulop, however, denies any wrongdoing.
He argues that Gomez-Noriega, as an “at-will” employee, could be fired for almost any reason, including if he could no longer do his job effectively.
Fulop said that because Gomez-Noriega supported a campaign that attacked the LGBTQ+ community, it became impossible for him to continue working on the LGBTQ+ Task Force.
According to Fulop, once Gomez-Noriega donated to a campaign that criticized the LGBTQ+ community, there was a clear conflict of interest.
He said it would be difficult for Gomez-Noriega to represent the interests of that community effectively.
Jersey City spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione echoed Fulop’s defense, calling the lawsuit “meritless.”
She stressed that Gomez-Noriega’s firing was about his inability to continue his duties in the face of his political ties to a campaign that opposed the city’s values.
Free Speech, Family Loyalty, and Public Service
This case is about more than just one person losing their job.
It raises important questions about political freedom, free speech, and whether public employees should be punished for their political beliefs.
Gomez-Noriega feels his right to support his sister’s campaign, regardless of her views, should be protected.
This lawsuit also shows the difficulties that public employees may face when their personal beliefs clash with their professional responsibilities, especially in highly polarized political climates.
Gomez-Noriega’s story is a reminder that even small actions, like donating to a family member’s campaign, can have significant consequences in today’s politically charged environment.
Another angle to consider is the timing of his firing.
Fulop, a Democrat, is running for governor, and his camp may have seen Gomez-Noriega’s support for a Republican campaign as something that could hurt his political image.
The lawsuit suggests that Gomez-Noriega’s termination was a way for Fulop to distance himself from the controversial views his sister expressed, especially as he campaigned for higher office.
What’s Next for Gomez-Noriega?
Gomez-Noriega is asking for compensation, including damages and legal fees, and he wants the court to hold Fulop and the city responsible for firing him because of his political views.
Since the firing, Gomez-Noriega has struggled to find new employment, even though he’s a college graduate and an Olympic-level swimmer with experience in public service.
He believes the negative attention surrounding the case has made it difficult to get back on his feet.
In a statement, Gomez-Noriega said his lawsuit isn’t just about his job—it’s about protecting everyone’s right to speak freely without fear of retaliation.
He hopes his case will clarify that public employees should not face consequences for supporting family members with different political views.
