Female politicians in Nevada town torn apart by bitter feud over alleged affair

A female mayor in Nevada is extremely angry and has stated that she will take legal action against a councilwoman for supposedly spreading false rumors about a romantic relationship involving her.

Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero has been allegedly engaging in an extramarital affair, according to Councilwoman Carrie Cox. 

Romero, who won the election in June 2022, has now retained a law firm to support her and has issued a cease and desist letter to Cox regarding her scandalous accusations.

The legal notice was sent by the firm Pisanelli Bice on January 7 to Cox in an effort to prevent the councilwoman from spreading further alleged hurtful rumors about a relationship between the mayor and someone else.

‘The only plausible purpose that you could have for broadcasting such cruel and despicable statements is to intentionally inflict injury on the mayor, her family and others,’ Jordan Smith, a partner with Pisenelli Bice, said in the letter, reviewed by 8 News Now. 

The letter does not name the person involved in the alleged rumors and does not specify exactly what the alleged affair entailed. 

In response to the letter sent by Romero’s legal team, the firm Marquis Aurbach has strongly disputed the claim that Cox spread rumors about the mayor. 

‘Your client’s demand is utterly devoid of any specific statements or identified credible sources supporting a claim of defamation and which would make your demand for retraction futile,’ a lawyer with the firm, Brian Hardy, wrote. 

Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero (far left) has been accused of engaging in an extramarital affair, according to Councilwoman Carrie Cox (far right). (Pictured: Cox and Romero at a meeting on Tuesday) 

Romero, who was elected in June 2022, has since hired a law firm to represent her and sent a cease and desist letter to Cox over her allegations. (Pictured: Romero with her husband Ben in June 2024) 

‘Simply put, without knowing what was specifically said, when it was said and to whom the statements were made, my client has no way of addressing the allegations of your client.’ 

In September, Cox allegedly told attendees at a meeting for the Southern Hills Republican Women (SHRW) club about the reported affair, according to an email sent to the outlet. 

The alleged conversation ‘disturbed’ a meeting attendee, a member revealed, adding that the accusations were just ‘gossip.’

‘The conversation disturbed [a member] because she couldn’t understand why she was telling her,’ they said. 

‘I told [the member] to ignore the gossip and that it was simply what it is: GOSSIP.’ 

In November, Cox was allegedly heard speaking of the reported affair again at another SHRW meeting, according to a city email. 

‘The toxicity and malicious intent to destroy two marriages as well as bring it into our club is not only disturbing but disgusting as well. And I wish it to stop,’ the anonymous member wrote. 

Romero has been married to her husband Ben Romero for 38 years, according to her Facebook account. 

They share four sons together and recently welcomed their 10th grandchild, her page detailed. 

In response to the letter sent by Romero’s legal team, the firm Marquis Aurbach has strongly disputed the claim that Cox was spreading rumors about the mayor. (Pictured: Cox in November 2024)

Romero (pictured) has been married to her husband Ben Romero for 38 years. They share four sons together and recently welcomed their 10th grandchild

Following the alleged rumors being spread at the meeting, city officials were also made aware of more being shared with the City of Henderson Police Department, documents stated. 

Romero has also warned the department’s union attorney Andrew Regenbaum that she will pursue legal action against any officers that get involved in the alleged rumors, documents continued. 

In the wake of the drama, Cox took to Facebook Tuesday night, sharing that she has received an immense amount of support from the community. 

‘When you stand for truth, transparency and looking out for the best interest of your constituents you often stand alone. Those who know me know I am unwavering in my commitment to represent the needs of our great city and residents,’ she wrote. 

‘Unfortunately, standing for these things means going against the grain and having the courage to face criticism from those with lesser standards.

Cox added that she ‘will not be bullied’ and will continue to ‘stand unwaveringly against those who seek power or control rather than understand what it means to be a public servant.

On Saturday, Cox shared an image of her and Romero smiling together as they cut a ribbon for a new park in the city.

Cox (middle) took to Facebook Tuesday night and said that she ‘will not be bullied’ and will continue to ‘stand unwaveringly against those who seek power or control rather than understand what it means to be a public servant’  

‘Although it may feel isolating at times, I will never waiver in protecting the citizens, businesses, and first responders of Henderson. I will not conform to doing something simply because it’s easier to do.

‘Rather, I am committed to stand against those opposed to transparency, public safety and political integrity. I invite those who share those same values to stand with me.’ 

On Saturday, Cox shared an image of her and Romero smiling together as they cut a ribbon for a new park in the city. 

‘You are going to love it! While we were having our program and ribbon-cutting the sound of the children’s voices, laughter, and excitement was incredible,’ she wrote. 

During a meeting on Tuesday evening business went on as usual as the two women sat in between another person. 

DailyMail.com contacted Cox and Romero’s legal teams for comment.