A candidate for a New Jersey school board is in hot water after allegedly sending offensive text messages aimed at an incumbent member.
Scott Semaya, who aimed to join the Marlboro School Board, supposedly sent messages in a group chat dubbed “ThisBitchNeedsToDie,” which included Mitesh Gandhi, husband of a current board member, and Chad Hyett, the board’s vice president.
In one message, Semaya, identified as having “progressive liberal views,” reportedly made a crude remark about Daniel Bellomo, saying, “Bellomo must be cold. Her nipples could cut glass,” according to shared screenshots.
Bellomo, a mother of three and a supporter of President Trump, expressed her shock and horror upon hearing about the messages. She said, “I got a chill down my spine,” adding that she had also seen some other messages exchanged in the group chat.
While she didn’t provide further images, she noted that some messages included specific discussions about actions members wanted to take against her.
After the texts were leaked, Semaya announced he would be stepping back from the race.
“This text message made me realize for the first time that they didn’t want me to live,” Bellomo stated.
Marlborough Township Mayor Jonathan Hornig condemned the messages as “totally unacceptable,” pointing out that threats and violence against public officials have become increasingly common.
