Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas stated she will not apologize for sending expletive-filled text messages to former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who has filed a complaint alleging intimidation and official misconduct. Boykin released the private conversation, which he claims was prompted by his support for Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson.
Pappas, who is expected to enter the mayoral race, sent messages to Boykin that included profanity and accusations of betrayal. She wrote, "Why a fing turn coat after all I did for you u piece of st Pappas I am not a declared candidate a*hole what a user u are." She also added, "You have no character maybe it's how you were raised boy how stupid am I to have bet on you this ain't over Richard." Pappas also threatened to go after Boykin and Wilson, stating, "Withdraw the release I am going after you and Willie (Wilson) and it will be enough to bring him down you ungrateful a**hole."
Boykin stated he was offended by Pappas's use of the word "boy," which he interpreted as racially charged, and by her reference to his upbringing. He noted his mother, who passed away recently, raised him well and that her invoking his mother was unacceptable.
In a television interview, Pappas denied using "boy" in a racial manner, pointing to her hosting of a radio show called "Black Houses Matter" as evidence she is not racist. She called herself "the least likely person to be attacked as somebody racist." Pappas also criticized Boykin for leaking their private messages, suggesting they were friends and that she had previously endorsed his congressional run. "No. There's no apology necessary here. This is two people having a spat. Why would you release a text that's private between two people?" she asked. She accused Boykin of grandstanding and using her name for publicity, suggesting he is a lesser-known figure seeking attention.
Pappas also referenced a separate legal dispute, mentioning a lawsuit filed by the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. This lawsuit, filed in July, demands that Pappas's office release property tax bills and compensate school districts affected by delays. Pappas expressed confidence that this lawsuit would be dismissed. Chicago is scheduled to hold its general mayoral election in 2027.