Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has refused to apologise after sending expletive-laden text messages to former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who says the exchange amounted to intimidation and included a racially charged remark. Boykin filed a complaint with the inspector general alleging intimidation and official misconduct, and leaked the private messages, which appear to have been sent after he criticised mayoral hopefuls, including Pappas, who is expected to enter the Chicago mayoral race. The row highlights tensions ahead of the election and adds to earlier controversy this year when a technology contractor accused Pappas of bullying its staff.

In the messages, Pappas branded Boykin a "turncoat" and used a string of expletives, also telling him "how stupid am I to have bet on you" and referencing how he was "raised". Boykin, who was raised by his late mother, said he found the word "boy" and the reference to his upbringing racially offensive and demanded an apology. Pappas, speaking to CBS News Chicago, dismissed the complaint, insisted she is not racist, cited her hosting of a radio show called Black Houses Matter, and accused Boykin of "grandstanding" and using her name for publicity rather than genuinely being wronged.