Former Salt Lake City Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez has publicly called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, breaking her silence as two distinct controversies continue to unfold around her and the Salt Lake City government. The demand comes after four women accused Lopez Chavez of making aggressive and unwanted sexual advances in separate encounters within Utah political circles.
"Allegations should be addressed through fair, transparent, and credible processes — not politics, rumors, or selective leaks." — Eva Lopez Chavez, Former Salt Lake City Councilwoman
Lopez Chavez issued a statement Thursday, asserting that such serious allegations require a fair and transparent process. "Allegations should be addressed through fair, transparent, and credible processes — not politics, rumors, or selective leaks," Lopez Chavez stated, as provided to The Salt Lake Tribune. She added, "I welcomed an independent investigation because there is no wrongdoing and was prepared to have the facts examined openly and fairly."
The allegations of sexual misconduct first gained public attention in April. The four accusers detailed forceful and inappropriate conduct that they claim occurred during various social and political events before Lopez Chavez joined the Salt Lake City Council in 2023. Among those who have come forward is fellow council member Victoria Petro. Petro alleged that Lopez Chavez cornered her at a wedding reception, pinning her against a pillar and making sexually charged remarks. Petro recounted Lopez Chavez allegedly telling her, "The only reason I still f*** men is because a woman hasn’t shown me what I really want." Petro later questioned whether the seriousness of the allegations would be perceived differently if the accused individual were male, stating, "If a man had done that to me, would there be a question if it was assault or not?"
Utah State Senator Jen Plumb also accused Lopez Chavez of an unwanted sexual advance during a birthday party in 2022. Plumb alleged, "She leaned into me, grabbed onto my ass, got up in my face and said in my ear, ‘You’re sure you’re straight?’" Another accuser, former political aide Maggie Regier, claimed Lopez Chavez grabbed their wrist at a Human Rights Campaign fundraiser, then pinned them against a hallway wall until another person intervened. Utah State Representative Hoang Nguyen provided a fourth account, alleging that Lopez Chavez climbed on top of her inside a car after a campaign event and refused to move until Nguyen kissed her. Nguyen recalled the exchange: "I said, ‘What are you doing?’ And she said, ‘Kiss me. I’m not going to get off you until you kiss me.’"
Lopez Chavez has consistently denied all allegations. Her attorney, Greg Skordas, stated that his client possesses communications that are inconsistent with the accusations made against her.
These sexual misconduct allegations are not the only significant challenge Lopez Chavez has faced recently. Earlier this month, Salt Lake City Recorder Keith Reynolds issued a ruling that Lopez Chavez had failed to maintain residency within District 4, which she represented. Under Utah law, this finding automatically vacated her council seat. According to the official findings, Lopez Chavez reportedly had not maintained a principal residence in District 4 since at least December 2025. This residency controversy resulted in her immediate removal from office and initiated a process to fill the now-vacant seat.
Following her removal from office, the Salt Lake City Council made a unanimous decision to abandon its plans for an independent investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations. Daily Mail reported on this development. Council Chair Alejandro Puy defended the council's decision, arguing that the body no longer held jurisdiction over the matter since Lopez Chavez was no longer a public official but a private citizen.
Lopez Chavez has criticized the council's decision to halt its investigation, suggesting political motivations were at play. She reiterated the importance of a thorough inquiry, stating, "Investigating and concluding such serious assertions is necessary to keep the integrity of City Hall." Despite the mounting controversies and her removal from office, Lopez Chavez has indicated her intention to remain active in public life, declaring, "I will continue to serve this community with determination, humility, and purpose." KSL.com reported on May 21, 2026, that while Salt Lake City is no longer investigating the misconduct allegations against Lopez Chavez, it is considering amending its code of conduct.
