Daniel Chavez, one of seven candidates for Albuquerque mayor, is denying allegations of battery made by a former member of his campaign team, who claimed Chavez "grabbed and patted their buttocks twice without consent" during a meeting on June 19.

Chavez, 55, is now charged with battery of a non-household member.

According to court documents, a former social media manager for Chavez says the "unwelcome and non-consensual" act happened in a hallway as they were leaving a meeting with the New Mexico Restaurant Association.

Chavez denies the allegations, writing KOAT:

"I want to be clear: the allegations made against me are completely false. I understand the seriousness of this matter and do not take it lightly.

A couple months ago, I offered short-term work to someone who was without a

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