Odessa City Councilman Mark Matta apologizes for inappropriate text messages

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa City Councilman Mark Matta posted an apology video in regards to inappropriate text messages sent to someone "other than his wife."

"I apologize first and foremost to my wife, as I have let you down," Matta said in the apology video. "I also apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues, and community for the hurt and disappointment I have caused."

Matta said the inappropriate behavior ended a year ago, but he decided to issue the apology Friday, July 5.

NewsWest 9 reached out to the City of Odessa for comment on the matter and they responded by saying this is not city business.

Below is the full statement from Matta sent to NewsWest 9:

"I am here today to sincerely apologize and take full responsibility for inappropriate text messages I sent to a woman other than my wife. I apologize first and foremost to my wife, as I have let you down. I also apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues, and community for the hurt and disappointment I have caused. My actions were a serious lapse in judgment, and I take complete responsibility. I understand the impact this has had on those who trusted and supported me, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I apologize to the husband of the person I had these text exchanges with and ask for your forgiveness. As a Christian, I have also betrayed the morals and principles which I deeply believe in and have asked God to forgive me and to change my heart so this never happens again. I have spoken to my Pastor about this lapse in judgment and have asked for prayer and guidance as I repent for my sin. To be clear, this inappropriate behavior ended over a year ago, but it is my obligation to share this with my constituents. I am ashamed of my behavior, and I have a lot of work to do in order to regain the trust of so many people in our community. I do not take this lightly, and I am fully aware that my actions were wrong and can never happen again. I love Odessa and our people and am committed to do everything in my power to demonstrate that my words today are not hollow, and I will work as hard as I possibly can to work for the residents of our amazing city. This has been an extremely difficult time for my family, and I ask that you leave my family out of this as I am responsible for this. There is much healing to do, and I am committed to put in the work to help our family heal. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.” - Mark Matta, Odessa City Council Member, District 1