An aide who worked closely with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has been fired.

Jonathan Gomez is being terminated for donating money to his sister, a candidate for office in another state, who has openly trashed the LGBTQ community in social media posts.

Gomez has been supporting his sister Valentina's attempt to become Secretary of State in Missouri, while also serving on the Jersey City LGBTQ Task Force.

On Wednesday, Mayor Fulop spoke out about how disappointed he was in Gomez - someone who he trusted and was close to.

Fulop spoke about Gomez and his decision to side with his sister saying, “He knows my wife, he’s been to my house probably 30 times and it’s inconsistent with what I’ve known his moral compass to be."

Mayor Fulop said he tried to help Gomez and keep him from losing his job.

Fulop says he instructed Gomez to separate himself from his sister so Gomez could stay on as a member of the Jersey City LGBTQ Task Force because of her statements on social media which Fulop described as vile.

Valentina Gomez has been a regular on social media, making inflammatory comments in her campaign for Secretary of State in Missouri, a race which she lost.

On Monday, she posted a response to Fulop, which said in part, "Steven, you should’ve chosen your words more carefully, with my brother, because you do not sound like a Democratic mayor, you sound like a dictator.” She then posted a portion of the mayor’s conversation with Gomez.

The mayor said he was not aware the conversation was being recorded.

In that recording, Fulop is heard saying, "Jon, if you think that is boldness, I’m going to fire you, I'm going to look in five minutes. If it’s not clear where you stand, then you’re not with me. You’re with her and you can’t work with me.”

Jonathan Gomez released a statement saying, “Different beliefs shouldn't divide us. This issue touches dinner tables across America. I choose respect, peace and the chance to embrace my loved ones, putting family above politics and any appointed position. I do not and will never discriminate against any human being. I am an Olympic swimmer, a graduate of Columbia University School of International Public Affairs and have been loyally serving the people of Jersey City for over six years. Let me be clear: I do not support any hateful remarks directed toward the LGBTQ+ community or any individual. I am formally stepping down from the mayor's LGBTQ+ Task Force and look forward to continue serving the people of Jersey City, focusing on a future where meritocracy and results matter most. My life is a testimony of philanthropy, dedication, and excellence. I may not agree with everything my sister says, but I love her. It's this kind of boldness—stepping up for my family and maintaining our relationship—that makes our country strong. Political differences should not destroy families.”

“There’s one thing to say, I love my sister and of course you do. But there’s another thing saying I’m supportive of her vile activity," said the mayor about Gomez.

Some in Jersey City started a petition to have Gomez removed from the task force saying he “has demonstrated behavior that undermines the core values of inclusivity, respect, and support that our community holds dear."

The mayor was also holding a meeting with members of the LGBTQ Task Force.

He was expected to tell them about the termination of Gomez as some members threatened to quit the task force.