Sen. Justine Wadsack Alleges ‘Political Persecution’ in Tucson Speeding Incident

Arizona Sen. Justine Wadsack, a Tucson-area Republican, faces charges stemming from a March incident where she was allegedly caught speeding significantly over the limit. The Tucson Police Department (TPD) report states that Wadsack was clocked driving her Tesla at 71 mph in a 35 mph zone on Speedway near North Euclid Avenue.

On March 15, at around 10 p.m., Officer Ryder Schrage observed Wadsack’s vehicle traveling at high speed and initiated a traffic stop. Wadsack introduced herself as “Senator Justine Wadsack” and claimed she was “racing home” due to her car’s low battery. Despite the introduction, Officer Schrage noted her violations and contacted his superiors for further guidance due to Wadsack’s legislative status.

Arizona law grants legislative immunity to lawmakers, preventing their arrest during legislative sessions. The Legislature adjourned on June 15, allowing TPD to proceed with charges against Wadsack.

According to the authorities, Wadsack refused to meet with TPD to sign the citation. Consequently, a summons was filed in Tucson City Court, and she is expected to be served within the week. A class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona for such speeding violations carries possible penalties of up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, and additional points on the driver’s license.

Wadsack has yet to publicly address the allegations. In response to her claims of “political persecution,” city officials clarified that prosecution and persecution are distinct terms and argued that her allegations undermine the severity of her speeding infraction.

During the initial traffic stop, Officer Schrage noted that Wadsack’s car was clocked at 58 mph, accelerating to 71 mph after a traffic light turned green. The interaction was partially captured on video, though the audio was turned off at one point.

Further complicating matters, Wadsack’s residency has been questioned. She was elected to represent Legislative District 17, which includes parts of Pinal and Pima counties. However, her owned residence in the Sam Hughes neighborhood is outside her district. She claims to have resided in rented accommodations within the district to meet eligibility requirements.

Expert opinions on electric vehicle efficiency challenge Wadsack’s justification for speeding. Michael Ahern, a former Tesla engineer, dismissed her reasoning, stating that higher speeds reduce battery efficiency due to increased wind resistance.

On June 27, TPD’s Specialized Response Division attempted to arrange for Wadsack to sign the citation, but she reportedly refused. Wadsack labeled the process as “political persecution” during her interactions with TPD and demanded to speak with the chief of police.

City attorney Mike Rankin clarified the difference between prosecution and persecution, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for endangering public safety, irrespective of their political office. TPD spokesman Francisco Magos reiterated the department’s commitment to impartial law enforcement and traffic safety.

Legislative immunity, rooted in historical legal principles, aims to protect lawmakers from undue interference while performing their duties. However, it does not apply outside legislative sessions. Rankin pointed out that similar cases had been prosecuted in the past, including that of former state Rep. Daniel Patterson.

Officer Schrage has now sworn in the summons for Wadsack’s citation in Tucson City Court. In addition to the criminal speeding charge, she faces a civil traffic violation for not providing proof of insurance. Wadsack has also been involved in another recent non-injury traffic collision.

Former Sen. Vince Leach, whom Wadsack unseated in the 2022 Republican primary, criticized her speeding, highlighting the risks it posed in densely populated student areas. He acknowledged using legislative immunity once for a minor traffic violation but insisted that it should not protect willful law violation.

Traffic fatalities in Tucson have increased this year, with 51 deaths reported so far, compared to 43 at this time last year. The fatalities include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicle occupants.