Police Union Withdraws Support for Justine Wadsack Over Alleged Police Criticism

A prominent police organization has withdrawn its endorsement of Republican state senator Justine Wadsack following her recent outburst over a traffic stop.

Wadsack was pulled over on March 15 at approximately 10 p.m. A Tucson police officer on DUI patrol spotted her speeding east on Speedway near North Euclid Avenue. According to a TPD report, Wadsack was clocked at 71 mph in a 35 mph zone.

She justified her speed by claiming she was “racing home” due to a low battery on her Tesla. However, rather than being cited immediately, she introduced herself as “Senator Justine Wadsack,” prompting the officer to consult his superiors.

Although exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph is a class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona, carrying potential penalties including jail time and fines, Wadsack’s citation was delayed. The Tucson Police attempted to follow up in June, post-legislative session, but Wadsack refused to meet and sign the citation.

According to a subsequent report by an officer, she demanded to speak with the chief of police, claimed political persecution, and objected to being addressed as “Mrs. Wadsack” instead of “Senator Wadsack” before abruptly ending the conversation.

Wadsack later accused the Tucson Police Department of irregular conduct in a social media post, stating she was “investigating the TPD.”

This incident led the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police to retract its support for her in the upcoming primary against Vince Leach, a former state senator whom she previously defeated in 2022. Paul Sheldon, the organization’s president, stated that while Wadsack had consistently supported public safety, her actions against police personnel were inappropriate for an elected representative.

Wadsack did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.