Arizona Lawmaker Caught Illegally Backing City Council Hopeful

The Senate Democratic Caucus has accused Republican Senator Wendy Rogers of drafting an endorsement letter for Cottonwood City Council member Lisa DuVernay using Arizona Senate letterhead, potentially violating state law. The law prohibits public officials from using government resources to influence elections, encompassing a wide range of public assets.

The details surrounding the letter’s recipient remain vague, but it was circulated on Rogers’ social media platforms. In the letter, Rogers supported DuVernay amidst her recall efforts, linked to her displaying controversial material during a council meeting aimed at criticizing local drag shows.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Lisa DuVernay for reelection to the Cottonwood City Council,” the letter states, praising DuVernay’s commitment to community accountability and her advocacy for her constituents.

Rogers’s endorsement highlighted DuVernay’s resistance to minors attending “family-friendly drag shows.” “Councilmember DuVernay stands for the people… We champion her! Reelect Councilmember Lisa DuVernay! Cottonwood needs her,” the letter proclaimed.

Soon after, the Senate Democratic Caucus forwarded the letter to Attorney General Kris Mayes, requesting an investigation. According to communications director Richie Taylor, the Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the request.

The Senate Democratic Caucus expressed disappointment over Rogers’ actions, emphasizing the necessity for trust in elected officials. They viewed the incident as a potential abuse of her office, stating that “no elected official is above the law.”

After the backlash, Rogers deleted the letter from her social media accounts, claiming ignorance of the legal implications. This controversy has surfaced just weeks after Rogers previously faced scrutiny for invoking Nazi-era rhetoric in a social media post, leading to statements condemning her actions from fellow Democratic senators.

As all this unfolds, Senator Rogers is poised for reelection to the Arizona Senate this November, a campaign characterized by contentious exchanges and heightened scrutiny.