Ethics Scandals and Resignations Fuel Turmoil in 2024 Legislative Session

The Arizona legislative session of 2024 unfolded under a cloud of ethical inquiries and notable resignations among lawmakers, creating significant turbulence within the state’s political landscape.

Throughout the year, House Democrats suffered from a spate of resignations, leaving their caucus frequently incomplete.

One of the more prominent cases involved Democratic state Rep. Leezah Sun, who resigned on January 31 after the House Ethics Committee substantiated claims that she had threatened a lobbyist from Tolleson.

While Sun refuted allegations of threatening physical harm, she acknowledged making a comment about “b**** slapping” the lobbyist, describing it as an expression of her personality rather than an intent to harm. However, the Ethics Committee report stated that such statements could not be taken lightly.

Following the committee’s findings, House Democrats prepared to introduce an expulsion motion. Sun’s resignation precluded any further action.

In her political comeback, Sun attempted to unseat Sen. Eva Diaz in a primary election but fell short. Nevertheless, she secured a position on the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board and was elected chair of the local Democratic precinct committee.

Rep. Elda Luna-Nájera, who was appointed to replace Sun, faced her own controversies. An investigation was launched into allegations of sexual harassment made by Tolleson Union High School District Superintendent Jeremy Calles.

The investigation confirmed a consensual yet “inappropriate” relationship between them, with Luna-Nájera reportedly persisting in her advances despite Calles having rebuffed her. Following these findings, the school board removed her from the president role, though she still won election to the House in November.

House Democratic leadership issued a statement expressing disappointment over the lack of judgment displayed but highlighted their respect for the ongoing investigation process.

Shortly after his appointment to replace former state Rep. Athena Salman, Jevin Hodge resigned amid resurfaced sexual misconduct allegations from 2015, disclosed by The Arizona Republic.

Hodge issued an apology to those affected by his actions, claiming he denied the allegations but recognized the moment was not right for him to lead.

Issues also plagued other lawmakers’ re-election prospects. Rep. Austin Smith withdrew his candidacy for Legislative District 29 after accusations of forging signatures on his nomination petition emerged.

Despite denying the allegations, Smith opted out to avoid the financial burden of a legal challenge. He emphasized his focus on starting a new life with his wife.

Despite a complaint lodged by House Democrats, Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Joe Chaplik declined to pursue an investigation into Smith, citing the withdrawal of the initial complaint.

Similarly, Rep. Melody Hernandez withdrew her candidacy when challenges arose regarding her campaign’s missing signatures and accumulated campaign finance fines exceeding $2,000.

Meanwhile, other lawmakers encountered ethics inquiries that yielded minimal consequences. House Republicans filed complaints against newly named Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos and Rep. Analise Ortiz following a disruptive protest in the House over the abortion ban repeal.

Both Democrats characterized their actions as passionate protests rather than misconduct, framing the complaints as attempts to silence dissenting voices. Although deemed disorderly, the Ethics Committee took no further action, allowing De Los Santos to ascend to a leadership role and Ortiz to win election to the state Senate.