A newly resurfaced video is giving Republicans fresh ammunition in one of the most closely watched House races in the country, as Arizona Democrat JoAnna Mendoza faces scrutiny over comments she made several years ago regarding prostitution, criminal justice policy, and transgender Americans.
Mendoza, a Marine veteran and Democratic challenger to Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, made the remarks during a 2020 interview with Equality Arizona that has recently reemerged as her campaign gains national attention.
The exchange began when Michael Soto, who was serving as executive director of Equality Arizona at the time, asked Mendoza whether she would support decriminalizing sex work. Soto framed the question around the challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, who may encounter discrimination in traditional employment settings.
“Would you decriminalize sex work?” Soto asked, citing employment barriers faced by some members of the transgender community.
“Right. Yes,” Mendoza responded.
She went on to argue that policymakers should focus on expanding access to social services, healthcare, support networks, and employment opportunities while eliminating what she viewed as discriminatory practices.
“You know, eliminating the discriminatory practices and laws so that every individual has the opportunity to be able to provide for themselves,” Mendoza said.
The Democratic candidate also suggested that some individuals enter sex work because they feel they have few alternatives available.
“We need to stop criminalizing people for their situations,” Mendoza said.
“And, you know, folks don’t want to go down that path, but … no other choice and they have to.”
Mendoza added that she would like to see stronger support systems for LGBTQ individuals in order to provide more opportunities outside of sex work.
“It’s heartbreaking to me that folks find themselves in these situations that they have no way out of,” she said.
The video, according to reports, has since been removed from Equality Arizona’s social media channels.
Mendoza also answered affirmatively when asked about decriminalizing certain low-level offenses, including violations such as jaywalking and spitting.
“Yes,” she responded, arguing that some laws have historically been enforced in ways that disproportionately affect specific communities.
“We need to ensure that we’re protecting folks from discriminatory practices,” Mendoza said.
The controversy emerges at a pivotal moment in Arizona’s 6th District, one of the most competitive congressional battlegrounds in the nation. Democrats view the seat as a prime pickup opportunity, while Republicans see Ciscomani as a key incumbent they must defend to protect their House majority.
Mendoza has quickly become one of the Democratic Party’s strongest congressional fundraisers. According to campaign finance filings, she has raised more than $5 million since launching her campaign earlier this year and received support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” program, which directs additional resources toward top-tier challengers.
She has also secured endorsements from prominent Arizona Democrats, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as Rep. Greg Stanton.
Meanwhile, Ciscomani and Republicans are expected to highlight Mendoza’s past statements as they attempt to portray her as out of step with voters in a district that remains highly competitive despite Democratic hopes of flipping the seat.
