Arizona Congressional Candidate Claims She Was Raped While Repairing Campaign Sign

Bernadette Greene-Placentia, the Democratic nominee for Arizona's 8th Congressional District, has stated that she was sexually assaulted in August while attempting to repair a damaged campaign sign. Greene-Placentia told The Phoenix New Times that she was knocked unconscious in a Sun City parking lot early on August 14.

She reported that she awoke to find her pants partially removed and an assailant raping her. According to her account, a second man attempted to assault her, but she fought him off before he retreated. Greene-Placentia, a long-haul trucker, also stated that she heard the first attacker make derogatory remarks.

Greene-Placentia, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, frequently worked on campaign signs at night to avoid the daytime heat, sometimes with her husband. She believes her attacker may have targeted her because she was wearing a campaign shirt, potentially calling her a "Democratic bitch," though she is uncertain if this was the case. She has limited recall of the events immediately following the assault, including how she returned home.

Greene-Placentia informed her staff and husband of the attack two days later, after isolating herself. She delayed reporting the incident to the police for two weeks, citing embarrassment.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a report was filed on August 31 but declined to offer further details, citing an ongoing investigation. A police report reviewed by The Phoenix New Times indicated that Greene-Placentia experienced vaginal bleeding for three days following the attack. She shared that she went through periods of crying and anger.

"I need to let women know that it’s okay to talk about it," Greene-Placentia said regarding her decision to speak publicly about her experience. "We’re asking people to stand up and donate or volunteer. We’re asking those folks to be uncomfortable … then I have to be willing to be uncomfortable too."