Arizona Congressional Candidate Says She Was Raped During Campaign Errand

Arizona Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia stated that she was knocked unconscious and sexually assaulted in August while on a late-night errand to repair a damaged campaign sign. Greene-Placentia told the Phoenix New Times that the incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on August 14, when she was in a Sun City parking lot. She reported being struck in the head and losing consciousness before regaining it to find herself being assaulted by one individual, while another was present.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that a police report was filed on August 31. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office stated that the investigation is ongoing and declined to comment further.

Greene-Placentia described experiencing significant bruising and vaginal bleeding for three days following the alleged assault, and suspected she might have a concussion. She was out of contact with her staff for approximately two days after the incident, according to The New York Times. She later informed campaign aides and her husband about the event before reporting it to the police on August 31, citing initial feelings of embarrassment and a desire to forget the incident.

She ultimately decided to speak publicly about the experience to encourage other survivors of sexual assault to share their stories. "I never imagined I would have to tell this story, but I know I am far from the only woman who has lived through something like this," Greene-Placentia said in a statement released Wednesday. "Too many survivors carry these experiences silently. I am speaking out because I want them to know they are seen, they are heard, and they are not alone."

Greene-Placentia indicated that the alleged attack would not silence her, stating, "What happened will not silence me. I’m going to keep showing up, keep fighting for this community, and keep working every day to bring real representation to the people of CD8."

Her Republican opponent, Rep. Abe Hamadeh, called for a thorough investigation into the allegations. "I have read the disturbing story and call upon authorities to investigate these serious allegations thoroughly, including finding all possible camera footage of the time and place in order to prosecute the crime to the fullest extent of the law. No American should become a victim of a crime in their own community," Hamadeh said in a statement. The office of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also released a statement: "This was a cruel and cowardly attack, and it has no place in Arizona. No one should have to fear for their safety, or the safety of the people they love, while serving their community."

Hamadeh has represented Arizona's 8th Congressional District since January 2025. Fox News' Power Rankings rate the district as solidly Republican heading into the 2026 midterm elections.