Mark Lamb, a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona's 5th Congressional District and an ally of former President Donald Trump, is facing allegations regarding his private life that contrast sharply with his public image. The accusations, which Lamb denies, involve extramarital affairs and participation in a swinging lifestyle, with some claims suggesting he and his wife, Janel, involved a close friend in their activities.
Club for Growth, a libertarian nonprofit, is reportedly spending $250,000 to support Lamb's campaign in the July 21 primary. Ads defending Lamb highlight his record as a sheriff, touting his actions against cartels and traffickers, and emphasize Trump's endorsement.
Lamb's opponent, Daniel Keenan, has used the scandal against him, calling Lamb a "disgrace" and "unfit for office." However, Trump has not rescinded his endorsement of Lamb.
Allegations Emerge
Multiple women have accused Lamb, 53, of engaging in extramarital affairs and sending lewd texts. One accuser, Jillian Stannard, alleged that Lamb facilitated an affair between his wife and her husband, Matt Hilsabeck, a close friend and chair of Lamb's election committee. Stannard claimed this involvement led to her husband's divorce and accused the Lambs of engaging in a swinging lifestyle.
Another woman, Tammy Peacock, alleged an years-long extramarital affair with Lamb. She claimed that while sheriff, Lamb threatened to involve state police and referenced revenge porn statutes in an attempt to silence her from publicly sharing messages and photos. Screenshots allegedly from Lamb's phone, obtained by The Arizona Republic, reportedly show flirtatious messages and provocative images.
Lamb and his attorneys have labeled the accusations as "false," "baseless and harmful." In previous instances, rumors about Lamb's private life have surfaced during his 2020 re-election campaign for sheriff, with opponents distributing flyers accusing him of being a "sexual predator" and "pervert."
Public Image vs. Private Life
Lamb, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife Janel, has based much of his political identity on his law enforcement career. His 2020 political memoir is titled "American Sheriff: Traditional Values in a Modern World."
Despite these denials and his public persona, reports indicate the couple was "open with a close circle of friends about their sexual activity and partners." One woman, a Colorado law enforcement officer, claimed she met Lamb through his campaign's social media and planned a sexual encounter. Another accuser, Cassie Hartbauer, alleged she was one of three online partners Lamb was involved with simultaneously while sheriff.
The allegations have previously drawn attention from within the community. A former Pinal County Attorney, Kent Volkmer, stated that Lamb had directed the County Attorney's Office to "explore" charges against Peacock and Stannard for their social media posts, though no charges were filed after a preliminary investigation.
In 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reportedly investigated Lamb and his wife concerning these matters. Lamb has previously stated he is with "one woman," his wife.