Amidst the heated political climate in Arizona, a recent advertisement from Rep. Juan Ciscomani has sparked controversy. The ad accuses Democratic opponent JoAnna Mendoza of labeling local parents as “toxic,” a claim rooted in misinterpretation.
The ad features a mother from Tucson who expresses her worries about transgender student athletes competing alongside her daughters in school sports. She alleges that Mendoza is against a ban on transgender children in school sports and claims, “and she even called parents like me toxic.”
The origin of this claim is tied to Mendoza’s statements during a 2020 state Senate candidate forum. She criticized proposed legislation that sought to ban transgender girls and women from participating in sports teams aligning with their gender identity, describing the legislation itself as “toxic.” However, she did not direct this term at parents or supporters of the bill.
“I think legislation, like the one that you mentioned, it’s harmful, it’s toxic,” Mendoza said. “It takes away from who we are as Americans; to want to be inclusive, to want to fight for those that can’t fight for themselves, to want to make things better for everyone.”
In the upcoming November elections, Arizonans will have the chance to vote on a referendum concerning the participation of transgender students in sports teams that align with their gender identity. Mendoza reaffirmed her stance, noting her priorities as a mother.
“As a mom, I know that parents just want to protect their kids—on the playing fields and across Arizona,” she stated. “Rules about keeping sports fair and safe for young people should be made by the people who know the most—parents, coaches, and sports associations—not politicians.”
Ciscomani, in contrast, has celebrated his role in co-sponsoring federal legislation aimed at banning transgender student athletes from competing nationwide.
The ad’s misleading nature could indicate increasing pressure on Ciscomani, who is considered one of the more vulnerable Republican incumbents in the House for the upcoming election cycle. A recent House Majority PAC poll shows Mendoza leading by a narrow two-point margin.
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