The Arizona Green Party is embroiled in a controversy as it urges the removal of two candidates from the upcoming November election ballot, accusing them of being “sham” candidates. Despite these pleas, the office of Secretary of State Adrian Fontes has stated it lacks authority to take such action without a court directive.
Concerns have been raised by Green Party officials over gubernatorial candidate Risa Lombardo and secretary of state contender Duwayne Collier, both of whom are alleged not to be genuine representatives of the party. Instead, accusations suggest they are part of spoiler campaigns with Republican ties.
Further complicating the situation are claims that these candidates falsified records to receive substantial public funding from the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission. This commission supports candidates rejecting large-scale donations from political action committees and corporations.
The Clean Elections Commission is investigating these allegations, with potential outcomes including the candidates repaying the funds.
The Green Party’s leadership has requested that Fontes replace Lombardo and Collier with Carlos Melendez and Jon Ralston, who are endorsed by the party but lost in the primaries. According to Mike Cease, a Green Party candidate, investigations confirm the presence of “sham imposter candidates” aiming to exploit the party’s ballot line.
Reports have surfaced linking both candidates to the Republican party, with campaign funds directed to a Nevada firm associated with GOP figures. Additionally, Collier reportedly aided Republican Ralph Heap in securing ballot placement. Legal representation for all involved is provided by Timothy La Sota, a Republican attorney.
The Green Party references state law allowing the Commission to disqualify candidates breaching Clean Elections rules. However, Secretary of State’s spokeswoman Calli Jones clarified that only a court order or voluntary candidate withdrawal could lead to ballot removal.
Lombardo and Collier have not commented directly on their party affiliation; instead, they have promoted themselves on social media as viable alternatives to mainstream candidates. Lombardo emphasized voter independence, stating, “Your vote belongs to YOU, not to a political party.”
Cease expressed urgency in addressing the matter, citing the imminent election and the ongoing ballot preparation across counties. The Clean Elections Commission, meanwhile, is only exploring whether contributions qualifying Lombardo and Collier for funding were legitimate.
Lombardo has benefited from $2.8 million in public funds, while Collier has received nearly $740,000. Their attorney, La Sota, has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “We’re not giving the money back.”
Executive Director Thomas Collins of the Clean Elections Commission clarified that the investigation is focused on the legitimacy of public funds received by the candidates, not on penalizing alleged fraudulent activities. As of now, no formal complaint has been filed to initiate a comprehensive investigation or candidate disqualification.
