Congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia reports sexual assault

Arizona congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was sexually assaulted while repairing campaign signs, according to a report published Wednesday by Phoenix New Times.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to KTAR News 92.3 FM that it took a report Aug. 31 and that the investigation is ongoing.

The agency declined to discuss details, saying the report would not be available until the investigation is completed.

Greene-Placentia, a Democrat challenging Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, told New Times she was struck in the head and lost consciousness after stopping to fix a campaign sign early one morning. She said she awoke to a man sexually assaulting her and that a second man was present.

She told New Times that the attack happened near 99th Avenue and Bell Road in Sun City.

Greene-Placentia said she initially hesitated to report the assault but decided to speak publicly to encourage other survivors to come forward.

“I need to let women know that it’s okay to talk about it,” she told New Times.

Arizona senators express support

Sen. Ruben Gallego said he spoke with Greene-Placentia to thank her for her courage in coming forward.

“Whoever did this must be held fully accountable,” Gallego wrote on X.

Sen. Mark Kelly also expressed support for Greene-Placentia and her loved ones.

“We cannot tolerate political or sexual violence in any form,” Kelly wrote on X. “Those responsible must be held accountable.”

A request for comment from Greene-Placentia was not returned.

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