Local personality Crisco Kidd steps down from radio, running for mayor

PHOENIX – Radio personality Joshua Carmona, better known as Crisco Kidd on Power 98.3 KKFR-FM, announced Thursday that he is stepping away from his radio show to focus on his continued campaign for mayor of Phoenix.

“This is a big step but I believe it’s necessary in the evolution of who I am,” Carmona said Thursday morning on Power 98.3’s Dana Cortez Show.

Carmona first revealed his intentions to run for mayor on air back in June and has since launched a website and social media pages under the slogan, “It’s Time Phoenix.”

He has also launched a YouTube channel featuring discussions of issues and his platforms with celebrities including Regina Hall and Dr. Phil.

“I’m running to be a voice for those who don’t have a loud voice or maybe they feel like they’ve been silenced,” Carmona said Thursday. “I don’t care what side of the political party you affiliate with. Maybe you feel like your voice can’t be heard, I’m running for you.”

Carmona is running as a write-in candidate.

Interested mayoral candidates had until July 16, 2020, to collect and submit 1,500 signatures from registered Phoenix voters to the City Clerk’s office in order to appear on the ballot.

A post on Carmona’s website says that although he was not able to reach the requirements, his campaign collected between 600 and 700 signatures in six days.

Carmona’s opponents include incumbent Mayor Kate Gallego, former Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Merissa Hamilton, businessman Tim Seay and Juan Schoville, also a write-in candidate.