Right-wing Media Misrepresents Mendoza’s Stance on Police Funding

Debate Over Law Enforcement Funding Amid Arizona House Race

JoAnna Mendoza, a Democratic candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, has been accused by right-wing media of advocating for defunding law enforcement. However, Mendoza has consistently supported increasing police resources and has never made such a statement.

Mendoza, a nonprofit leader and military veteran, is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani, who narrowly won reelection in 2024. The race is considered a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.

On March 4, Fox News reported finding a 2020 video of Mendoza allegedly supporting the reallocation of police funds to social services, labeling it as a move to “defund the police.” The video was from a town hall event during Mendoza’s state Senate campaign.

The footage used by Fox News misrepresents Mendoza’s stance. In the video, she discusses addressing systemic racism in law enforcement and supports increased funding for social services as part of a comprehensive public safety strategy. She did not propose cutting law enforcement budgets.

“I support policy solutions that hold officers accountable, such as body cams, ensuring that we have an independent oversight committee for investigations … and also ensuring that we have a database that would capture police officer misconduct,” Mendoza stated, emphasizing reforms requiring more resources.

Mendoza further explained, “I support the reallocation of funding to programs that would allow people to live their best lives,” citing housing, education, healthcare, economic stability, and environmental safety as areas needing investment.

In another town hall event, Mendoza clearly stated, “I do not support defunding the police,” drawing parallels between police and military service commitments.

In contrast, Rep. Juan Ciscomani endorsed the 2023 Limit, Save, Grow Act, which aimed to cut $17 billion in federal funding for law enforcement, courts, and prisons. The act also proposed reducing Customs and Border Protection budgets by $3.8 billion and cutting nearly $2 billion from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation passed the House with Republican support but was halted by Senate Democrats.

Kyle McCarthy, Mendoza’s spokesperson, vehemently denied the defunding allegations, stating they are “categorically false, a lie, and a political smear from D.C. hacks hoping to save Juan Ciscomani from an early retirement.”