Arizona State Senator’s Residency Questioned by Local Residents
Questions surrounding residency requirements have surfaced again as Republican Arizona state Senator Janae Shamp faces allegations from constituents claiming she does not reside in the district she represents. This contention has prompted calls for her removal from office by the Attorney General.
Senator Shamp, who is campaigning for re-election in Legislative District 29, asserts she resides in Surprise. However, two local residents contest this, suggesting she actually lives in Wickenburg, which lies outside her represented district.
Jim Ashurst and Bob Walling, both residents of LD29, have presented their case to Attorney General Kris Mayes. They submitted a “quo warranto” action, backed by evidence from a private investigator indicating that Shamp’s property in Surprise appears unoccupied.
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The two men appear to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, serving as precinct committeemen in the West Valley.
In response to the allegations, Shamp stated, “I live in the district, I’ve been at the same address for years now, and I get these questions right about this time, every two years, just before ballots go out. It is obviously political, which we all get, and each time the matter is resolved in my favor.”
Despite her assertions, Shamp’s campaign committee lists a Wickenburg P.O. box, located in Legislative District 30, as its address. She is noted as both the candidate and committee chair.
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Further complicating matters, Maricopa County records reveal that Shamp Investments LLC, managed by her husband, Archie “Skip” Shamp, owns a house in Wickenburg, purchased in 2018. A sign on this property declares it as “SHAMP’S HIDEOUT SKIP & JANAE.”
The residents challenging Shamp’s residency argue that if she lives outside her district, her office should be declared vacant. Arizona law mandates that legislators must reside in the county they represent, and while both Surprise and most of Wickenburg fall within Maricopa County, state law also requires them to reside in their specific district.
Learn more about the law here.
Attorney General Mayes’ office, represented by spokesperson Richie Taylor, is currently reviewing the motion and has yet to reach a conclusion on the matter. The decision could have significant implications for Shamp’s political future and representation in LD29.
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