Ciscomani’s Ad Misrepresents Mendoza’s Remarks on Transgender Legislation

Arizona Political Ad Misrepresents Statements by JoAnna Mendoza

An advertisement from Arizona Representative Juan Ciscomani inaccurately portrays Democratic candidate JoAnna Mendoza as having labeled district parents “toxic.”

The ad showcases a Tucson mother who voices her concerns about transgender athletes competing alongside her daughters. She claims that Mendoza is against a prohibition on transgender youth in school sports, adding, “and she even called parents like me toxic.”

This assertion traces back to a 2020 state Senate forum where Mendoza discussed legislation that would prevent transgender girls and women from joining sports teams aligning with their gender identity. Mendoza referred to such legislative measures as “toxic” but did not direct this term toward parents or supporters of the legislation.

“I think legislation, like the one that you mentioned, it’s harmful, it’s toxic,” Mendoza stated. “It takes away from who we are as Americans; to want to be inclusive, to want to fight for those that can’t fight for themselves, to want to make things better for everyone.”

Voters in Arizona are set to decide in November through a referendum whether transgender students should be allowed to participate in sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. Mendoza has reiterated her position on the topic.

“As a mom, I know that parents just want to protect their kids—on the playing fields and across Arizona,” she expressed. “Rules about keeping sports fair and safe for young people should be made by the people who know the most—parents, coaches, and sports associations—not politicians.”

Meanwhile, Ciscomani has publicly supported federal legislation aimed at banning transgender student athletes throughout the nation.

The misleading nature of the ad may indicate Ciscomani’s concern over his political standing. He is considered one of the most at-risk Republican incumbents in the House this election cycle. Recent polling by House Majority PAC places Mendoza ahead by a two-point margin.