A Democratic congressional candidate in one of the nation’s most competitive House races is facing renewed scrutiny over comments she made supporting the decriminalization of prostitution and certain low-level offenses, remarks that are now resurfacing as her campaign gains momentum in Arizona.
JoAnna Mendoza, a Marine veteran running to unseat Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, made the comments during a 2020 interview with Equality Arizona that has since been removed from the organization’s social media platforms.
During the discussion, then-Equality Arizona Executive Director Michael Soto asked Mendoza whether she would support decriminalizing sex work, specifically citing challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, who encounter discrimination in the job market.
Mendoza responded affirmatively.
“Right. Yes,” Mendoza said, before discussing the need for greater access to resources, support networks, social services, and healthcare. She also argued for eliminating what she described as discriminatory practices and laws that prevent individuals from supporting themselves.
The candidate went on to suggest that many people enter prostitution because they feel they have few alternatives.
“We need to stop criminalizing people for their situations,” Mendoza said. “Folks don’t want to go down that path, but … no other choice and they have to.”
She added that she would prefer to see expanded social services and employment opportunities that would allow people to pursue other options.
The interview also included questions about low-level offenses. When asked whether she would support decriminalizing petty violations such as jaywalking or spitting, Mendoza again answered yes.
She argued that Arizona has a history of policies that have disproportionately targeted certain groups and suggested that some criminal penalties can create opportunities for discrimination and unnecessary interactions with law enforcement.
The comments are likely to draw attention because Mendoza is emerging as one of the Democratic Party’s most heavily backed candidates in a district viewed as a top battleground heading into the next election.
Since launching her campaign in February, Mendoza has raised more than $5 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has included her in its “Red to Blue” program, a designation reserved for candidates viewed as having a realistic opportunity to flip Republican-held seats.
She has also secured endorsements from prominent Arizona Democrats, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as Rep. Greg Stanton.
The race is attracting national attention because Arizona’s 6th District, centered around Tucson, has become increasingly competitive. Democrats believe economic concerns, including housing affordability and homelessness, could create an opening against Ciscomani, who has represented the district since 2023.
Republicans, meanwhile, are likely to use Mendoza’s past comments as evidence that her policy positions are outside the political mainstream. Support for decriminalizing prostitution remains controversial, particularly in swing districts where candidates often compete for moderate and independent voters.
Mendoza’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the resurfaced interview.
