Arizona Congressional Candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia Reports August Sexual Assault

Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Arizona, has publicly disclosed that she was raped in an attack occurring on 14 August 2026. According to the Phoenix New Times, the candidate was in a parking lot shortly after 2:00 a.m. to repair a damaged campaign sign when she was struck over the head and lost consciousness.

Greene-Placentia stated that she regained consciousness to find a man assaulting her. She recalled a second individual appearing and touching her leg before both attackers left the scene. The candidate reported experiencing physical trauma, including bruising and potential symptoms of a concussion, and told the publication that her memory of the immediate aftermath remains hazy.

While Greene-Placentia initially felt embarrassed and considered not reporting the incident, she eventually informed her campaign staff and husband days after the attack. She filed a report with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office two weeks after the assault. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office declined to provide details regarding the case, noting that the investigation is ongoing.

State representative Stephanie Simacek, a friend of the candidate, said she was informed of the assault in early September. The campaign, which represents a district including parts of Phoenix, issued a statement indicating that Greene-Placentia decided to share her experience to support other survivors of sexual violence who may be struggling in silence.

Greene-Placentia, who is a truck driver and small-business owner, is currently running against Republican incumbent Abraham Hamadeh. She expressed that her decision to speak out is tied to her commitment to advocating for victims of sexual assault. Support resources for individuals affected by sexual violence in the U.S. include RAINN, which can be reached at 800-656-4673.