Arizona Lawmaker Sued by Opponent Over Unpaid Campaign Fines

Rocque Perez seeks to disqualify Rep. Alma Hernandez from primary election due to $20,355 in unpaid penalties.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of a voting booth or ballot box in shades of blue, teal, and violet, conveying the turbulent and high-stakes nature of this political dispute.A contentious primary battle over campaign finance violations threatens to disrupt the electoral process in Arizona.Tucson Today

A Democratic primary race for an Arizona state legislative seat has turned contentious, with one candidate, Rocque Perez, suing his opponent, Rep. Alma Hernandez, over alleged unpaid campaign finance penalties. Perez claims Hernandez owes $20,355 in late fees and is seeking to have her disqualified from the race under state law. Hernandez has denied the claims as "baseless attempts" to remove her from the ballot.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges around campaign finance transparency and enforcement, with questions raised about how strictly such laws are applied, especially when it comes to incumbent politicians. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the Arizona legislature.

The details

Perez, a former Tucson city council member, filed the lawsuit against Hernandez, a state representative, on the last day available to challenge candidates' eligibility. Perez's complaint cites an Arizona law that bars election officials from approving candidacies by people who owe at least $1,000 in campaign finance penalties. According to the Arizona Secretary of State's records, Hernandez's old campaign committee owes $20,355 in late fees from 2018-2023, though she has filed reports through a new committee since 2024 without accruing additional penalties.

  • Perez filed the lawsuit on April 8, 2026, the last day available to challenge candidates' eligibility.
  • The Pima County Superior Court must issue a decision within 10 days of the challenge being filed.

The players

Rocque Perez

A former Tucson city council member running against Hernandez in the Democratic primary for an Arizona state Senate seat.

Rep. Alma Hernandez

The incumbent state representative seeking election to the state Senate, who is known for her pro-Israel views.

Adrian Fontes

The Arizona Secretary of State, named in Perez's lawsuit.

Pima County Board of Supervisors

A defendant in Perez's lawsuit, along with the Pima County Recorder's Office.

Sally Ann Gonzales

The current state senator for the 20th legislative district, who is leaving office to run for Hernandez's current House seat.

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What they’re saying

“Alma Hernandez has already had four terms in the Arizona House. The public has every right to expect she will clear up finance transparency before seeking a promotion.”

— Rocque Perez, Candidate

“The challenges filed against my candidacy are baseless attempts to disqualify me from this race, and I am confident that the court will reject them. As always, I am committed to respecting Arizona's laws and election procedures and dedicated to serving my constituents.”

— Rep. Alma Hernandez

What’s next

The Pima County Superior Court must issue a decision on Perez's lawsuit within 10 days of it being filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around enforcing campaign finance laws, especially when it comes to incumbent politicians. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Arizona legislature.