AZ Rep. Fernandez accused of harassment
Rep. Alma Hernandez posted a letter Friday accusing Fernandez of calling her several names
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-Arizona) posted and sent a letter to her colleagues, accusing Rep. Brian Fernandez (D-Arizona) of harassment.
In a letter sent Friday morning, Rep. Hernandez stated, "Today, I have the sad duty of having to report that one of our own. State Representative Brian Fernandez, has seemed to embrace a very Trumpian attitude towards me. He refers to me as a "fat f--k" and that he "hates me" multiple times on different occasions in public with other elected officials and lobbyists many who have called me to explain they were not a part of that behavior. What is most embarrassing is he did this with Republican members thinking they would engage."
The letter continued to discuss the disrespect Rep. Hernandez claims she has received as a woman and mentioned some concerns.
Rep. Hernandez also stated, "That is why I am calling on our leadership both in the House and the Senate to respond to this publicly, I ask that the caucus take a pledge to not engage in this type of behavior against women, and I am also asking that Brian takes a sensitivity training."
Both the Democratic and Republican parties say they are surprised and want the truth to be release, whatever that may be.
Arizona Democratic Senator Lisa Otondo, who also represents Yuma, reached out to us immediately after finding out the news.
She says she's served at the State Capitol for ten years and knows Fernandez wouldn't do this.
"To slander someone's name based solely on gossip with no evidence is highly unprofessional and I vouch for Brian Fernandez's character. He wouldn't say those words," says Sen. Otondo.
Meanwhile, David Lara an advisor for Gary Snyder, who's running against Fernandez this November says this could impact the election.
"Well in this election, the democrats claimed they had the women's votes and it's obvious women don't like this and this could be a game changer and I think it will. It was a tight race before this and I think this is going to change the outcome," Lara said. "If he's denying it, that means he's calling this woman a liar which is questioning her integrity and I don't think that's something a gentleman should do. Well if she is lying then it doesn't say anything good about the Democratic party."
House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding released a statement acknowledging the letter sent by Representative Hernandez saying these allegations are concerning and that there is a zero-tolerance policy for harassing behavior and that these allegations will be taken seriously and properly investigated.
The House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding (D - Arizona) also released a statement regarding Rep. Hernandez's letter where he said, "Our leadership team is aware of Rep. Hernandez's letter sent this morning to colleagues concerning allegations of harassment against Representative Brian Fernandez. The House of Representatives has a clear policy on Workplace Harassment that gives zero tolerance to this type of behavior. Pursuant to this policy, these allegations will be taken seriously, properly investigated and have been referred to the Rules Office."
The Arizona House Democrats had also stated that they will not comment any further until the investigation is completed.
Rep. Fernandez represents part of Yuma County. We have reached out to Fernandez for comment and are waiting to hear back.
This is a developing story.
