JoAnna Mendoza, the Democratic nominee for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, is under criticism after a 2020 video resurfaced in which she supported decriminalizing sex work to help transgender individuals facing employment barriers.
The footage, from a Zoom candidate forum with Michael Soto, then-president of Equality Arizona, shows Mendoza responding to a question linking prostitution to discrimination against transgender people, particularly trans women of color.
The 2020 Interview
Soto asked Mendoza if she would work to decriminalize sex work, citing pervasive discrimination in formal employment. Mendoza replied, “Right. Yes.”
She continued: “It’s important to ensure that there’s access to the resources, the support networks, the social services, access to health care.
Eliminating the discriminatory practices and laws so that every individual has the opportunity to be able to provide for themselves. We need to stop criminalizing people for their situations.”
Mendoza added that many in the LGBTQ community turn to sex work due to lack of options and called for expanded services to allow them to “live their best lives.”
The video was later removed from Equality Arizona’s social media channels.
Arizona Race
Mendoza, a retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and former drill instructor who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani in one of the most competitive House races in the country.
Also Read: Buried Truths: Confronting Our Collective Denial on LGBTQI+
Arizona’s 6th District, which includes parts of Tucson and rural southeastern Arizona, is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. Ciscomani won re-election in 2024 by fewer than 11,000 votes.
Mendoza has raised more than $5.3 million for her campaign and secured endorsements from Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as groups such as EMILY’s List and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. She is unopposed in the July 21 Democratic primary.
Republican Response
The National Republican Congressional Committee called Mendoza’s priorities “completely backwards,” arguing she focused on legalizing prostitution instead of addressing drug use, crime, and rising costs for Arizona families.
“Democrat lobbyist Joanna Mendoza has got her priorities completely backwards,” said NRCC spokesperson Ben Petersen.
The controversy arrives as both parties battle for control of the House. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to take the majority.
Broader Policy Debate
Mendoza’s position reflects arguments made by some advocates for decriminalization of sex work.
They contend that removing criminal penalties for consensual adult prostitution reduces stigma, improves safety for participants, and addresses economic pressures on vulnerable groups.
Opponents counter that such policies can increase trafficking, strain public resources, and negatively affect community standards and public safety.
Also Read: Republicans Target Black Voters as Longstanding Democratic Loyalty Shows Signs of Shift
Prostitution remains illegal in most U.S. jurisdictions, with limited exceptions such as certain counties in Nevada.
Mendoza has not issued a direct response to the resurfaced video as of Thursday afternoon. Her campaign website emphasizes lowering costs for families, protecting veterans, and expanding opportunity in rural areas.
She grew up in a farmworker family in Pinal County and has described herself as a single mother committed to public service.
Election Implications
The race in AZ-6 carries national stakes. Polling earlier in 2026 showed the contest within the margin of error, with some surveys indicating a slight edge for Mendoza and others showing a close split.
Ciscomani, who has represented the district since 2023, has focused on border security, economic issues, and constituent services. Both candidates face no primary challengers.
The resurfaced remarks add to other past statements by Mendoza that have drawn scrutiny, including 2020 comments on policing during national unrest.
