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Arizona Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia said she was knocked unconscious and raped during an overnight encounter with two attackers in August while trying to repair a damaged campaign sign.
Greene-Placentia told Phoenix New Times that she was walking through a parking lot in Sun City shortly after 2 a.m. on Aug. 14 to repair a damaged campaign sign when someone struck her in the head, knocking her unconscious.
Greene-Placentia said she regained consciousness to find a man raping her and kicked at a second man who approached her, according to Phoenix New Times.
A public information officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that a police report was filed on Aug. 31.
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Democratic congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia participates in the 2026 AZ Clean Elections debate for the 8th Congressional District at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on Aug. 27, 2026. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
“Detectives advised it is still an ongoing investigation, and we cannot comment on the investigation at this time,” said the officer.
Greene-Placentia initially told investigators that one of her attackers used a derogatory remark she interpreted as “Democratic b—h,” according to the Phoenix New Times, but told The New York Times on Wednesday that she could not be sure what she had heard.
Greene-Placentia told Phoenix New Times she suffered extensive bruising and vaginal bleeding for three days after the alleged assault and believed she may have sustained a concussion.
Greene-Placentia missed a campaign event and was out of contact with her staff for about two days following the alleged assault, according to The New York Times. She later told campaign aides and her husband what happened before reporting it to police on Aug. 31, saying she initially felt embarrassed and wanted to forget the incident.
She ultimately decided to go public to encourage other sexual assault survivors to speak out.
“I never imagined I would have to tell this story, but I know I am far from the only woman who has lived through something like this,” Greene-Placentia said in a statement released Wednesday. “Too many survivors carry these experiences silently. I am speaking out because I want them to know they are seen, they are heard, and they are not alone.”
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A saguaro cactus forest in Saguaro National Park, Ariz., during sunset. (Getty Images)
“What happened will not silence me. I’m going to keep showing up, keep fighting for this community, and keep working every day to bring real representation to the people of CD8,” she added.
Greene-Placentia received support from both Republicans and Democrats, including her Republican opponent, Rep. Abe Hamadeh, who called for authorities to investigate the alleged attack.
“I have read the disturbing story and call upon authorities to investigate these serious allegations thoroughly, including finding all possible camera footage of the time and place in order to prosecute the crime to the fullest extent of the law. No American should become a victim of a crime in their own community,” her opponent Rep. Abe Hamadeh said in a statement.
A view of the Phoenix Midtown skyline with mountains in the background and cactus in the foreground. (Davel5957 via Getty Images, File)
“This was a cruel and cowardly attack, and it has no place in Arizona. No one should have to fear for their safety, or the safety of the people they love, while serving their community,” Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office said in a statement to Phoenix New Times.
Fox News Digital reached out to Greene-Placentia’s campaign for comment.
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Hamadeh has represented Arizona’s 8th Congressional District since January 2025. Fox News’ Power Rankings rate the district as solidly Republican heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
