Freshman State Representative Anna Lynn Abeytia (D-24) is under scrutiny for supposed campaign finance violations.
According to 48 State News, a complaint issued by public accountant firm Fester & Chapman found that Abeytia had failed to file mandatory campaign finance reports, failed to participate in a February 28th audit, and has been unresponsive to inquiries from the firm.
More egregiously, Abeytia had previously run for District 24, representing South Glendale, Cartwright, and Maryvale, in 2022 and had been equally negligent in her campaigns' financial records.
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However, 48 State News suggested that enforcement of campaign finance laws and fines issued for violating them is "abysmal," allowing officials to file late reports with minimal consequence. More to the point, Abeytia is estimated to owe approximately $30,000 in fines.
The plot only thickens with suggestions that Abeytia had directed $33,000 to Gumption Consulting LLC, a company run by Ricardo Serna, with whom Abeytia is in a "civil union," according to her Facebook page.
Gumption Consulting, which has no independent business address aside from Serna and Abeytia's shared residence, received $30,000 in July 2024 alone by check or cash, further obscuring the purpose of the money.
"This isn't just a bookkeeping error—this is public money, and it's supposed to be used to inform and engage voters, not enrich political insiders behind closed doors," said 48 State News, adding, "At best, this situation reflects gross mismanagement and a lack of oversight. At worst, it could reflect serious cracks in our campaign finance laws. Arizona voters—and taxpayers—deserve answers."
Late in March, State Representative David Livingston (R-28) issued a statement condemning supposed financial mismanagement perpetrated by Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ). Rep. Livingston claimed that she is allowing Congregate Care, Arizona's program that assists in funding group homes for foster children, to go bankrupt, only asking for additional funds pulled from other programs when the issue was raised.
"Governor Hobbs's repeated failures to manage the budget responsibly have pushed agencies into crisis after crisis. Her administration's approach is to overspend, ignore reality, and then demand a last-minute bailout. That's not leadership—that's recklessness," said Rep. Livingston.
Shortly thereafter, State Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-29) announced he had assembled an Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement composed of Chair Matt Gress (R-4), Vice Chair Justin Olson (R-10), Representatives Nick Kupper (R-25), Michael Way (R-15), Neal Carter (R-15), Selina Bliss (R-1), Nancy Gutierrez (D-18), Kevin Volk (D-17), and Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-21).
"House Republicans are stepping in to protect taxpayers, ensure responsible spending, and keep essential services running—not to rubber-stamp more of the same," said Speaker Montenegro.
