On Monday, Arizona State Rep. Brian Fernandez admitted to insulting Alma Hernandez behind her behind her back after previously saying her allegations were false.
Fernandez issued an apology, but claimed his comments were not as bad as Hernandez alleged in a letter she released on Friday.
“While I did make some unkind statements, I know I caused hurt and for that I am sincerely sorry,” Fernandez said in his apology,
In her letter, Hernandez accused Fernandez of calling her “a ‘fat f***’ and saying “that he ‘hates me’” on multiple occasions while with lobbyists and elected officials.
The Democratic Party was quick to provide cover:
https://t.co/mA1j5KxA7q pic.twitter.com/7RogeXUJyN
— Arizona Democratic Party (@azdemparty) September 19, 2022
SMART Union Local 359 announced that it pulled its endorsement of Fernandez due to the allegations:
“@smartunionworks values the respect of all people. We support candidates for office who work to bring people together. @BrianSFernandez lack of respect for a legislative colleague…We have pulled our endorsement of Brian & hope he learns a lesson. THANK YOU!”
Hernandez demanded that Fernandez to apologize “to every single woman in this caucus and party” and to take sensitivity training. He has agreed to do both.
— Brian Fernandez (@BrianSFernandez) September 19, 2022