Phoenix Councilmember Carlos Garcia likely violated campaign finance laws when accepting union donation, report finds

Phoenix Councilman Carlos Garcia || City of Phoenix

By Taylor Seely || Arizona Republic

A Phoenix council member running for reelection to represent south Phoenix probably violated campaign finance laws, according to a report released Thursday. 

Gilbert Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera investigated a complaint that Carlos Garcia broke state law by accepting money from a labor union and filing a campaign finance report late. The complaint also alleged he took too much money from the union.

Herrera, who was referred the case after Phoenix City Clerk Denise Archibald noted a potential conflict of interest, agreed with the allegations and sent her findings to Phoenix City Attorney Cris Meyer for further investigation. 

Garcia’s campaign finance report shows he accepted about $28,000 from the United Food and Commercial Workers labor union. Garcia previously acknowledged to The Arizona Republic that he filed his first campaign finance report 73 days late. He said he paid a $1,600 fine. 

Phoenix City Council candidates are not, by state law, allowed to accept labor union donations. They are, however, allowed to accept donations from labor unions that register separate political action committees or mega PACs.

But candidates can take at most $6,550 from a PAC or $13,100 from a mega PAC, putting the donation to Garcia at more than double the largest limit.  

Phoenix spokesperson Dan Wilson said Phoenix officials would ask another city or town’s attorney to investigate the case to avoid a conflict of interest. That attorney could pursue civil penalties.

More:  

Share this!

Additional Articles

Top master-planned communities for 2024

By AZ Big Media Here are the Top 10 master-planned communities in Arizona, based on public voting for the 2024 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona

Read More »
News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.

September 2022
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930