AZ-01: AZ Rep. David Schweikert (R), allies settle lawsuits over ads implying former opponent was gay
Rep. David Schweikert and his campaign allies have settled a flurry of litigation over campaign materials that appear to imply Schweikert’s 2022 Republican primary opponent is gay.
The agreements conclude the legal fallout from a bruising campaign in which people associated with Schweikert’s reelection effort had suggested in ads and online taunts that his then-challenger, Elijah Norton, is gay and unsuited for office.
The campaign had circulated a mailer depicting Norton posing for a photo with another man, captioned, “Elijah Norton Isn’t Being Straight With You.” An outside group supporting Schweikert posted barbs about Norton’s sexuality online.
Jonathan Huey, the political consultant who spread the online claims, acknowledged the claims were false as part of a $50,000 settlement, according to his statement dated Monday.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2024/04/30/david-schweikert-campaign-to-pay-for-consultants-lie-about-opponent/73507432007/
