Two Republicans in the Arizona State House announced its investigation of Attorney General Kris Mayes over using her office to advance her political career with her recent legal threat against farmers over water use.
State Representatives Austin Smith (R-Surprise) and Jacqueline Parker (R-Mesa) on Wednesday sent a letter to Mayes (pictured above), which they said includes requests for “public records related to recent unfounded attacks she has made on the agricultural industry, her threats to file a public nuisance lawsuit against Arizona’s farmers and using town hall events to make campaign speeches.”
Their letter follows Mayes’ confirmation that she is “considering legal action” against Arizona farmers over alleged groundwater misuse.
In a statement, Parker warned, “The Arizona Attorney General’s duties do not include touring the state to campaign on the taxpayer’s dime and inserting herself into groundwater policy.”
She added that the Committee on Executive Oversight is now “committed to ensuring that General Mayes does not stray from her constitutional lane or continue to abuse her statutory authority.”
Smith added that nuisance issues should be settled by local governments and not Mayes’ office.
“We can’t allow Arizona’s laws to continue to be weaponized by General Mayes,” he stated.
There is ZERO excuse for Kris Mayes to use her office to influence water policy and harass Arizona’s hardworking farming and ranching families. @electjacqparker and I are taking immediate action requesting public records related to recent attacks Mayes has directed towards… https://t.co/2aR7Co5emy
— Rep. Austin Smith (@azaustinsmith) April 3, 2024
