The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released a video showing Juan Ciscomani declining to respond when asked about campaign donations from Texas lawmaker Tony Gonzales. The video depicts Ciscomani being questioned directly about whether he would return $30,000 received from Gonzales, who admitted to having an affair with a subordinate who later died by suicide. Ciscomani remained silent in response.
According to the release, Ciscomani accepted more than $43,000 from lawmakers described as “scandal-plagued,” including Gonzales. The statement also notes that other contributors include North Carolina lawmaker Chuck Edwards and Ohio lawmaker Max Miller, both of whom have faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
Ciscomani is identified as the top recipient of campaign contributions from Gonzales and has not joined other Republicans in calling for Gonzales to resign or suspend his re-election campaign. The two lawmakers are described as having a close relationship, reportedly campaigning together in Tucson and referring to each other as “bestie” and “my man” on social media.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee further states that Ciscomani has refused to return any of the funds or answer questions regarding these donations when approached by reporters.
