Congressional Candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia Claims She Was Knocked Out and Raped During Late-Night Campaign Stop

An Arizona congressional candidate has revealed how a routine 2am campaign stop allegedly turned into a violent sexual assault after she was struck unconscious and woke to find a stranger raping her in a dark car park.

Bernadette Greene-Placentia, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Representative Abe Hamadeh in Arizona's 8th Congressional District, claims two men were involved in the attack on 14 August in Sun City. She suffered bruising, bleeding and memory loss before reporting the incident to police more than two weeks later.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office confirmed receiving her report on 31 August and said the investigation remains ongoing.

Bernadette Greene-Placentia Describes Alleged Rape

Greene-Placentia told Phoenix New Times she was walking across a car park to repair a damaged campaign sign when someone struck her on the head, knocking her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, she realised an unidentified man was sexually assaulting her.

She recalled hearing the attacker mumble something she interpreted as 'Democratic bitch,' although she acknowledged being uncertain about his exact words.

A second man allegedly approached and pushed her leg further apart. Greene-Placentia said she began kicking towards him before he backed away, reportedly saying, 'Not even worth it.'

Both men then left her face down on the asphalt, with her Jeep Grand Cherokee still running nearby. Greene-Placentia said she could barely remember getting dressed, returning to her vehicle or driving home.

'It's just these little tiny flashes of things that I do remember,' she told the newspaper.

Authorities have not established whether the alleged attack was politically motivated.

Candidate Reports Bleeding, Bruises and Memory Loss

Following the alleged assault, Greene-Placentia experienced extensive bruising, headaches and vaginal bleeding lasting three days, according to the police report described by Phoenix New Times.

She suspected she had suffered a concussion but did not seek immediate medical treatment. Her husband, Alex Placentia, became concerned after noticing unusual behaviour during telephone conversations. Her landlord, Annarose Lily, also recalled seeing her looking physically unwell outside her apartment.

Campaign manager Isaiah Lopez said Greene-Placentia was effectively absent from campaign activities for two days.

Why Greene-Placentia Waited Two Weeks To Report

Greene-Placentia initially avoided reporting the alleged attack, explaining that she felt embarrassed and wanted to forget what happened. Her campaign team became concerned when she appeared visibly distressed during a canvassing event in Chandler.

Communications director Craig Beckman and Lopez spoke privately with her, prompting her to disclose the alleged assault. She subsequently informed her husband and trusted political colleagues before contacting the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Greene-Placentia explained that her decision to speak publicly reflected her commitment to supporting women who experience sexual violence.

County Sheriff's Office Investigates Alleged Attack

The sheriff's office has confirmed that the sexual assault investigation remains active but has declined to provide further details. No suspects have been publicly identified in connection with Greene-Placentia's allegations.

The congressional candidate, a longtime truck driver, has stopped repairing campaign signs alone at night. Her campaign said she hopes speaking publicly will encourage other survivors to seek support.

'I need to let women know that it's okay to talk about it,' Greene-Placentia told Phoenix New Times.