Tucson Seeks Dismissal of Former Senator Wadsack’s $8M Lawsuit

The City of Tucson is seeking dismissal of an $8 million lawsuit filed by Republican former Arizona State Senator Justine Wadsack, who alleges she was wrongfully stopped, charged, and prosecuted in a politically motivated conspiracy by Tucson police. Wadsack claims that the traffic stop and criminal speeding citation issued after she displayed legislative immunity were part of an effort to damage her political career, including leaks to the media that hurt her reelection campaign. Tucson's attorneys argue the stop was lawful, based on an officer's radar observation of Wadsack driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone, and that she actually received special treatment as the officer delayed citation issuance until after the legislative session. They describe the lawsuit as a "political charade" and maintain the charges were routine traffic enforcement, not politically motivated. Wadsack's suit cites violations of her constitutional rights, including free speech and claims of malicious and selective prosecution, contending the police orchestrated a politically driven "October surprise." The city contends the claims lack merit and is vigorously defending against the allegations in federal court.