By Matthew Holloway |
The Maricopa County Democratic Party is expected to launch removal proceedings against former State Representative and current Tolleson Union High School Board president, Leezah Sun, from her official party positions this month. Sun, a precinct committeeman and Legislative District 22 chair, is expected to be ousted during the party’s Oct. 27 executive meeting.
The news of the party’s plans comes in the wake of the latest fallout from Sun’s conviction and sentencing to 24 months probation for violating a restraining order against three Tolleson city employees.
Sun, an activist politician known for her consistently disruptive tactics, was slapped with probation last week after a judge extended the restraining order for two years, stemming from repeated contacts with city staffers. The Democrats’ removal request, filed by local activists, cites her legal troubles as a “liability” to the party, according to documents obtained by 12News reporter Brahm Resnik.
Resnik explained in a post to X on Thursday, “Former Dem state lawmaker & current Tolleson Union School Board President Leezah Sun sentenced to 24 months’ probation for violating restraining order to stay away from 3 City of Tolleson employees. Restraining order extended for 2 years.”
On Friday, the situation evolved to include Sun’s possible ouster by Maricopa County Democrats with the 12News reporter writing, “UPDATE Leezah Sun faces removal as precinct committeeperson & #LD22 chair by @MaricopaDems during Exec Ctte meeting Oct. 27.”
He later provided a screenshot of a letter from Patti O’Neil, Chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party.
In the letter provided by Resnik, O’Neil wrote in part:
“I am writing to express my serious concern for the safety and well-being of MCDP Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) and volunteers in Legislative District 22. It has come to my attention that Chair Leezah Sun has once again violated the order of protection against her. For this reason, I feel it is necessary to take the steps to remove her as a PC. Under the MCDP Bylaws, the Chair can appoint a District Board from another District to conduct the removal proceeding.”
O’Neil justified Sun’s removal and laid out the process under Democratic Party bylaws before concluding, “I have been very patient about this individual’s behavior. She has consistently displayed aggressive behavior. For the safety and security of those volunteering in LD 22, I hope you consider accepting the duty of reviewing the facts to remove her as a PC.”
This isn’t Sun’s first brush with controversy. She resigned from the state House in 2024 amid ethics complaints and has been the subject of several issues among Tolleson Democrats since winning her school board seat in 2024.
The attempt to remove Sun comes as LD22—a battleground district in the West Valley—gears up for 2026 midterms. As the October 27 meeting looms, LD22 Dems appear to be seeking replacements in the event of Sun’s removal.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
