By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Republican Party has asked Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to investigate whether Democratic legislative candidate and former Scottsdale Councilwoman Tammy Caputi misrepresented her residence in voter registration and candidate filings.
AZGOP Chairman Sergio Arellano alleged that Caputi used a Scottsdale condominium address to establish residency in Legislative District 4 without actually living there. The party requested an investigation into possible election law violations, forgery, and perjury.
“These allegations warrant a thorough investigation. I have asked County Attorney Mitchell to review the evidence and determine whether any laws were violated,” Arellano said. “I have confidence that her office will take these concerns seriously and ensure that Arizona’s election laws are enforced.”
The party’s announcement describes a request for an investigation but does not indicate that prosecutors have decided to file charges or opened an investigation.
Caputi has previously defended her residency. In statements reported by KJZZ, she said she moved into the condominium in July 2025 and has lived there since. She described the owner as a longtime friend who offered her an opportunity to rent during changing family circumstances.
“I understand that running for public office comes with scrutiny, and I welcome legitimate questions about my residency,” Caputi said. She also asked that her family’s circumstances remain private and criticized Republicans for using them politically.
The Arizona Republic reported that photographs it obtained showed the condominium with little furniture and few indications of occupancy. The party also questioned whether utility accounts were in Caputi’s name.
Arellano contended that the circumstances warranted scrutiny of the residence Caputi reported on official documents.
KJZZ reported that the condominium belongs to Nestor and Suzanne Guzman, who each contributed $5,500 to Caputi’s campaign. The outlet said the property’s sale listing was removed Oct. 2, the day the Republic published its reporting.
KJZZ also reported that Caputi still owns the north Scottsdale home she listed during her 2024 City Council campaign. That property falls within Legislative District 3.
Arizona’s voter qualification statute, defines residency as actual physical presence combined with an intent to remain. For a political subdivision, the physical presence must be within that subdivision. The statute also provides that a temporary absence does not end residency when the person intends to return and that an individual has only one residence for election law purposes.
Under A.R.S. § 16-311, candidates for state legislative office must be qualified electors and reside in the district they seek to represent when filing. Nomination papers must provide the candidate’s actual residence address, subject to specified exceptions.
Caputi and Democrat Karen Gresham are challenging Republican Reps. Matt Gress and Pamela Carter for the district’s two House seats.
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.
