Coming In From The Cold: The unlikely resurrection of Steve Montenegro

Phoenix, Arizona: Representative Steve Montenegro has been elected as the new Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, marking a return to the political spotlight for the conservative lawmaker.

Montenegro, who is a well-known supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, secured the position in a vote among House Republicans on Tuesday. In a statement, Montenegro expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging to lead with integrity and conservative values.

However, Montenegro’s leadership is not without controversy. In 2018, he was embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of exchanging inappropriate text messages with a legislative staffer while he served as a state senator.

The allegations surfaced during his campaign for a seat in the US House of Representatives, leading to significant backlash and calls from conservative leaders for him to drop out of the race. Montenegro ultimately finished third in the Republican primary, and the incident temporarily derailed his political ambitions.

Critics of Montenegro’s election as House Speaker argue that the scandal raises ethical concerns. Tom Ryan, a Chandler attorney who represented the staffer involved in the 2018 case, publicly questioned Montenegro’s moral qualifications, calling his conduct “morally and ethically disqualifying".

Despite the controversy, Montenegro was never charged with any crime in relation to the allegations, and he has since worked to re-establish his political career. His supporters point to his strong conservative values and dedication to his constituents as evidence of his capability to lead Arizona’s House of Representatives.

The upcoming legislative session, set to begin on January 13, will be Montenegro’s first as Speaker.