On Tuesday, former sheriff Joe Arpaio announced his Arizona Senate run, much to the dismay of many forward-thinking Americans. The last time Joe Arpaio was a household name was around 6 months ago when President Trump pardoned him.
Two months prior to the pardon, Arpaio had been convicted of criminal contempt for refusing a court order to stop racially profiling when looking for undocumented individuals to detain. Disregarding the charges, Trump pardoned him, demonstrating a rather prominent disregard for the justice system.
Arpaio, who had previously endorsed then-candidate Trump, was also a vocal supporter of the birthed movement, which suggested that former President Barrack Obama was not born in the United States. His history of racial discrimination and unfounded aggression towards people of color will likely follow him into the Senate if he gets elected.
Republican political commentator Ana Navarro voiced her concern and outrage over Arpaio’s Senate bid on Twitter, saying,“If you are a Latino, an African-American, or just a normal, decent, sane human being who rejects racial profiling and bigotry and are of voting age in Arizona, register to vote. Do it today. Ahora!”
Anna is far from alone in her sentiments, but she does stand out from her Republican colleagues. Of course, residents of Arizona will have the most impact in whether or not Arpaio is elected. Hopefully, they will reject the fear-mongering and bigotry that both Trump and Arpaio constantly fuel.