The photos of a woman said to be Mendoza were posted on social media Oct. 17. It's not clear when they were taken or if they are definitely of her.
Two photographs released on social media claim to show Mary Ann Mendoza, a Republican candidate for the Arizona Legislature, at a party dressed in a brash"Aunt Jemima" costume with blackface.Mendoza hasn't confirmed or denied the images are her since a left-wing news outlet published the photos and an article about them on Friday. She didn't return a text on Friday or a phone message on Saturday.
Democratic candidate Lorena Austin said in a statement emailed to the news media on Saturday that the"hate-filled" incident"wholeheartedly disqualifies Mendoza" from running. Austin also released a statement with her running mate, Seth Blattman, saying"this trend makes Ms. Mendoza unfit to become a legislator," though they did not elaborate. They seemed to hedge on whether the photos are of Mendoza, saying she should withdraw from the race"if these photos are what they appear to be."