Deborah Nardozzi selected to fill LD8 seat left by Jevin Hodge

Source: KTAR News
Author: Serena O'Sullivan

PHOENIX -- The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Deborah Nardozzi to represent Arizona Legislative District 8 on Wednesday.

Nardozzi, a business owner based in south Scottsdale, will fill the role left vacant by Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge in March.

Hodge resigned from the role on March 19 after sexual assault allegations from his time as a student at George Washington University nine years ago emerged.

A report from the Arizona Republic said the university gave him a disciplinary suspension after investigating a woman's allegations of unwelcome sexual contact in 2015. Hodge was 21 at the time.

Hodge issued a statement saying he had a romantic encounter with the accuser but said nothing improper happened.

Board members picked her from a list of three candidates submitted by LD-8 precinct committeemen. Candidates had to live in the district and be a member of the same party as Hodge, a Democrat.

"It is an honor to be chosen as the next representative for Arizona Legislative District 8," Nardozzi said in a statement. "I am committed to serving our community with integrity and an unwavering dedication to advocating for the needs of our constituents."

The district Nardozzi will represent stretches across a large portion of southeastern Maricopa County. The area includes Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

Nardozzi has owned a political consulting agency for 15 years. She also worked as the chair for the old Legislative District 24, which, due to redistricting, is now part of District 8.

She also previously worked as a campaign advisor and manager. In addition to that, Nardozzi also worked as an executive assistant for a law firm based out of Washington D.C.

She will serve the remainder of her term through Dec. 31. Her position will be on the ballot during the Nov. 5 general election.