An Arizona state representative indicted on food stamp fraud charges does not plan to seek re-election. Rep. Cecilia Velasquez filed papers with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office on Friday to remove her name from the ballot.
Earlier this week, Velasquez was charged with three felony counts including unlawful use of food stamps.
Arizona House Minority Leader Eric Meyer has previously called for her resignation. He said she should resign and not wait until January.
“This is all a distraction from her being able to do her job and deal with the legal issues that she’s allegedly charged with. So, I think she needs to probably focus on those things and resign and not be distracted,” Meyers said.
Velasquez’s initial hearing is set for July 5.
Her office did not respond to a request for comment.
