The Arizona Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that a lower court acted properly when granting a bid to unseal records from the 2016 divorce of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and U.S. Senate candidate and current Congressman Ruben Gallego. A conservative online publication had sued for access.
The former couple argued that a Yavapai Superior Court judge exceeded his authority in granting a bid to unseal the records, but a three-judge panel said Thursday that the burden of proof was not met.
A campaign spokesperson for Democrat Ruben Gallego blames the lawsuit on Republican Kari Lake, his opponent in the U.S. Senate race. Lake is not a party to the suit but has criticized his lack of transparency with the divorce.
The Washington Free Beacon is seeking the records, arguing the public has the right to know about a candidate. Also, Mayor Gallego is seeking reelection.
It’s unclear if there will be an appeal.
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