Former lawmaker Justine Wadsack is in hot water with a federal judge after she failed to show up for a court date in the lawsuit she filed against the city of Tucson.
Wadsack, a former state senator, filed a civil-rights lawsuit against the city and its Police Department over allegations a speeding ticket she received was politically motivated, though Tucson police maintains Wadsack was stopped for driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Wadsack’s attorney recently asked the court to let him withdraw from the case, and the parties were scheduled to appear before Judge Jennifer Zipps in Tucson on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
But Wadsack didn’t show up, even though her attorney told the court she was aware of the hearing.
“Mr. Fischbach advises Plaintiff was made aware of this hearing by email on August 4 and that no further communications have been made,” according to court records.
Joseph Williams, an attorney representing the city, asked Zipps to sanction Wadsack, hold her in contempt and dismiss the case.
According to court records, Zipps plans to issue an order requiring Wadsack to explain why the court should not hold her in contempt and dismiss the case.
In a statement from her attorney, Wadsack cited personal reasons for missing the court date.
“On behalf of Ms. Wadsack, she is going through a tough time in her personal life and she certainly meant no disrespect towards the court,” according to the statement provided by attorney Caitlin Fitz‑Maurice with the WIlenchik & Bartness law firm, the same firm seeking to withdraw from the case.
The Tucson Sentinel reported that, on the same day as the hearing, Wadsack posted on social media that she attended a political event featuring Charlie Kirk, founder of the right-wing political group Turning Point USA.
Zipps had already delayed the hearing several times at Wadsack’s request.
The initial motion to delay the hearing filed on July 28 stated that Wadsack’s daughter “had been hospitalized with a catastrophic injury on or about July 27, 2025” and was in intensive care in a Valley hospital.
Wadsack is seeking more than $8 million in damages, arguing the police department targeted her as she sought re-election in a Tucson-area legislative district last year. She lost in the Republican primary to Sen. Vince Leach.
Attorneys for the city have called the lawsuit a “political charade.”
