Kate Gallego team fires back: Challenger for Phoenix mayor broke campaign sign rules
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego's campaign is pointing the finger back at her opponent a day after he accused her of breaking political sign rules by posting them too soon.
"While our opponent put his campaign signs — which lack basic legal requirements — up in June, some of ours were put up very recently within two months of when voting will begin," Kevin Kirchmeier, Gallego's campaign manager, said.
Kirchmeier was referring to two signs: a large Black sign with red text reading, "REPUBLICAN FOR MAYOR! SIGN MATT'S PETITION," and a smaller black-and-white sign reading, "STOP KATE GALLEGO. SIGN MATT'S PETITION!"
The signs direct readers to Matt Evans' campaign website but do not disclose the telephone number of the candidate or the campaign committee contact, which city rules require for political signs.
Evans, who posted two photos with his signs in June on social media, acknowledged on Tuesday the signs were his, but denied any wrongdoing.
He said the larger sign was placed on his father's private property along 44th Street, and he said he didn't know who placed the smaller sign in a city right of way. City staff notified him of it and took the sign down within 24 hours, Evans said.
City rules do not restrict when political signs can be posted on private property. Candidates must only secure the property owner's permission.
The Arizona Republic could not independently verify whether Evans' larger sign was placed in a right of way or private property. He said he took it down because it asked residents to sign his petition to help him qualify for the ballot, after the deadline had passed. Evans was certified to the ballot on July 18.
City officials did not immediately respond to questions.
Evans also acknowledged he did not disclose a campaign contact on the political signs but said he didn't believe it was required because the signs were intended for private property.
"If it's a sign on private property, it's protected under free speech and doesn't necessarily fall within those guidelines," Evans said.
On Monday, The Republic reported that Gallego's campaign posted the mayor's campaign signs over the weekend, violating city guidelines that say candidates must wait until Aug. 26.
Kirchmeier did not answer why the mayor's campaign posted her signs before Aug. 26, nor did he elaborate.
The city's interpretation has been the 71-day-rule applies to the Nov. 5 election, making the deadline Aug. 26. The candidate packet clearly states the date.
Phoenix City Council races don't have primaries, only an election in November and a runoff contest in March, if needed.
Spats over political signs are a hallmark of election season. Candidates, their campaigns and passionate residents often accuse each other of violations to penalize their opponents.
The controversies typically favor incumbents who have the upper hand of experience and familiarity with the rules.
The Nov. 5, 2024, general election will be Gallego's fourth run for Phoenix mayor. She first ran in a 2018 special election, then a 2019 runoff. She ran for her first full term in 2020.
Evans ran for Phoenix City Council District 2 in 2022 unsuccessfully. This is his first run for mayor.
Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at [email protected] or by phone at 480-476-6116.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kate Gallego team accuses opponent of breaking campaign rules