FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A judge has dismissed an injunction Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers filed against a local political reporter who was attempting to ask her questions about her residences.
Sen. Rogers filed for the restraining order in late April after Arizona Capitol Times reporter Camryn Sanchez visited two of Rogers' Valley-area homes. Sanchez had been at the homes gathering facts for a story relating to the Rogers' residency in the 7th legislative district which she represents, the Arizona Republic previously reported.
The restraining order sparked complaints from several news media organizations and local reporters, claiming that such an order violates First Amendment rights and damages press freedoms.
Flagstaff Justice of the Peace Howard Grodman agreed that the investigative reporting Sanchez was attempting to conduct serves a "legitimate purpose" and is protected by the First Amendment.
Grodman dismissed the injunction against Sanchez at the end of Wednesday's lengthy court hearing.
Both Rogers and Sanchez delivered testimony before Grodman delivered his ruling.
Sen. Wendy Rogers, who has repeatedly refuted the results of Arizona's 2020 presidential election, was censured by her Republican colleagues in 2022 for threatening comments that called for the execution of her political adversaries.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Arizona Politics
Get the latest Arizona political news on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.