Jevin Hodge is an American politician who served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives for the 8th district from February 2, 2024 until his resignation on March 19, 2024 amid allegations of sexual assault.[1][2][3]
In 2022, Hodge was the Democratic nominee for Arizona's 1st congressional district, challenging Congressman David Schweikert, but narrowly lost the general election.
Early life and education
Hodge was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy from George Washington University.[4]
Career
Prior to entering politics, Hodge was president of the Tempe Union High School Education Foundation and worked as the director of national engagement, partnerships, and innovation for consulting firm LINK Strategic Partners. He served as president and chairman of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center.[5]
In 2020, Hodge ran for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, but lost to Supervisor Jack Sellers. In 2022, Hodge was the Democratic nominee for Arizona's 1st congressional district to the United States House of Representatives, challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman David Schweikert. Hodge ultimately lost by less than one percentage point.[5][6]
In January 2024, following the resignation of State Representative Athena Salman, Hodge was placed in contention for appointment to the seat, and was ultimately selected by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.[7] He was sworn in on February 2, 2024.[5][8]
Sexual assault allegations
On March 18, 2024, The Arizona Republic reported that Hodge violated sexual violence and sexual misconduct policies while he was a student at George Washington University.[9] The allegations originate from one night in Washington D.C. in October 2015. According to the university's report, after a night out, a woman accompanied Hodge to his apartment, where he "grabbed her, pulled her hair as he pulled her towards the window of the room, and bent her over towards the window, while stating that he knew that (she) wanted to have sex in that manner."[10] Officials at the George Washington University investigated the woman's claims, found them credible, and suspended Hodge as a consequence.[11] Hodge released a statement on X, denying the allegations made against him and calling the incident a "consensual romantic encounter."[12]
On March 19, 2024, Hodge submitted his resignation to the Arizona House of Representatives after sexual violence findings from his time in college surfaced.[13] In a statement, Hodge continued to "unequivocally deny the allegations made against [him]."[14]
References
- ^ "Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge resigns after sexual violence findings from college days uncovered". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Staff, AZFamily Digital News (2024-03-19). "Newly-appointed Arizona lawmaker resigns after sexual misconduct allegations surface". azfamily.com. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ MacDonald-Evoy, Jerod (2024-03-19). "Tempe Democrat Jevin Hodge resigned after his past sexual misconduct was exposed". Arizona Mirror. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ "Jevin Hodge". Run For Something. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
- ^ a b c "Former congressional candidate Jevin Hodge appointed to vacated Arizona House seat". KTAR. January 31, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Democrat Jevin Hodge nearly ousted Rep. David Schweikert. What's next for him?". The Arizona Republic. February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Hahne, Greg (January 31, 2024). "Maricopa County Board of Supervisors pick Jevin Hodge to replace Rep. Athena Salman". KJZZ. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Jevin Hodge appointed to Arizona Legislature". Fox News. February 1, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Arizona lawmaker's sexual encounter in 2015 violated university conduct policies, records show". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
- ^ "Arizona lawmaker's sexual encounter in 2015 violated university conduct policies, records show". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
- ^ "Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge violated sexual misconduct policies as a student". KJZZ. 2024-03-18. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Hodge, Jevin (March 18, 2024). "From the Desk of Jevin D. Hodge". X.
- ^ "Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge resigns after sexual violence findings from college days uncovered". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Stone, Kevin (2024-03-19). "Jevin Hodge, appointed to Arizona House earlier this year, resigns". KTAR.com. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
