JoAnna Mendoza, a Marine Corps veteran and Democratic candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, has drawn attention after her official campaign Instagram account reportedly followed multiple accounts belonging to OnlyFans models and self-described witches. According to a report first by the New York Post and cited by Fox News on July 16, 2026, Mendoza's account followed 12 accounts that regularly posted sexually explicit content, including images of sex toys.

Additionally, the Instagram account was found to follow accounts run by individuals who identify as witches and promised to instruct followers on witchcraft. This social media activity has introduced an unusual culture-war element into one of the nation’s most competitive House races, where Republicans are defending a seat that could influence control of Congress in the 2026 elections.

Mendoza has previously expressed support for decriminalizing sex work, stating in 2020 to an Arizona LGBT group that she would advocate for this to help "trans folks, especially trans women of color," citing pervasive discrimination in the formal employment sector.

The race pits Mendoza against Republican Juan Ciscomani and has attracted scrutiny amid broader debates over the Democratic Party's ideological direction.

Separately, the report notes that former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid passed away on December 28, 2021, after battling pancreatic cancer.

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