PHOENIX — A Green Party candidate for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District was arrested this week after investigators say he admitted to sending threatening messages to a Superior Court judge and to an attorney’s office.
Allegations, charges and bond
David Redkey, who had been running for the seat that covers much of Phoenix and parts of Glendale, was questioned by detectives on Sept. 19 and later arrested, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and court proceedings. Prosecutors said Redkey acknowledged making the threats during the interview.
"We have the defendant making direct threats to the victims— sending emails, threatening emails, talking about guns. A gun which was never recovered Your Honor. That's a great concern for the state,"
The prosecutor told the court there were multiple victims, including a judge, an attorney and, by extension, their children and others in public service. Redkey faces several criminal counts as listed at his initial hearing.
| Allegation/Charge | Detail |
|---|---|
| Computer tampering | Accused use of electronic means to target victims |
| Threatening or intimidating | Direct threats to a judge and an attorney |
| Using electronic communication to intimidate, threaten or harass | Alleged threatening emails and messages |
| Bond | $150,000 set by the judge |
Context and campaign status
Redkey had been listed as a Green Party candidate for the 3rd Congressional District. The Arizona Green Party’s website currently shows his candidacy as "actively opposed" under its endorsement rating, according to party information shared publicly.
At his court appearance, prosecutors described concerning language and references to weapons in the electronic messages, and told the judge no firearm had been recovered. The state emphasized the risk posed by the communications to the identified victims and to those serving in public roles.
What authorities say and next steps
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office provided the details about the questioning and subsequent arrest. Court records show the initial arraignment included the charges noted above and the bond amount. The case will move forward through the criminal justice system where Redkey will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.
- Date questioned: Sept. 19
- Charges announced: computer tampering; threatening or intimidating; using electronic communications to intimidate, threaten or harass
- Bond: $150,000
The arrest raises questions both about campaign conduct and the safety of court personnel. Threats against judges and attorneys have drawn heightened scrutiny nationwide as officials seek to protect those who serve in the justice system.
Political and public-safety implications
Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District includes much of Phoenix and a small portion of Glendale. A criminal case involving a candidate can affect ballot access, party messaging and voter perceptions. It also places law enforcement and courts at the center of a politically charged situation, requiring careful management to preserve both public safety and the defendant’s legal rights.
Local voters and party officials may now face decisions about endorsements and campaign support as the legal matter proceeds. The Arizona Green Party’s public listing that labels the candidacy as opposed reflects at least some formal party distancing.
What we know and what remains open
Available information to date comes from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, statements at Redkey’s court appearance and the Arizona Green Party’s website. Prosecutors described the emails and mentioned references to firearms, though authorities said no weapon has been recovered.
Redkey’s legal team or campaign did not provide a statement at the time of reporting. The court process will determine whether the state can prove the allegations and what penalties, if any, may follow upon conviction.
As the matter unfolds, the case will be monitored for filings, any additional charges, and scheduling of future hearings. Voters in the district and observers of Arizona politics will be watching how the legal proceedings interact with the remaining campaign calendar.
Gabriela Montoya is a state correspondent for WE NEWS.
