VIRTUOUS

Report: ‘Leader of Virtue’ Arizona GOP Candidate Got Topless Photo From Female Staffer

Steve Montenegro, a minister, is running for Trent Franks’ vacant congressional seat.

A Republican congressional candidate who is billing himself as a “leader of virtue” in his bid to take over former Republican congressman Trent Franks’ vacant seat received a topless photo from a female legislative staffer, 12 News reports. Former Arizona state senator Steve Montenegro, a married minister, exchanged a series of messages with the unnamed staffer prior to the scandal that erupted last winter when Franks was accused of sexual misconduct. In one message reviewed by 12 News, Montenegro reportedly urged the woman to use Snapchat to ensure their exchange would be erased after she sent a topless selfie. After Franks announced his resignation last December, Montenegro reportedly sought assurances from the woman that word of the topless photo would not get out. He gave up his seat just a few days later and announced he would run for Franks’ spot in Congress. Montenegro, who was endorsed by Franks, former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), has yet to comment on the report.