Tom Horne denounces controversial attack ad targeting Kimberly Yee | FOX 10 Talks

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne appeared on FOX 10 Talks to strongly denounce a controversial independent attack ad targeting State Treasurer Kimberly Yee. Horne called the out-of-state ad shocking and abhorrent due to its appeals to ethnic prejudice against Asian Americans. He emphasized that federal campaign laws prohibit his campaign from coordinating with or directly contacting the California organization responsible for releasing the advertisement. During the interview, Horne also addressed ongoing political disagreements with Yee regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He claimed to possess documentation from an association website proving Yee served on a committee related to these initiatives for four years, countering her public denials. Horne stated his lifelong opposition to these programs is rooted in his belief in individual merit rather than treating people based on race. Additionally, Horne discussed his efforts regarding school safety across the state, noting that his department increased the number of police officers on school campuses from 117 to almost 500 over the last three years. He emphasized that providing resource officers is a top priority to protect students, teachers, and staff.