By María Hernández
Ed Hermes. Photo Credit: Axios
Phoenix City Council candidate Ed Hermes wants voters to trust his judgment. But recent reporting raises troubling questions about his independence and consistency.
According to Axios, Hermes is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, a law firm with 13 registered city lobbyists and more than 260 clients. His firm represents interests that regularly intersect with city business, including legal disputes involving water policy and data centers.
Hermes says he’ll recuse himself when necessary. But District 4 needs a full-time advocate, not a councilmember who may have to sit out important decisions because of his employer’s business interests.
That is especially concerning as Phoenix confronts serious challenges involving water security, growth, and infrastructure. Residents deserve to know whose interests will come first.
His political record raises additional questions.
The Arizona Republic revealed that Hermes previously supported overturning Roe v. Wade and opposed abortion exceptions for rape and incest. Now he presents himself as a champion of reproductive freedom.
People can evolve, but such a significant reversal deserves more than campaign assurances.
These aren’t minor disagreements. They go directly to whether voters can trust Hermes to put his constituents ahead of professional obligations and political convenience.
District 4 deserves independent, consistent leadership. Before asking for our votes, Ed Hermes needs to provide some straight answers.
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