A Democratic state representative in Arizona said he wanted to inflict violence on a female colleague in the state Senate because she sponsored legislation expanding the state’s school voucher program.

[dcquiz] “I wanted to punch her in the throat!” Rep. Jesus Rubalcava wrote on Facebook about state Sen. Debbie Lesko, whose legislation was signed into law last week by Gov. Doug Ducey.

“As a survivor of domestic violence from a previous marriage, Representative Rubalcava’s Facebook post saying ‘I wanted to punch her in the throat’ was very disturbing and totally inappropriate especially since he is an elementary school teacher and legislator,” Lesko said in a statement to the Arizona Republic. “I hope in the future that he debates issues based on their merit in a civil manner.”

Rubalcava has since deleted the post, although screenshots of it were captured by local news organizations. He later apologized on the House floor for the comment, citing the fact that he was raised by a single mom, according to the Republic.

“And so, my comment, was definitely unprofessional, and it was unacceptable,” he said. “And I want this body to know that I have apologized to Sen. Debbie Lesko for my comment, and I sincerely apologize, I want this body to know.”

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