While Democrat Katie Hobbs eked out a razor thin victory last year over Republican Kari Lake in Arizona’s gubernatorial race, the state House of Representatives remained in GOP hands. 

Yet in what may be seen as an act of political payback, Republican lawmakers expelled one of their own this week. 

Legislator accused of harming "the institutional integrity of the House"

According to Phoenix’s 12 News, now-former Republican Rep. Liz Harris was kicked out of the legislature on Wednesday by a vote of 46 to 13 for "disorderly behavior."

At issue was Harris’ decision to have Jacqueline Breger speak at the Capitol in February, something critics say damaged "the institutional integrity of the House." Twelve News political reporter Michael Doudna tweeted out footage showing Harris' departure.

Here is the full video of Liz Harris leaving the state house after her fellow members voted to expel her. pic.twitter.com/GhRi4jzzMb

— Michael Doudna (@MichaelDoudna) April 12, 2023

Breger gave a presentation in which she insisted that various Republican and Democratic figures are laundering money in Arizona on behalf of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Drug Cartel.

Breger and Harris both say 2022 vote was tainted by fraud

She went on to assert that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been "integral to the laundering activities."

Breger alleged that these money laundering activities were being carried out via a series of fraudulent mortgage applications. Breger also denies that the 2022 election results were legitimate, a position with which Harris agrees. 

For her part, Harris issued a statement on Instagram shortly this past November in which she pledged not to vote on any bills until the 2022 election is redone.

"I will now be withholding my vote on any bills in this session without this new election in protest to what is clearly a potentially fraudulent election," she posted on November 17.

House speaker condemns Harris for promoting "disgraceful fringe theater"

However, 12 News pointed out that the freshman lawmaker nevertheless cast 100 votes prior to her expulsion this week. 

Twelve News noted that House Speaker Ben Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen each voiced condemnation of Breger's remarks, with both lashing out at Harris. 

“What should have been a joint hearing to examine commonsense election reforms devolved into disgraceful fringe theater," Toma was quoted as saying in a statement released on Monday. 

"I’m not alone in believing that it was irresponsible and bad judgment for Ms. Harris to invite a person to present unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations in a legislative forum," he went on to add.