Republican political candidate loses support after throwing tarantula down stairs

EDINA, Minn. (WKRC) - A Republican candidate for county commissioner publicly lost support from the GOP after throwing her housemate's tarantula down the stairs, according to multiple reports.

Marisa Simonetti is running for Hennepin County Commissioner, but has had her public support from the GOP rescinded after she was charged with assault following a disagreement with a housemate.

Simonetti claims she rented space in her home to an attorney, Jackie Vasquez, while she studied for the Bar Exam. Simonetti lived on the upper floor and Vasquez on the lower, but within weeks everything fell apart.

Vasquez apparently started complaining about a "spider infestation," and Simonetti quickly became annoyed when she said Vasquez continued to complain. After Simonetti had enough, she told Vasquez to leave, but the attorney refused. Simonetti claims that Vasquez then began sending her harassing messages.

Vasquez started recording on her phone, at which point Simonetti was playing loud Christian music over her speakers, banging pots and pans together, and screaming. Simonetti then threw a bunch of items down the stairs, including a tarantula.

Vasquez claims she was not squatting in Simonetti's home, and had paid $1,500. Simonetti confirmed the payment and danced around the question when asked who owned the home.

On Friday, Randy Sutter, Chair of the 3rd Congressional District Republicans, released a statement:

"In a consultation with our Nominating Committee, I am announcing that the 3rd Congressional District Republicans do not endorse or recommend Marisa Simonetti for any elected office in this district. Simonetti does not reflect our values. In her representation of herself as a Republican, she has only served to embarrass the Republican Party."

They finalized their position by saying:

"In light of the recent arrest of Marisa Simonetti for domestic assault, coupled with significant other information about her that has come to our attention after our meeting, the 3rd Congressional District Nominating Committee is withdrawing its previous recommendation of her candidacy for the Special Election for Hennepin County Commissioner."

Simonetti responded on X, saying, "The @GOP @GOPMNCD3 is not interested in winning candidates who have the kahunas to create real change. They are interested in grifting and wasting time."

Marisa Simonetti's X profile bio now coyly states, "Tarantula Tossing Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner D6," accompanied by a spider emoji. Simonetti will still run for County Commissioner despite the event.

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