Arizona lawmaker reportedly linked to influencer whose group her committee is investigating

Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari has reportedly been linked romantically to political commentator Jack Cocchiarella, who is 10 years younger. The reported relationship has drawn attention because Ansari sits on a House committee investigating Chorus, an influencer programme Cocchiarella co-founded.

Neither has publicly confirmed the relationship. Chorus said Cocchiarella stepped down from its Creator Council after reports emerged, to avoid distraction; it said the relationship raised no conflict concerns. The committee subpoenaed documents about Chorus in May, amid claims the programme paid influencers up to $8,000 a month to promote Democratic talking points. Cocchiarella has denied past sexual assault allegations, which led to a civil lawsuit.