LIVE BLOG: As-It-Happens Updates on Arizona’s Tightest Legislative Races

The dome of the Arizona Capitol building is illuminated in blue as buildings and structures around the state are lit in blue as a symbol of support for Arizona's frontline medical workers and emergency responders battling the coronavirus Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

By Camaron Stevenson

October 15, 2020

The outcome of races in LD6, LD17, LD20, LD21, and LD28 could end the Republican trifecta over Arizona’s state government.

The Republican advantage in Arizona’s state legislature has slowly diminished over the past several years, with a Democratic majority in sight for the first time in over two decades. 

Five legislative districts, in particular, have been the recipients of national attention and major campaign contributions. At The Copper Courier, we’ve covered these races extensively and will continue to offer daily insights regarding voter turnout in LD6, LD17, LD20, LD21, and LD28.

The data below will be updated based on information from the Arizona Secretary of State.

Legislative District 6

Senate

CandidateVotesPercent
Wendy Rogers (REP)66,60054.61%
Felicia French (DEM)55,34745.39%

House

CandidateVotesPercent
Walt Blackman (REP)58,70428.88%
Brenda Barton (REP)53,46126.3%
Coral Evans (DEM)51,54325.35%
Art Babbott (IND)39,58419.47%

Four candidates with vastly different backgrounds seek to fill two state House seats representing Legislative District 6: Democratic Mayor of Flagstaff Coral Evans, Independent Coconino Board of Supervisor Art Babbott, former Republican legislator Brenda Barton, Rep. Walt Blackman (R-Snowflake).

The incumbent for the LD6 state Senate lost their primary to Republican challenger Wendy Rogers. Rogers is running against Democratic nominee Felicia French.

Legislative District 17

Senate

CandidateVotesPercent
J.D. Mesnard (REP)67,17852.48%
A.J. Kurdoglu (DEM)60,82047.52%

House

CandidateVotesPercent
Jennifer Pawlik (DEM)64,60633.78%
Jeff Weninger (REP)63,86733.39%
Liz Harris (REP)62,79032.83%

Both state House members representing Legislative District 17 are running for reelection: Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) and Rep. Jennifer Pawlik (D-Chandler). Republican Liz Harris is also running to fill one of the two seats in the state House.

In the state Senate, incumbent J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) is facing a challenge from Democratic nominee Ajlan Kurdoglu

Legislative District 20

Senate

CandidateVotesPercent
Paul Boyer (REP)52,11052.3%
Douglas Ervin (DEM)47,52647.7%

House

CandidateVotesPercent
Judy Schwiebert (DEM)50,09334.46%
Shawnna Bolick (REP)48,72333.52%
Anthony Kern (REP)46,54532.02%

In LD20, Judy Schweibert is seeking to upset the Republican stronghold on her district. Schwiebert, a teacher who supports increased funding for Arizona’s education system, is running against incumbents Rep. Shawnna Bolick (R-Phoenix) and Anthony Kern (R-Phoenix).

In the state Senate, Democratic nominee Douglas Ervin is running to unseat Republican Incumbent Paul Boyer.

Legislative District 21

Senate

CandidateVotesPercent
Rick Gray75,024100%

House

CandidateVotesPercent
Beverly Pingerelli (REP)57,19635.61%
Kevin Payne (REP)82,86332.91%
Kathy Knecht (DEM)50,57331.48%

Republican Kevin Payne is seeking to retain his seat in the state House, and looking to join him is fellow Republican Beverly Pingerelli. Kathy Knecht is the sole Democratic nominee seeking to represent LD20 in the House.

Sen. Rick Gary (R-Sun City) is running for reelection unopposed.

Legislative District 28

Senate

CandidateVotesPercent
Christine Marsh (DEM)59,74350.26%
Kate Brophy-McGee (REP)59,12149.74%

House

CandidateVotesPercent
Kelli Butler (DEM)60,32127.61%
Aaron Lieberman (DEM)57,23026.19%
Jana Jackson (REP)52,22323.9%
Ken Bowers, Jr.48,72122.3%

Both state House members representing Legislative District 28 are running for reelection: Rep. Kelli Butler (D-Chandler) and Rep. Aaron Lieberman (D-Phoenix). Republicans Kenneth Bowers and Jana Jackson are seeking to unseat both Democratic opponents.

Democratic nominee Christine Marsh is hoping to unseat Sen. Katy Brophy McGee (R-Phoenix) in the state Senate. Marsh came within striking distance of defeating Brophy McGee in 2018, losing by only 267 votes.

RELATED: The Copper Courier’s Guide to Voting in Arizona in 2020

Author

  • Camaron Stevenson

    Camaron is the Founding Editor and Chief Political Correspondent for The Copper Courier, and has worked as a journalist in Phoenix for over a decade. He also teaches multimedia journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

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