AZ-LA02: Republicans hope to thwart Democrats' plans for a majority by reclaiming a north Phoenix seat

The winners of a north Phoenix district could determine which party takes control of the legislature next year, and a slate of newcomers from across the political spectrum are competing to fill two seats in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Legislative District 2 is one of a handful of swing districts that have become focal points in the battle between Republicans and Democrats to secure a majority in the Arizona legislature. That’s because, unlike in nearly every other district, where one party dominates the voting population, the political makeup of LD2 isn’t so clear cut. The number of voters registered as unaffiliated is almost equal to the number of registered Republicans — 46,830 to 48,211 — and Democrats number 36,779, marking the district as one of the most competitive in the entire state.

While the district leans conservative, and the area has a long tradition of electing Republicans, GOP wins haven’t been assured in recent elections, which have seen close races, and, since 2020, split representation. The district’s elected Democratic representative, Judy Schwiebert, is now running for the district’s Senate seat, while Republican incumbent Rep. Justin Wilmeth is seeking reelection.

This year, Democrats are hoping to capture a legislative majority and topple the nearly 60-year-long Republican hold on the Arizona House of Representatives. Political newcomer Stephanie Simacek hopes to preserve control of one of the seats in the district.


https://azmirror.com/2024/11/02/republicans-hope-to-thwart-democrats-plans-for-a-majority-by-reclaiming-a-north-phoenix-seat/