NEW: Republican Vince Leach says He’s “Not Part of the Moderate Wing of the Party”

Arizona state senate race heats up in Legislative District 17, a tipping point for Democrats’ plan to gain control of the legislature for the first time since 1966

Phoenix, Ariz. – In a recent Politico article, scandal-ridden Republican LD17 candidate Vince Leach reiterated his support for Trump and said he’s "not part of the moderate wing of the party.” After inching out a win in the Primary, Leach will face Democrat nominee John McLean in the November 5 election. 

Leach is a former politician who faced a handful of controversies during his time as a lawmaker, most notably: 

• Attended a "Stop the Steal" rally in 2020.

• Took a photo and meeting with disbarred and bankrupt Rudy Giuliani for a hearing on "election fraud."

• Introduced legislation to prevent conversion therapy bans, a practice that has been discredited by major mental health organizations.

• Called drag performers “disgusting.”

• Abused his authority and influence to attempt to draw himself into a safe district during the redistricting process.

• Voted eight separate times to restrict abortion.

• Advocated for anti-trans, exclusionary policies.

• Voted to shortchange funding for Arizona's public school.

Legislative Republicans won by a narrow margin in the 2022 election. This year, Democrats are targeting statewide legislative districts and are poised to gain the legislative majority for the first time in nearly six decades.