Press Release: What to Know About Republicans in LDs 16, 17, 23
Spoiler alert: Scandal-ridden, far-right legislative incumbents in battleground districts seek party’s nominations
ARIZONA – As we approach Arizona’s July 30th Primary Election, we’re highlighting some of the most extreme positions of the Republican candidates in LD’s 16, 17, and 23.
First up is LD 16, a district decided by less than 1 percent of votes in 2022, where five Republicans are vying for a chance to face Democratic incumbent Rep. Keith Seaman in the House and Stacey Seaman in the Senate this November.
LD 16
Teresa Martinez, House
Defended the near-total 1864 abortion ban.
Chris Lopez, House
Abortion extremist, stated that he will “always fight to protect the unborn.”
As a businessman, advocated for expanded immigration. Now, as a candidate for state house, changed his tune and hopped on the bandwagon to campaign on restricting immigration.
Robert Hudelson, House
Tried to ban non-Christian prayer while serving on the Coolidge City Council.
Compared COVID mask mandates to the Holocaust.
Shared an article that called for women who voluntarily get abortions be prosecuted for murder.
Said gay marriage should be illegal.
Gabby Mercer, House
Said, of Middle Eastern and Chinese people, “Those people, their only goal in life is to, to cause harm to the United States. So why do we want them here, either legally or illegally?”
T.J. Shope, Senate
Co-sponsored four separate anti-abortion bills during his 12 years in the legislature.
Backtracked on his lifelong anti-abortion record to vote for the repeal of the 1864 abortion ban in an effort to save his political future.
In LD 17, decided by 2.4 percent of votes last election, incumbent Sen. Justine Wadsack is in a rematch against former Senator Vince Leach. The Republican nominee will face Democratic Senate candidate John McLean in the General Election. In the House, Democrat Kevin Volk is facing Republican incumbents Rachel Jones and Cory McGarr. Here’s what voters should know:
LD 17
Justine Wadsack, Senate
Said life begins at conception and voted to uphold the 1864 near-total abortion ban.
Claimed “political persecution” after being pulled over for driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Spread conspiracy theories including the “Great Replacement” theory, that 9/11 was an inside job, and that the AZ Department of Education was overseeing an online website that “secretly connects children to sick-minded adults.”
Vince Leach, Senate
Voted eight separate times to restrict abortion during his time at the legislature.
Was rejected by his own party in 2022, after allegedly attempting to manipulate the redistricting process to draw himself into a safe district.
Cory McGarr, House
Introduced a bill to remove Biden from the ballot if Trump were removed.
Celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, voted to uphold the 1864 ban, and pledged to enact "strong laws to protect the preborn beginning at conception.”
Spreads conspiracy theories including:
Vaccines don't work.
January 6th was “a hoax and a fraud.”
Rachel Jones, House
Denies that Gov. Hobbs won the 2022 election, turning her back on the Governor during a joint-session address before walking out of the chamber.
Introduced legislation to eliminate voting centers, early voting, and vote-by-mail.
Lastly, here is what to know about House Republican incumbent Michele Peña in LD 23:
LD 23
Michele Peña, House
Was censured and declared unfit to serve by her own party.
Defended the near-total 1864 abortion ban, in lockstep with the most extreme wing of her party.
Referred to the Attorney General’s office for 13 cases of glaring candidate petition signature fraud.
Democrats are only two seats away in both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate from flipping control of the legislature for the first time in 60 years. Democrats are ready to combat Republican extremism and provide serious leadership for Arizonans.