Release: Slate of Battleground Democratic Nominees Announced in Key Legislative Districts

Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee prioritizes target battleground legislative districts to achieve Democratic trifecta.

ARIZONA – Arizona is on the cusp of a Democratic trifecta, needing only two seats in each legislative chamber to achieve a Democratic majority for the first time in nearly 60 years. The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (ADLCC) is announcing its battleground nominees in eight key legislative districts, which will be integral to flipping the state legislature.

"The path to a better Arizona is on the line this November. Working with community partners, we’ve nominated a slate of candidates who will protect reproductive freedoms, ensure that our students get a quality public education, and work to place housing security within reach for Arizonans,” said ADLCC Chair Priya Sundareshan. “Simply put, Democrats are ready to deliver for Arizonans. For too long, Republicans in Arizona have led with extremism. Democrats are ready to fight back and create a future where all Arizonans can thrive.” 

The ADLCC will be focusing on over a dozen nominees across legislative districts spanning four counties:

LD 2: 

Stephanie Simacek is running for the House of Representatives. Simacek is a mom, teacher, volunteer, and Deer Valley Unified School District governing board member.

Judy Schwiebert is running for the State Senate and currently serves in the State House. Schwiebert was a teacher for nearly three decades and previously taught in the district she now represents. 

LD 4:

Christine Marsh is the incumbent State Senator and has taught for nearly four decades. In 2016, Marsh was named Arizona’s Teacher of the Year.

Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham are running for the House of Representatives. Butler grew up in Arizona and served three terms as a State Representative. Butler is a member of the Maricopa County Community College Board and a small business owner. Gresham is a third-generation Arizona native and has deep roots in the state. Gresham is President of the Madison Elementary School District's governing board. 

LD 9: 

Incumbent State Senator Eva Burch is a nurse practitioner and a fierce champion of reproductive freedom who made national headlines when she bravely shared her personal abortion story on the Senate floor.

Lorena Austin and Seth Blattman are the incumbent House Representatives. Austin is a fifth-generation Arizonan and a proud Mesa native. Austin understands the importance of housing affordability and has worked to create more affordable housing options. Blattman is a small business owner and fights for policies that look out for small businesses and working-class families. 

LD 13: 

Brandy Reese and Nicholas Gonzales seek to represent LD13 in the House of Representatives. Reese is a former peace officer, forensic scientist, and a lifelong education advocate. Gonzales grew up in Chandler and is an entrepreneur and community planner. 

Sharon Winters is running for the State Senate and is a former educator, small business owner, and author of children’s books. 

LD 16:

Representative Keith Seaman is the incumbent seeking re-election. Seaman served as an educator for 40 years and was Vice President of the Coolidge Unified District School Board.

Stacey Seaman, daughter of Representative Keith Seaman, is running for the State Senate and is an educator and advocate. Stacey grew up in rural Arizona and is a strong community advocate and was named an Exemplary Woman Leader for Pinal County. 

LD 17:

John McLean is running for the State Senate and is a third-generation Arizonan. A successful entrepreneur and businessman, McLean is a former CEO whose company brought nearly $1B of economic activity to southern Arizona. 

Kevin Volk is running for the House of Representatives and grew up in Southern Arizona. Volk is an education advocate, former teacher, and business owner. 

LD 23:

Matias Rosales is running for the House of Representatives and is a San Luis City Council member. Rosales is a real estate professional who has lived in a border community for over 20 years. 

Mariana Sandoval is running for re-election to the House of Representatives. Sandoval is a wife, mother, and community member who previously served on the Agua Fria Union High School Board. 

Brian Fernandez grew up in Yuma, Arizona, and is the incumbent seeking re-election to the State Senate.

LD 27:

Deborah Howard is running for the House of Representatives. Howard is a community activist, experienced professional, and breast cancer survivor.