RELEASE: U.S. Senator Mark Kelly Endorses Candidates in Battleground Legislative Districts
Arizona Democrats are just two seats away in each chamber from flipping the legislature
ARIZONA – Today, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly announced his endorsement of Democratic nominees in battleground legislative races, weighing in on legislative races for the first time. Arizona Democrats are two seats away in each chamber from securing a majority and delivering a Democratic trifecta for the first time since 1966. Senator Kelly, who won back-to-back statewide elections in 2020 and 2022, is endorsing candidates running in races that could tip the balance of power in the Arizona Legislature.
Endorsed candidates include:
Stephanie Simacek, LD2 House
Judy Schwiebert, LD2 Senate
Kelli Butler, LD4 House
Karen Gresham, LD4 House
Christine Marsh, LD4 Senate
Lorena Austin, LD9 House
Seth Blattman, LD9 House
Eva Burch, LD9 Senate
Nicholas Gonzales, LD13 House
Brandy Reese, LD13 House
Sharon Winters, LD13 Senate
Keith Seaman, LD16 House
Stacey Seaman, LD16 Senate
Kevin Volk, LD17 House
John McLean, LD17 Senate
Mariana Sandoval, LD23 House
Matias Rosales, LD23 House
Brian Fernandez, LD23 Senate
Deborah Howard, LD27 House
“There has never been more at stake in Arizona,” said ADLCC Board Chair Senator Priya Sundareshan. “For decades, Republicans in the legislature have undermined our public schools, neglected our long-term water supply, and chipped away at abortion access. Senator Kelly knows Arizonans deserve better than this, and he’s all in on supporting candidates up and down the ticket.”
“From abortion rights and strong public schools to addressing gun violence and supporting workers, there is so much at stake with our state legislature in November. These candidates can make the difference and give Governor Hobbs a legislature that will work together to move our state forward,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “I’m grateful these candidates stepped up to run and I know they will fight for working Arizonans.”