IN FOCUS - Aug. 2, 2024
Updated: Aug 2
The sprint is on to Nov. 5.
Almost every competitive Primary has been settled as Maricopa and other counties finish tabulating remaining ballots.
Here’s where races in Battleground Arizona and bellwether Maricopa County stand with 95 days until the General Election:
Federal
CD-1:
Door-knocking works. Former legislator Amish Shah overcame a significant spending disadvantage with retail politics to sew up the Democratic nomination. He now prepares to face GOP Congressman David Schweikert in what should be one of Arizona’s hardest-fought congressional contests.
CD-3:
This is one of the only races still pending as fewer than 500 votes (as of 6 p.m. Friday) separate Democrats Yassamin Ansari and Raquel Terán. If this race narrows any further, we’re headed to a recount.
Legislative Races
Senate
LD-2:
This swing district race in Northwest Phoenix may well determine control of the Arizona Senate. On Tuesday, Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R) fended off a spirited Primary from MAGA acolyte Josh Barnett, and now will face Democratic Rep. Judy Schwiebert and her massive campaign warchest.
Maricopa County Races
County Board of Supervisors
Out of the two incumbents who faced Primary challenges, only GOP Supervisor Thomas Galvin prevailed. All 5 seats are now at-stake, but of particular interest are the open seats in District 1 (Joel Navarro-D vs. Stewart-R); District 3 (Danny Valenzuela-D vs. Kate Brophy-McGee-R); and District 4 (David Sandoval-D vs. Debbie Lesko-R)
County Recorder
County Recorder Stephen Richer fell to GOP Rep. Justin Heap in the Primary, setting up a November contest between the Freedom Caucus candidate and Democrat Tim Stringham. Expect this local race to generate outsized interest as the administration of Maricopa County elections can have national ramifications.
County Sheriff
Sheriff Russ Skinner, we barely knew ya! The recently-appointed Skinner was knocked off Tuesday in the Democratic Primary byTyler Kamp. He’ll next face Republican Jerry Sheridan, a 40-year veteran of MCSO.
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