Incumbents Dominate Southern Az Primary Election Results

Voters cast their ballots on Tuesday in a series of closely watched primaries across Southern Arizona, deciding key races ranging from U.S. Senate to Pima County positions.

The latest results have begun trickling in, with early ballots counted and Election Day votes still being tabulated in Pima County and beyond. Additional ballots, especially mail-in votes still undergoing signature verification, will be processed in the coming days.

Federal Races

In the U.S. House of Representatives primary, incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani secured 52% of the vote, placing him ahead of Republican challenger Kathleen Winn. Ciscomani previously beat Winn in a 2022 primary. The winner will face Democrat Kirsten Engel, a top DC target, who narrowly lost to Ciscomani last year.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva is set for a general election battle against Republican Daniel Butierrez, with no primary challengers for either candidate.

In the GOP Senate primary, former newscaster Kari Lake leads with 53% over Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who has 41%. If Lake maintains this lead, she will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego. Arturo Hernandez trails with 36% against Michael Norton’s 63% in the Green Party primary.

Pima County Races

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover leads with 67% over Mike Jette. No other candidates filed for the general election, making the primary decisive. Conover faced criticism from Jette regarding alleged managerial issues under her leadership.

In the Pima County Sheriff race, Democrat Chris Nanos leads Sandy Rosenthal with 61%. On the Republican side, Heather Lappin has 45%, ahead of Bill Phillips (40%) and Terry Frederick (15%).

Jen Allen is leading with 55% for the District 3 seat on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, with endorsements including Rep. Raul Grijalva and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. This race will face Republican Janet Wittenbraker and independent candidate Iman-Uptopia Layjou in November.

In District 2, John D. Backer leads the GOP primary with 61% against Beatrice Cory Stephens. He will face Democratic incumbent Matt Heinz.

Incumbent Democratic Supervisor Rex Scott has a lead of 67% against challenger Jake Martin in District 1. Scott will contest Republican Steve Spain in the general election.

In the race for Pima County Treasurer, Democrat Sami Hamed trails Brian Johnson with 38%. The winner will face incumbent Treasurer Chris Ackerley, a Republican.

Incumbent Justices Charlene Pesquiera (Precinct 4) and Kendrick A. Wilson (Precinct 9) are leading their primaries. In Precinct 9’s constable race, write-in candidates Gerard Acuña and John Escobedo vie for the November ballot, following George Camacho’s disqualification.

Statehouse Races

Senator Justine Wadsack trails Vince Leach in the GOP primary for Legislative District 17. Wadsack’s controversial first term and recent legal troubles could affect her campaign. The winner faces Democrat John McLean in November.

In the Republican primary for Legislative District 17’s two House seats, incumbents Cory McGarr and Rachel Jones are ahead of Anna Orth. Democrat Kevin Volk will challenge them in the general election.

Incumbent Rep. Consuelo Hernandez and challenger Briana “Breezy” Ortega lead the race in Legislative District 21, with Stephanie Stahl Hamilton in third. The general election will contest Republican Christopher Kibbey.

In District 16’s GOP primary, Teresa Martinez and Chris Lopez are leading for the House seats. Democrat Keith Seaman awaits the victors in the general election.

In District 23, Democratic incumbent Rep. Mariana Sandoval leads with 49%, with Matias Rosales in second and James “Jimmy” Holmes trailing. The two winners face Republican Michele Peña.

Local Town Races

In Marana’s Town Council race, incumbents and newcomers are neck and neck. Roxanne Ziegler leads closely followed by Melissa Zupi and Patrick Cavanagh. Longtime Mayor Ed Honea runs unopposed.

Four candidates vie for Oro Valley’s three Town Council seats. Incumbents Tim Bohen and Harry Greene, along with Mary Murphy and Elizabeth Robb, are in a close contest.

In South Tucson, candidates including incumbents Paul Diaz and Herman Lopez face challengers Dulce Jimenez, Melissa Dominguez, Pablo Robles, and Scott Sears for the City Council.

The outcomes of these races will shape the political landscape in Southern Arizona, impacting everything from local governance to federal representation.