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Arizona LD7 Republican Primary: Voters Face Crucial Choice Between Moderate and Far-Right Candidates

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A choice between the middle and the far right in Arizona's Republican primary for LD7

GOP voters will soon decide between two distinctly different legislators in the Republican primary for Arizona’s Legislative District 7. This district spans parts of Gila, Pinal, Coconino, and Navajo counties.

Sen. Wendy Rogers of Flagstaff, serving since 2021, is known for her election denialism following Trump’s 2020 loss. In stark contrast, Rep. David Cook of Globe is a moderate Republican reflecting pre-Trump GOP values.

Cook has been in the state House since 2016 and chairs the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Meanwhile, Rogers, a former Air Force pilot, leads the controversial Senate Elections Committee, which has entertained conspiracy theorists and pushed for radical election changes.

Rogers opted out of a Clean Elections debate on July 1, leaving Cook to go solo in the Arizona PBS broadcast. She also did not respond to several interview requests.

Rogers’ tenure has been marked by controversy, including affiliation with the Oath Keepers, an extremist group. She faced early ethics complaints and was censured by the Senate in 2022 for extreme comments and actions.

Cook, who occasionally aligns with Democrats, has also faced criticism within his party. He publicly opposed an 1864 abortion ban but ultimately voted against the repeal, citing the outdated nature of the law.

With term limits in the House, Cook decided to run for Senate to prevent Rogers from continuing to represent his district. He expressed frustration with her leadership, questioning her ability to achieve meaningful legislative progress.

Cook highlighted that Governor Katie Hobbs signed 22 bills he sponsored or co-sponsored, compared to nine from Rogers, while also emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation.

Cook criticized Senate President Warren Petersen for blocking a health insurance reform bill, despite bipartisan support, while rural hospitals struggle.

During the July 1 debate, Cook dismissed claims that the 2020 and 2022 elections were stolen, pointing to Republicans’ success in other statewide races.

On the debate day, Rogers retweeted a contentious post supporting far-right French politician Marine Le Pen, sparking additional controversy.