Bolick Surges Ahead of Schwiebert in LD2 Senate Showdown

A tightly contested race is unfolding in Arizona’s Legislative District 2, where Democratic state representative Judy Schwiebert is facing off against Republican incumbent Shawnna Bolick.

As of Wednesday morning, Bolick is leading with 49.9% of the votes, while Schwiebert trails closely behind at 48.2%. Green Party candidate Dennis Pugsley has garnered 1.89% of the total votes.

The outcome of this race is crucial, especially considering the current Republican majority in the Senate, which stands at 16-14. Control of the Senate hangs in the balance, making the LD2 race one of the most consequential in this election cycle.

Democrats have concentrated their campaign efforts in the district, particularly since Bolick’s appointment to the Senate. Schwiebert has indicated that her decision to move for a Senate seat stems from the party’s assessment of this race as “uniquely vulnerable.” She noted that the party asked her to make this strategic switch, shifting her focus from the House.

Schwiebert and Bolick first entered the Arizona legislature together in 2020, representing the former LD20 district, which has since been modified. In their initial election, Schwiebert secured about 1% more votes than Bolick. Schwiebert successfully defended her House seat in 2022, receiving the highest vote count in that race.

Bolick, on the other hand, began her political journey in the House in 2018 but lost the Republican primary for Secretary of State in 2022. She stepped into the Senate after the resignation of former Sen. Steve Kaiser.

Voter registration data reveals a Republican edge in the district, with approximately 10,000 more registered Republican voters than Democrats. In addition, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission’s assessments provide GOP candidates with nearly a 4% advantage in the expected vote distribution.