Burch Clings to LD9 Senate Seat in a Fierce Political Battle

Sen. Eva Burch, a Democrat from Mesa, is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Robert Scantlebury in the closely contested Legislative District 9 race, as indicated by initial election results.

The pair previously battled in 2022, with Burch winning by approximately 3,000 votes, or 5%. As of election night, she has claimed 53.6% of the votes, while Scantlebury trails with 46.44%, leaving a margin of 2,929 votes between them.

According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, District 9, which includes Mesa and Chandler, has a slight Democratic lean of about 2.6%, contributing to the race’s competitiveness.

Burch, a nurse by profession, is running on a platform emphasizing enhanced access to healthcare and affordability. She garnered national attention for advocating the repeal of Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban, drawing on her personal experience with a non-viable pregnancy during a Senate address in March.

In addition to health care, her agenda includes increasing public education funding and promoting affordable housing. She previously stated that prioritizing reforms to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program would be one of her key objectives.

Burch has received endorsements from various organizations, including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona and the Arizona Education Association Fund.

Scantlebury, a former police officer in Mesa, focused on public safety in his campaign. He pledged to empower local law enforcement and address mental health issues, alongside tackling human trafficking and drug flow at the border.

Identifying himself as pro-life, Scantlebury supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and threats to the mother’s life but generally backs the current 15-week abortion limit. His education policy leans toward supporting school choice, backed by his experience on a charter school board.

In terms of campaign finances, Scantlebury raised about $112,686 but spent $136,796. He also faced about $33,000 in supportive spending and $39,800 in opposition expenditures.

Conversely, Burch collected $225,426 in funds while expending $241,929, with roughly $274,500 in support and $159,806 spent against her candidacy throughout the election cycle.