Burch Eyes Senate Comeback with Bold Progressive Vision

By Staff Reporter |

State Senator Eva Burch of Arizona Legislative District 9 seeks reelection for the 2025-2026 term, representing a key Phoenix-area legislative district.

The Democrat incumbent is endorsed by several left-leaning organizations, such as Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Save Our Schools Arizona, Moms Demand Action, and Climate Cabinet PAC. Other notable endorsements include Emily’s List, Human Rights Campaign in Arizona, Arizona List, End Citizens United, and Sierra Club.

Burch is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, considering it a principal issue in her campaign. She argues that healthcare decisions, including abortion and contraceptives, should remain between individuals and doctors, not politicians. Her recent op-ed for Rolling Stone highlighted her personal experience with a “safe, legal abortion” after a non-viable pregnancy, criticizing politicians for laws she believes attempt to coerce patients against having abortions.

In another article for Elle, Burch shared her story to shift the narrative around abortion care and its impact on individuals. She expressed optimism about the upcoming November election and the opportunity it presents for change.

Burch’s advocacy also caught the attention of Vice President Kamala Harris, who called her to commend her for sharing her abortion story, which Burch described as a memorable birthday moment. This personal acknowledgment bolstered Burch’s resolve to continue her fight for reproductive freedom.

Burch is spearheading efforts to include an abortion access measure on the November ballot. According to Arizona for Abortion Access, the proposed constitutional amendment would establish a fundamental right to abortion and prevent state legislators from restricting access before fetal viability. It would also protect access post-viability if necessary for the patient’s life or health.

Opponents, including Cathi Herrod from the Center for Arizona Policy, argue that the amendment would eliminate most pro-life laws and potentially allow abortions at any stage. Herrod contends that the mental health exemption post-viability could be broadly interpreted, even permitting partial-birth abortions.

The legislative district Burch represents is highly competitive, with only a 2.6% average vote margin between Democrats and Republicans over the last nine statewide elections. Historically, Democrats have narrowly outperformed Republicans in this district.

Running unopposed in the Democratic primary, Burch will face either Robert Scantlebury or Christopher Stapley in the general election. In 2022, Burch defeated Scantlebury by over 3,000 votes in the November election to secure her current seat.