Candidates Clash in Upcoming Senate Debate for Western Pima County District

The Arizona Legislative District 23 candidates are preparing for a crucial Clean Elections debate scheduled for Thursday evening. Incumbent Democratic Senator Brian Fernandez is set to square off against Republican challenger Michelle Altherr at 6 p.m., with moderation led by Tucson Sentinel’s political reporter, Jim Nintzel.

Senator Fernandez, who has a background in technology startups, was appointed to the Legislature in 2021. He succeeded his mother, Charlene Fernandez, who resigned to join the Biden administration. Elected to the Senate in 2022, Fernandez aims to promote economic development, education, housing, and prison reform in his region. He highlighted his achievements, particularly in securing funding for Yuma’s Arizona Western College.

Altherr, an Air Force veteran, brings a different perspective to the race. Following a distinguished 15-year military career that took her across the globe, she transitioned into fashion design after leaving the service in 1998. Initially inspired by Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, she became active in politics post-2020 election, expressing skepticism about the election results and becoming the GOP chair for LD23.

District demographics show that 47 percent of voters reside in Yuma County, with about 19 percent on the western side of Pima County. Independent voters, who make up 41 percent of the electorate, are critical in this competitive landscape. Currently, the district is represented by Democrats and Republicans in the House, with Democratic candidates Mariana Sandoval and Matias Rosales preparing for a forum following the Senate debate.

Key upcoming events include a forum on September 17, featuring District 2 Supervisor Matt Heinz against Republican John Backer, followed by a meeting for Legislative District 17 candidates on September 19. Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva is set to debate her independent challenger on September 28, while U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani is scheduled for a debate against former state lawmaker Kirsten Engel on October 7.

Registration deadlines and early voting dates will be critical as Arizona gears up for the general election on November 5, heightening the stakes for these candidates and their political strategies.