Diaz Takes the Lead Over Sun in Heated LD 22 Senate Democratic Primary

Incumbent Eva Diaz has established a commanding early lead in the Senate District 22 Democratic primary, outpacing her rival, former representative Leezah Sun.

By 8:44 p.m. Tuesday, Diaz had secured 76.6% of the votes, based on early results from the Secretary of State’s office.

Sun had resigned from the House in January, just before a scheduled vote on her expulsion. An ethics committee found that she had engaged in disorderly behavior and made threats to city of Tolleson officials. Additionally, she was found to have used her title to interfere in a child custody case.

During her time as a representative, Sun focused on social issues. She introduced legislation to provide stipends for adults aging out of the foster care system and another bill to create an elderly care assistance fund. Her campaign has highlighted gender equality, livable wages, and education reform.

Diaz, a relatively fresh face to the Legislature, is completing her first term. She emerged victorious as a write-in candidate in 2022 after Diego Espinoza withdrew from the race. As a teacher, Diaz’s campaign prioritized education reform, reproductive rights, and climate activism. Unlike Sun, Diaz received an endorsement from Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriguez.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican candidate Steve Robinson, who manages operations for the We the People AZ Alliance. Nonetheless, the district heavily leans Democratic, with a 37% advantage for Democrat candidates according to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.