Incumbent Surges Ahead in LD16 House GOP Primary Battle

Two Republicans are gaining momentum in a crucial state House race that could influence control of the legislature in 2025. Incumbent House Majority Whip Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, is leading the Legislative District 16 GOP primary with 30% of the vote, according to Tuesday’s early results from the Secretary of State’s office.

Martinez’s running mate, Chris Lopez, has garnered 27% of the votes. A small business owner, Lopez is also allied with Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, in the race. If these results hold, Lopez will advance to the general election.

Two other Republicans are also contesting House seats in the district. Former Coolidge City Councilman Rob Hudelson has received 25% of the votes, while first-time candidate Gabby Mercer has 16%. The pair brands themselves as the “LD16 Liberty Team.”

Legislative District 16 is regarded as one of Arizona’s swing districts. Hudelson narrowly lost to Rep. Keith Seaman, D-Casa Grande, in the 2022 general election by less than 1% of the vote. Seaman is running for re-election as the only Democrat in the district, presenting himself as a single-shot candidate to retain his seat.

The district spans Pinal, Pima, and Maricopa counties. According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, it leans Republican by a 3.6% vote spread, marking it as highly competitive.

In terms of campaign fundraising, Teresa Martinez has been the frontrunner, bringing in approximately $100,000 for this election cycle. Chris Lopez has raised around $80,000. Rob Hudelson has amassed just under $47,000, while Gabby Mercer has collected $20,000 leading up to the primary election.

Keith Seaman, for his part, has managed to keep pace with Lopez in fundraising efforts, reporting $76,000 in total contributions in his latest campaign finance report.