LD 9 Democrat Faces Off Again Against Familiar GOP Challenger for Senate Seat

The race for the Legislative District 9 Senate seat in Arizona features a rematch between Republican Robert Scantlebury and incumbent Democrat Sen. Eva Burch. As national attention surrounds Burch, GOP consultants predict her re-election could be influenced by recent legislative achievements.

Burch first emerged victorious in 2022, defeating Scantlebury by over 3,000 votes. During the recent legislative session, she gained recognition after sharing her personal experience with a nonviable pregnancy that necessitated an abortion.

Prominent in the 2024 legislative efforts, Burch fought to repeal Arizona’s stringent abortion laws enacted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade. As a nurse, she has shed light on health care issues, emphasizing their significance to her constituents.

If re-elected, Burch intends to reintroduce legislation aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for all Arizonans, beyond just Medicare patients. She notes that high health care expenses significantly impact families’ abilities to meet their needs.

Housing affordability also tops her agenda, especially since her district encompasses much of east and central Mesa. Burch underscores the necessity of bipartisan efforts to create lasting housing solutions.

“To pass housing-related bills, we need leadership in both the House and Senate that won’t obstruct for arbitrary reasons,” Burch stated.

Burch additionally advocates for reining in the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program. She believes an enrollment cap, with certain exemptions, could lead to budget stabilization and increased funding for public education.

Her campaign is entwined with pro-choice advocacy, especially following her impactful abortion narrative delivered on the Senate floor. Burch feels invigorated as she meets constituents who resonate with her experiences.

However, she cautions that the proposed pro-choice constitutional amendment on the ballot in November should not be the sole motivator for voters. Burch stresses the need for pro-choice candidates in legislative positions.

Conversely, Scantlebury’s campaign prioritizes border security, public safety, school choice, and reducing living costs. He aims to eliminate regulatory barriers for homeowners, addressing concerns over short-term rentals affecting neighborhoods.

While Scantlebury secured endorsements from notable local organizations, his financial resources trail Burch’s. Recent reports indicate Scantlebury’s campaign holds $29,931, compared to Burch’s $130,081.

GOP consultant Chuck Coughlin forecasts a challenging path for Scantlebury. He views the district as increasingly Democratic-leaning, especially ahead of the presidential election that may drive young voter turnout.

“The district’s current representatives align closely with its constituents,” Coughlin said, suggesting that Scantlebury’s campaign strategy lacks the appeal of a more centrist GOP candidate.

Despite multiple outreach attempts by the Arizona Capitol Times, Scantlebury did not provide any interview responses by the deadline.