Rep. Seaman’s Groundbreaking First Term: Bold Stances on Border, Crime, and the Economy

By Staff Reporter |

State Representative Keith Seaman is preparing for his bid for reelection in Arizona’s Legislative District 16 this November. Seaman narrowly secured his seat in January 2023 by a mere 644 votes over Republican opponent Rob Hudelson.

Despite the district’s moderate nature, Seaman’s tenure has been marked by his alignment with left-leaning organizations such as the Arizona Education Association and the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter. His voting record reflects this, with significant opposition to crime-related bills.

In particular, Seaman voted against HB 2435, which sought stricter sentencing for repeat retail theft offenders. He also rejected SB 1583, a measure to register certain sex offenders on the internet sex offender website, and SCR 1021, a proposal for life imprisonment for child sex trafficking felons.

Seaman’s positions on border security have also raised eyebrows. He opposed HB 2621, labeling fentanyl trafficking a public health crisis, and dismissed SCR 1042, supporting Texas’s efforts to secure the southern border.

Economically, Seaman voted against SB 1260, which aimed at reducing small business taxes, and SB 1370, known as the lemonade stand bill, which proposed tax exemptions for minors with small businesses.

A retired educator, Seaman has been vocal against Arizona’s school choice program, voicing his support for public school funding over private institutions.

Education policy also saw Seaman voting against HB 2629, which proposed a Victims of Communism Day, and HB 2779, mandating Holocaust education in public schools.

Seaman’s sponsorship of various bills has further displayed his progressive stance, including HB 2610 for a state-owned bank, HB 2068 to repeal biological sex designations in school sports, and HB 2653 to regulate the serving of water and straws in restaurants.

Legislative District 16, historically competitive with a narrow 3.6% vote margin, has seen Republicans winning the last nine statewide elections. With Seaman seeking reelection, his daughter Stacey is also vying for a state senate seat in the same district.

This election cycle, Seaman is the sole Democratic candidate in the primary, while Republicans Martinez, Hudelson, Chris Lopez, and Gabriela Saucedo Mercer compete in a crowded primary.

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