Senate Hopefuls in LD9 Address Misconduct, Antisemitism, Housing, and Election Issues

By Staff Reporter |

Three Democratic candidates vying for the vacant District 9 State Senate seat have responded to a questionnaire addressing key issues including misconduct, antisemitism, housing, and elections. Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin submitted the questions and made the candidates’ answers public on Monday.

The questionnaire posed several critical inquiries, beginning with the candidates’ commitment to ethical conduct amid recent allegations of misconduct within the State Capitol. It also sought to explore candidates’ past experiences in elected office, particularly any history of ethical or disciplinary actions. Furthermore, it addressed the rise in antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, the local housing crisis, and necessary reforms for improving election processes in Maricopa County.

The candidates, Laura Metcalfe, Kiana Sears, and Ryan Winkle, each brought various experiences to their responses. Metcalfe, who previously ran for Maricopa County Superintendent and currently serves on the East Valley Institute of Technology District board, has garnered endorsements from multiple advocacy groups, including Arizona List and Moms Demand Action.

Sears has faced electoral challenges, having lost her bid for a judgeship in Maricopa County and a prior attempt for the Arizona Corporation Commission. Her campaign has emphasized progressive values, focusing on issues such as abortion rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also holds a position at Arizona State University, strengthened by her endorsement from Arizona List.

Winkle, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Mesa, has a complex political history that includes a previous term on the city council marred by a DUI incident. He currently leads the Arizona Fair Housing Center and operates a search engine optimization firm. Despite his answers in the questionnaire regarding antisemitism, Winkle’s advocacy for a “Free Palestine” has raised some concern.

The candidates’ responses provide insight into how they plan to navigate the multifaceted challenges facing Arizona, particularly within their district. With the election approaching, their positions on these pressing issues will likely influence voter sentiment.