Yassamin Ansari Surges Ahead in West Phoenix Democratic Race, Outpacing Raquel Terán

Former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari is currently leading over former Arizona Democratic Party leader and state legislator Raquel Terán in the competitive race for Arizona’s Congressional District 3.

The Democratic primary for CD3 includes another contender, Dr. Duane Wooten. The contest was expected to be tight, as Ansari and Terán have both taken progressive stances and criticized each other for alleged Republican connections.

With 31,000 votes counted, Ansari has a lead of approximately 4.5 percentage points, equivalent to 1,400 votes. The district, characterized by its heavy Latino population and lower economic status—its per capita income is just two-thirds of the state average—has historically seen low voter turnout.

Winning the Democratic nomination for CD3 almost guarantees election to Congress in November due to the district’s strong Democratic leaning.

The CD3 seat is currently occupied by Ruben Gallego, who is now running for the U.S. Senate.

Maricopa County’s CD3 encompasses much of western, southern, and downtown Phoenix.