AZ-9: The New Open Seat

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Phoenix) announcing for the Senate means her Phoenix suburban US House district will be open next year.  Though the seat was politically marginal when it was first created, Democrats will have an advantage for next year’s general election because the electorate has moved their way since 2011. 
 
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (D) appears a sure bet to enter the race, but he won’t do so until next year.  Arizona has a “resign to run” law, meaning he would have to leave his current position if he announces for another position more than a year in advance of the election.  Former state House Minority Leader Chad Campbell is another potential Democratic candidate.  Though Mayor Stanton has strong name identification throughout the metropolitan area, less than one-third of the 9th District population resides in the state’s major city.  The district includes the cities of Mesa and Tempe, and touches Scottsdale, Glendale, and Chandler in addition to Phoenix.
 
Republicans won’t concede this seat, however.  Physician Steve Ferrara, a retired Navy captain, is in the race always anticipating that Rep. Sinema would run for the Senate.  Even before the June campaign filing disclosure period, Dr. Ferrara had exceeded the $250,000 mark in dollars raised.  So, this open seat campaign could develop into one to watch.

--Jim Ellis