Yesterday, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (R), who was defeated for re-election in 2016, announced he is entering the open Senate Republican primary. If he were to be elected at 85 years of age, he would become the oldest freshman Senator

Yesterday, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (R), who was defeated for re-election in 2016, announced he is entering the open Senate Republican primary.  If he were to be elected at 85 years of age, he would become the oldest freshman Senator in American history. 
 
Likewise, it appears that Rep. Martha McSally (R-Tucson) will also become a Senate candidate.  She has scheduled a series of appearances around the state on Friday that Arizona politicos report will become her Senate announcement tour.  Rep. McSally and Sheriff Arpaio will join former state Sen. Kelli Ward in the Republican primary.  The winner will likely face Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Phoenix) in the general election.  Ms. Sinema is becoming the consensus Democratic candidate.
 
Sen. Jeff Flake (R) is not seeking a second term.  The Arizona primary is August 28th, with candidate filing closing May 30th; therefore, much time remains for many further political moves.

--Jim Ellis