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2018 United States Senate election in Arizona

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2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
Cazzy82 · CC0 · source
Election name2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
CountryArizona
Typepresidential
Previous election2012 United States Senate election in Arizona
Previous year2012
Next election2024 United States Senate election in Arizona
Next year2024
Election dateNovember 6, 2018
Turnout64.7%
Nominee1Kyrsten Sinema
Party1Democratic Party (United States)
Popular vote11,191,100
Percentage150.0%
Nominee2Martha McSally
Party2Republican Party (United States)
Popular vote21,135,200
Percentage247.6%
TitleU.S. Senator
Before electionJeff Flake
Before partyRepublican Party (United States)
After electionKyrsten Sinema
After partyDemocratic Party (United States)

2018 United States Senate election in Arizona was held on November 6, 2018, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of Arizona. The election was a pivotal contest in the 2018 United States Senate elections, which saw the Democratic Party (United States) gain control of the United States House of Representatives. Incumbent Republican Jeff Flake, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, chose not to seek re-election, creating an open seat. The general election featured a historic matchup between Democratic U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema and Republican U.S. Representative Martha McSally, resulting in one of the closest and most expensive Senate races in the nation that year.

Background

The political landscape in Arizona had been shifting, with the state's traditional Republican dominance facing challenges from a growing and increasingly active Democratic electorate. The retirement of Senator Jeff Flake, who had clashed with the Republican National Committee and the Trump administration over issues like trade policy and the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States, created a rare open seat. This vacancy occurred during the 115th United States Congress, a period marked by intense partisan battles. The election was viewed as a key battleground that could influence the balance of power in the United States Senate, where the Republican Party held a narrow majority. National organizations like the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee invested heavily in the state.

Candidates

The Democratic primary was largely a contest between U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema and activist Deedra Abboud. Sinema, a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives known for her centrist record, secured the nomination with strong support from the party establishment. The Republican primary was a fiercely contested three-way race between U.S. Representative Martha McSally, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and former Arizona State Senate President Kelli Ward. McSally, a former United States Air Force combat pilot, positioned herself as a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and ultimately won the nomination, defeating the more controversial figures of Arpaio and Ward.

General election

The general election between Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally was exceptionally competitive and negative, breaking state spending records. Sinema campaigned as a pragmatic, independent-minded candidate, often highlighting her work on issues like veterans' affairs and distancing herself from the national Democratic leadership. McSally aligned herself closely with the agenda of the Trump administration, emphasizing support for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and a hardline stance on immigration. Key debates centered on the future of the Affordable Care Act, the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, and border security. Both candidates were targeted with millions in advertising from outside groups like Senate Leadership Fund and Priorities USA Action.

Results

The election was not called for over a week after Election Day due to the narrow margin and the slow count of early and mail-in ballots, particularly from Maricopa County. Final certified results from the Arizona Secretary of State showed Kyrsten Sinema defeating Martha McSally by 55,900 votes, a margin of 2.4 percentage points. Sinema's victory was powered by strong performances in urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson, and significant gains in suburban areas such as Scottsdale and Chandler. She became the first Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona since Dennis DeConcini retired in 1995 and the first woman ever elected to the United States Senate from the state.

Aftermath

Kyrsten Sinema was sworn into the United States Senate in January 2019, shifting the seat from Republican to Democratic control. Following the death of Senator John McCain, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appointed Martha McSally to fill the vacant seat in the 116th United States Congress, setting up a 2020 special election rematch. Sinema's victory was a significant component of the Democratic gains in the 2018 United States elections, though the party failed to gain a majority in the United States Senate. Her centrist voting record in the Senate, particularly on issues related to the filibuster and judicial confirmations, would later make her a pivotal figure in the closely divided chamber during the 117th United States Congress.

Category:2018 United States Senate elections Category:United States Senate elections in Arizona Category:November 2018 events in the United States