How a 2018 Senate race ended Arizona's three-decade streak of Republican dominance
In short: The 2018 Arizona Senate election marked a historic shift, as Kyrsten Sinema became the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in the state since 1988. The contest against Republican Martha McSally remained too close to call for nearly a week, ultimately reshaping the state's political landscape and its federal representation.
The 2018 election occurred against a backdrop of significant political transition in Arizona. Incumbent Republican Senator Jeff Flake, who had won his seat in 2012 by a narrow three-point margin, announced his retirement in October 2017. His decision followed persistent low approval ratings and the prospect of a primary challenge from Kelli Ward. The Republican nomination was eventually secured by Martha McSally, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and U.S. Representative, while Kyrsten Sinema, then a U.S. Representative, won the Democratic nomination.
The race was exceptionally tight, with the outcome remaining uncertain on Election Day, November 6, 2018. Initial reports on November 7 indicated a narrow lead for McSally, but as uncounted ballots were processed, Sinema surged ahead. By November 8, Sinema held a lead of 9,610 votes. The Associated Press did not call the race until November 12, the same day McSally conceded. The final results were certified on December 3, 2018, confirming Sinema as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona.
The aftermath of the election saw a unique legislative maneuver. Following the death of longtime Senator John McCain in August 2018, Governor Doug Ducey appointed Jon Kyl to the vacant seat on an interim basis. After Kyl resigned, Ducey appointed the defeated McSally to fill the remainder of McCain's term. When both women were sworn in on January 3, 2019, Arizona became the first state in history to be represented by two women in the Senate simultaneously, and only the second state to have two women from different parties serving together. Ducey ensured Sinema was sworn in first, designating her as the senior senator to honor the results of the popular vote.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
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