Local Politics · Tucson, AZ
Early Election Night Returns Show Democratic Leads in Southern Arizona Statehouse Races
First vote tabulations released just after 8 p.m. Tuesday by the Pima County Elections Department showed Democratic candidates leading in several competitive Southern Arizona state legislative districts, including Districts 17, 23, and 16. Polls closed at 7 p.m., and officials noted many races remained too close to call pending verification of early ballots dropped off in recent days or on Election Day by the Pima County Recorder's Office. The preliminary results covered races spanning Pima, Pinal, Yuma, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee, and Maricopa counties. Incumbent Sen. T.J. Shope trailed Democratic challenger Elaine Aldrete 46-54 percent in GOP-leaning District 17, while Rep. Mariana Sandoval and rookie Emilia Cortez led the House race in District 23.