Democratic candidate John McLean is currently leading the election for Arizona Senate in Tucson area District 17, taking 54% of the early votes, unofficial results released Tuesday night show.
Republican Venden "Vince" Leach trails with about 46% of the votes counted so far, as of 8:11 p.m.
Mclean is a political newcomer while Leach is a former state senator trying to return to the chamber.
A third-generation Arizonan and a University of Arizona alum, McLean said the βtrigger eventβ that led him to enter the political sphere was the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022.
According to his campaign website, McLeanβs top issues include quality education for all, reproductive rights, a secure water supply and fiscal discipline and accountability.
Leach was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019 and a state senator from 2019 to 2023. He lost the GOP primary for Senate to Justine Wadsack in 2022; however, he prevailed over Wadsack in a rematch this past July, earning 52% of the primary vote.
It has been decades since Democrats have taken over the Arizona Senate, analysts say, and Tucsonβs District 17 is one of a handful of districts that could change that.
The Senate has a 16-14 GOP edge. If Democrats pick up one seat Republicans would share power. Gaining two seats would give the Democratic Party control over the Arizona Senate.
More results are expected to be reported later tonight.
Legislative District 17 Senate candidates: John McLean (D), left, and Vince Leach (R),
