Newcomer is poised to unseat Democrat Representative César Chávez for Senate seat

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Progressive political newcomer Anna Hernandez was successful in overtaking Rep. César Chávez, D-Phoenix in the Senate for Legislative District 24, according to the first two nights of election results. 

As of 9:15 pm on Wednesday night, Hernandez was ahead of Chávez by 1,134 votes. She claimed victory on Tuesday night and Chávez congratulated Hernandez on her victory early on Wednesday morning. 

“It has been my utmost honor to have served in the Arizona State Legislature, particularly the people of legislative district 29. Although we will not continue to serve, my wish is that we can unify and protect democracy for the love of this great state,” Chávez posted on Twitter. 

Although not a “moderate,” Chávez is willing to have conversations with his Republican colleagues across the aisle and occasionally vote yes on their bills, even when other Democrats don’t. 

Hernandez won the support of some influential liberal groups, including Progress Arizona and Chispa Arizona. She is a little farther to the left of Chávez at first glance and is in favor of holding police more accountable for violence. Her brother was killed by police. She went after Chávez a few times on social media for supporting bills that support police and getting endorsements from police groups. 

Chávez first took office in 2017 and was part of the House’s LGBTQ+ caucus which will shift into new hands if Hernandez prevails as members Rep. Robert Meza, D-Phoenix, Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, (no relation) and Chávez would all be leaving the Legislature after this year. Rep. Andrés Cano, D-Tucson, will be the only openly LGBTQ+ member left if he wins his race. 

Hernandez will not have to face any Republican candidates in a primary election. If she wins the Legislative District 24 primary, she will be in office next year. The heavily Democratic district never put up a Republican challenger.