Arizona state senator will not make expected run for Congress

PHOENIX — An Arizona state senator said Wednesday that she would not make an expected run for Congress and would instead focus on the state treasury race.

In a statement, Kimberly Yee said she was honored by the encouragement she received to run but wants to focus on running for Jeff DeWit’s job.

“Arizona taxpayers need a state treasurer who will continue to be a strong, honest and trustworthy leader with their tax dollars,” she said. “I will continue with a strong and successful campaign for Arizona state treasurer and I look forward to bringing prosperity to all Arizonans.”

Yee was tipped as one of the early front-runners for a seat vacated by former Republican U.S. Rep. Trent Franks.

The 43-year-old is a rising star in the Arizona Republican Party. Yee, a Valley native, earned a spot as featured speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention and drew praise from state leaders for her Cleveland appearance.

DeWit said earlier this year that he would not seek re-election and endorsed Yee’s run for his job.

“Kimberly Yee is someone I trust who will carry on the tradition of ethical and effective leadership in this office. I am proud to support her candidacy and I hope Arizona voters will elect her.”

Yee, the Senate majority leader, has served in the Legislature since 2010, first in the House. Her district includes north Phoenix and parts of Glendale.

The small-business owner is familiar with the duties of a state treasurer. She worked in the office from 2007 to 2010 and has held other posts in the state governments of Arizona and California.

Arizona Corporation Commission member Tom Forese also is running for the GOP nomination for treasurer.

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