More than 100 Democrats intend to run for state legislature this year

A high number of Democrats are running for the Arizona State Legislature this year.

So far, 112 Democrats have told the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which recruits candidates to run for the state House and state Senate, they intend to run for the state legislature in 2018. That number includes 55 people of color and 51 women.

For many of them, this is the first time they’re running for office.

“We have a lot of new faces this year,” Dana Walton, executive director of the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said.

She said many of the candidates running for the first time are “dismayed” with the state of affairs in the state legislature. As an example, she pointed to funding for education.

“A lot of folks believe that our public education system is on the wrong track, and I think people are tired of it,” she said. “They’re saying to themselves enough is enough. They’re out in their communities, they’re talking to folks and they’re really learning the issues that mean most to the voters.”

Walton said President Donald Trump has also played a role in motivating Democrats to run for office.

Not all 112 Democrats who’ve expressed interest to run for office have filed the necessary paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State. Walton says those who have yet to do so are still putting their campaigns together.

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