Yuma Rep. Charlene Fernandez to lead Democrats in Arizona House
Nov 8, 2018, 6:00 PM
From left, Democratic Reps. Reginald Bolding, Athena Salman, Randy Friese and Charlene Fernandez. (Arizona House Democrats Photo)
(Arizona House Democrats Photo)
PHOENIX — Rep. Charlene Fernandez of Yuma was elected as leader of the Democratic contingent in the Arizona House of Representatives, the party announced Thursday.
Fernandez was first elected to the Legislature in 2014 and served last session as party whip.
Other Democratic leadership roles were filled by Reps. Randy Friese of Tucson, Athena Salman of Tempe and Reginald Bolding of Phoenix.
Friese was re-elected assistant Democratic leader, and Salman and Bolding will be co-whips.
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“I don’t care what district you live in, what city or town, where you’re from or how old you are, Arizonans just want their leaders to get things done,” Fernandez said in a press release.
“So, with the largest representation Democrats have had since the 1960s, that’s just what we are going to do.”
Republicans held a 30-26 lead, with two districts still too close to call, after this week’s election.
Democrats were hoping to trim their deficit to 31-29.
