Rep. David Schweikert not sweating Tipirneni’s congressional challenge
Apr 3, 2019, 9:21 AM | Updated: 12:38 pm
U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., holds his daughter Olivia as he speaks to supporters, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, at an election night party in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX — U.S. Rep. David Schweikert is not worried about potentially facing Arizona Democrat Dr. Hiral Tipirneni in a bid for his congressional seat next year.
Schweikert, who has represented the Republican-controlled District 6 for five terms, said he has faith that he will win against whomever wins the Democratic primary.
“At a certain point, you win on the issues,” Schweikert told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Chad Benson Show on Tuesday.
“But ambition just blinds people. I mean, lose twice on one side of the county, so your decision is move to the other side of the county and try again,” he added, referring to Tipirneni’s former runs against Rep. Debbie Lesko in District 8.
Tipirneni, who is from Glendale, will seek to represent District 6, a region that includes Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.
There is no federal law that stipulates a congressional candidate must live in the district they wish to represent.
“Unbridled ambition often leads to some really strange decision making. We first have to see who ultimately wins the Democrat primary. And then we’ll have a debate and I have faith we’ll win.”
Tipirneni announced Tuesday that she would run in the district.
Much of Tipirneni’s campaign will seemingly be focused on the issue of health care.
In her announcement, Tipirneni said she would focus on “pragmatic solutions to make health care more affordable.”
“I love this community, and I’m running for Congress because we need someone who will start putting people over partisanship,” she said in a statement.
