Barbara McGuire takes aim at Rep. Tom O’Halleran in Democratic primary

PHOENIX – Barbara McGuire, a former Arizona lawmaker, announced Friday she will run against U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halloran in the 2020 Democratic primary.

McGuire noted that O’Halleran was a former Republican during her announcement.

The Arizona Mirror reported Aug. 19 that she had filed her paperwork to run in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.

The sprawling district includes northern and eastern parts of the state, as well as much of Pinal County south of Phoenix.

McGuire says she’s an effective advocate for rural Arizona.

Republicans and Democrats are closely matched in the district, which the GOP is targeting as a potential pickup in next year’s election.

Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling has said he is considering a Congressional run in Arizona but hasn’t specified a race, although speculation has focused on O’Halleran’s seat.

McGuire is O’Halleran’s second Democratic challenger with experience as a lawmaker. Flagstaff city councilwoman Eva Putzova announced her candidacy in January.

O’Halleran won a second term in Congress last year, defeating Republican Wendy Rogers 54% to 46%. He previously served in the state Legislature as a Republican before switching parties.

On Wednesday, Valley businessman Daniel McCarthy said he was getting into the Republican primary race against Sen. Martha McSally.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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