Democrat Kiana Sears chosen to replace Eva Burch in Arizona Senate

PHOENIX – Officials have selected a replacement for Democratic Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, who stepped down just two months into her second term.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday appointed Kiana Sears to fill the Mesa-based District 9 seat through 2026.

The metro Phoenix governing body picked Sears over Laura Metcalfe and Ryan Winkle. All three finalists filled out questionnaires that have been posted online.

Why did supervisors select Kiana Sears?

“After thoughtful deliberation, the board selected Kiana Sears because of her exceptional leadership, deep understanding of key issues like water, housing, and education, and a lifelong record of community service,” Supervisor Mark Stewart said in a press release. “We thank her for stepping up to serve and wish her great success on behalf of our county and state.”

Sears spent eight years as a Mesa Public Schools board member and has worked in the Senate as a research staffer. She also has nearly three decades of experience in public policy, government relations and civic engagement, according to the county.

She is listed on the Arizona State University website as assistant director of Faith Based Outreach and Community Partnerships.

Fellow Democrats welcome Kiana Sears to Legislature

House Democratic Whip Quantá Crews lauded Sears’ appointment on behalf of the Arizona Legislative Black Caucus.

“Kiana Sears enters the chamber not only with deep experience and integrity but with a heart for service rooted in faith, family and fierce love for all our communities,” Crews said in a statement. “She brings with her the lived wisdom of a woman who has navigated public life with grace and resilience, and the policy chops of someone who understands both the promise and the power of governing boldly.”

PRESS RELEASE: Statement from the Daniels-Sims AZ Legislative Black Caucus on the Appointment of Senator Kiana Sears #azleg pic.twitter.com/YcDejEHpyN

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) March 26, 2025

Rep. Lorena Austin, who represents the Mesa district in the House, also welcomed Sears aboard.

“I have had the privilege of working with Kiana for over a decade and have witnessed her tenacious commitment to our community,” Austin said in a statement. “I look forward to working together to make LD9 a place where community is always our number one priority.”

Why did Eva Burch resign from Arizona Senate?

Burch announced earlier this month that her resignation would go into effect March 14. She was originally elected to the LD7 seat in 2022 and won reelection last year.

Burch cited several reasons for her decision, including the fact that state lawmakers are paid only $24,000 per year.

Under state law, officials were required to choose a member of Burch’s party who lives in her district to replace her.

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