Arizona State Sen. Kimberly Yee to run for treasurer

PHOENIX — Arizona State Sen. Kimberly Yee announced Wednesday she was running for state treasurer.

Yee, a 43-year-old Republican from Phoenix, revealed her candidacy for the 2018 job held by Jeff DeWit on social media.

Excited to announce my candidacy for Arizona State Treasurer in 2018! https://t.co/VaTFHTVkR3

— Kimberly Yee (@KimberlyYeeAZ) November 29, 2017

DeWit, a fellow Republican with ties to President Donald Trump, had said over a year ago he would not seek re-election. He has held the office since January 2015, taking over from now-Gov. Doug Ducey.

DeWit endorsed Yee on Tuesday, saying she is the “best choice to be our next elected treasurer of Arizona.”

“Kimberly Yee is someone I trust who will carry on the tradition of ethical and effective leadership in this office. I am proud to support her candidacy and I hope Arizona voters will elect her.”

Yee, the Senate majority leader, has served in the Legislature since 2010, first in the House. Her district includes north Phoenix and parts of Glendale.

The Valley native earned a spot as featured speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

She drew praise from state leaders for her Cleveland appearance, when she endorsed Donald Trump for president, and was named a “Rising Star” by the party.

The small-business owner is familiar with the duties of a state treasurer. She worked in the office from 2007 to 2010 and has held other posts in the state governments of Arizona and California.

Arizona Corporation Commission member Tom Forese also is running for the GOP nomination for treasurer.

Welcoming @KimberlyYeeAZ to Arizona Treasurer race.

— Tom Forese (@tomforese) November 29, 2017

He announced his candidacy in September 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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