Live blog: Here’s the latest on Arizona’s primary election

PHOENIX — Arizona voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the state’s primary election.

More than a million early ballots were cast by Monday, a state primary record, as many Arizonans looked to avoid voting on Election Day during the coronavirus pandemic.

Data collected prior to Tuesday’s state primary showed the Democratic Party to be benefitting from record levels of voter enthusiasm.

By Sunday night, Democrats had returned 1.4% more ballots than Republicans and were on pace to cast more primary ballots than GOP voters for the first time in at least two decades, according to Data Orbital.

Those who received an early ballot but didn’t mail it were able to drop it off at a voting location before the polls were set to close at 7 p.m.

In addition to choosing congressional and legislative candidates, Arizonans are weighing in on a variety of state, county and city races.

Here’s the latest on Arizona’s primary races:

9:40 p.m.

Scottsdale state Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita defeated Republican challenger Alex Kolodin in Arizona’s 23rd Legislative District, according to the Associated Press.

9:25 p.m.

The Associated Press called the Democratic primary in the 8th Congressional District for Michael Muscato, who defeated Bob Musselwhite and Bob Olson to take on U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko in November.

9:20 p.m.

Republican David Giles won the Republican primary in the 9th Congressional District by defeating Chandler City Councilman Sam Huang and Phoenix pharmacist Nicholas Tutora, the Associated Press reported.

Giles will face off against U.S. Rep Greg Stanton in November.

9:02 p.m.

Democrat Julie Gunnigle, a former prosecutor in Illinois, will move on to face incumbent Allister Adel for Maricopa County Attorney after winning the primary. Adel was appointed to replace Bill Montgomery last year after Montgomery moved on to the Arizona Supreme Court.

Congratulations to our *OFFICIAL* nominee for MARICOPA COUNTY COUNTY ATTORNEY, @JulieGunnigle! On to victory in November!

We also want to thank Bob McWhirter and @WillKnight2020 for having the courage to run for this office, thank you. pic.twitter.com/VCPW9zQLUO

— Maricopa County Democrats (@MaricopaDems) August 5, 2020

8:57 p.m.

Two Congressional races were called by The Associated Press, with a Republican and Democrat moving on to the general election. Republican Rep. Paul Gosar fended off a challenge from former teacher and current business owner Anne Marie Ward in the 4th District. He will face Delina DiSanto, who won the Democratic primary.

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick fended off a primary challenge in the 2nd District to move on to November’s general election.

8:32 p.m.

Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is locked in a tight race with former colleague Jerry Sheridan for the right to represent the Republicans for the position in the general election. Sheridan and Arpaio both held about 36% of votes with 42% of precincts reporting. The winner of the race will face current sheriff Paul Penzone in the general election.

8 p.m.

The first batch of election results are in and U.S. Sen. Martha McSally will move to the general election as the Republican candidate for Senate. McSally had more than 78% of votes compared to 21% for challenger Daniel McCarthy with 12% of precincts reporting. As expected, McSally will face Democrat Mark Kelly in the general election.

6 p.m.

Arizona’s polling station workers were busy counting ballots one hour prior to polls closing across the state.

#ArizonaPrimary: ⁦@MaricopaVote⁩ workers busy counting ballots, getting ready to release first results from 710K early ballots. Polls close in one hour! LIVE team coverage in five minutes ⁦@KTAR923⁩ https://t.co/OCUp2w7hvf pic.twitter.com/zBG62SyIzT

— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) August 5, 2020

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