Republican Kimberly Yee projected to defeat Democrat Martin Quezada in state treasurer race

PHOENIX — Republican incumbent Kimberly Yee is projected to defeat Democratic challenger Martin Quezada in Arizona’s state treasurer race, according to the Associated Press.

Yee led with 55.3% of the vote to Quezada’s 44.7%, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office (updated around 11 a.m. Sunday).

The Republican candidate had a lead of 235,660 votes Sunday afternoon.

Pinal County released about 2,000 votes around 11 a.m., while Pima released more than 11,000 in the afternoon. More is expected to come from Maricopa County around 6 p.m.

She was elected treasurer in 2018 after serving as state senate majority leader from 2017-2019. She was the first Asian-American woman elected to the Arizona state legislature.

As treasurer, Yee oversees state investments. She was previously a legislator representing parts of the western Phoenix suburbs and an adviser to former Treasurer Dean Martin.

Yee launched a campaign for governor back in May 2021 but withdrew in January.

Quezada was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 2014 and was re-elected in 2016, 2018 and 2020.

The office has a four-year term.

Quezada tweeted his congratulations in a thread on Sunday.

I first and foremost want to congratulate @KimberlyYeeAZ on her re-election to the office of AZ #StateTreasurer and wish her nothing but success and joy in her 2nd term. 2️⃣/

— Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) November 13, 2022

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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