Arizona state Rep. Jennifer Longdon resigns to pursue ‘new career opportunity’

PHOENIX — Arizona House Democrats announced Rep. Jennifer Longdon is stepping down on Friday.

Longdon, a Democrat, said she is grateful for the trust and support of her constituents in her resignation letter, which she submitted to Speaker of the House Ben Toma.

“As I transition from this role, I remain committed to supportive the well-being and prosperity of the people of Arizona,” Longdon said. “I am proud of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve thus far.”

What part of Arizona did Jennifer Longdon represent?

Longdon represented Arizona’s fifth legislative district, which covers a strip of northern Phoenix near the border with Scottsdale, since Jan. 9, 2023.

Prior to that, Longdon represented District 24 from 2019 to 2023. There are almost 235,000 people in District 24, which includes portions of Glendale and west Phoenix, according to the AZ IRC Official Legislative Map.

While announcing her departure, Arizona House Democrats honored Longdon’s legislative work.

“Representative Longdon has been one of Arizona’s most effective and compassionate leaders, both inside and outside the Legislature,” the Thursday announcement said. “On the issues of gun violence prevention and advocating for the rights of those living with disabilities, there is no stronger voice.”

A drive-by shooting paralyzed Longdon in 2004. Her website says she is passionate about gun control, public safety and protecting people with disabilities. She was chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults.

“On behalf of our caucus and the constituents she has served so well, we are grateful for her work and the lives she has impacted,” Arizona House Democrats announced. “We will miss her presence but we also know that her work will continue and that great things lie ahead.”

What’s next for Arizona Democrats?

Longdon’s letter didn’t say why she is resigning. However, a social media post from Arizona House Democrats said she is resigning to pursue an “exciting new career opportunity.” An announcement on what that new job will entail will come soon.

Join our caucus in wishing Representative Jennifer Longdon joy and success in her next chapter. Rep. Longdon has announced that she is resigning from the Legislature on Friday for an exciting new career opportunity (announcement forthcoming). Read her letter here: pic.twitter.com/YROoBZgvS8

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) January 25, 2024

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will appoint a citizen panel to help find a replacement for Longdon, with the panel being required to submit three names of qualified electors to the board within 21 days.

The board will then consider the list of electors and choose a person to fill the vacancy by a majority vote.

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