2018 Arizona's 8th congressional district special election

A special election for Arizona's 8th congressional district was held in 2018 subsequent to the resignation of Republican U.S. Representative Trent Franks. Governor Doug Ducey called a special primary election for Tuesday, February 27, 2018, and a special general election for the balance of Franks' eighth term for Tuesday, April 24, 2018.[1][2]

2018 Arizona's 8th congressional district special election
April 24, 2018
Arizona's 8th congressional district
Turnout40.43%
 
Nominee Debbie Lesko Hiral Tipirneni
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 96,012 87,331
Percentage 52.37% 47.63%
Precinct results
U.S. Representative before election

Trent Franks
Republican

 Elected U.S. Representative

Debbie Lesko
Republican

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Republican nominee and former Arizona Senate president pro tem Debbie Lesko won a closer-than-expected race against Democratic challenger Hiral Tipirneni.

Background

Incumbent Representative Trent Franks announced on December 7, 2017, that he would resign effective January 31, 2018, after admitting allegations regarding the issue of surrogacy. However, after his wife was hospitalized, Franks resigned effective December 8, 2017.[3]

Candidates must file nomination forms and petitions within 30 days of the Governor's proclamation. Candidates in special congressional elections in Arizona must collect a number of valid signatures equal to at least one-fourth of 1% of the number of qualified signers in the district. For the 2018 special election, a Democratic candidate requires 665 signatures, a Green candidate requires 392 signatures, a Libertarian candidate requires 401 signatures, a Republican candidate requires 860 signatures, and an Independent candidate requires 4,680 signatures.[4]

It was initially thought that Arizona's resign-to-run law would have required sitting members of the Arizona Legislature to resign their seats in order to run in the special election. Arizona's resign-to-run law does not require someone to resign if they file to run when they are in the final year of their term. However, the deadline to submit nominating petitions will be January 10 and the end of the current term for members of the Arizona Legislature is January 14, 2019.[5] However, legal advice from the legislature's nonpartisan counsel stated that any incumbent state legislator would not be required to give up his or her seat in order to run in the special election.[6]

Republican primary

Two of the major candidates in the Republican primary drew controversy late in the campaign. Former state senator Steve Montenegro faced calls to withdraw, including by former Governor Jan Brewer, after news articles revealing sexually suggestive text messages between Montenegro and a legislative staffer surfaced.[7] Additionally, complaints were filed against former state senator Debbie Lesko over her campaign finance records.[8]

Declared

Withdrew
  • Kevin Cavanaugh, former deputy sheriff[12]

Declined

Endorsements
Steve Montenegro
Individuals

Debates
  • Dan Nowicki (January 25, 2018). "GOP Congress hopefuls try to outdo each other on border security, loyalty to Trump". The Arizona Republic. Includes video of debate, January 24, 2018.

Polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin
of error		 Debbie
Lesko		 Phil
Lovas		 Richard
Mack		 Steve
Montenegro		 Bob
Stump		 Clair
Van
Steenwyck		 Undecided
ABC 15/OH Predictive Insights (R) January 29, 2018 400 ± 4.9% 21% 12% 1% 21% 10% 5% 24%
Remington Research (R-Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC) January 20–21, 2018 787 ± 3.5% 22% – – 24% 11% – –

Results
Republican special primary results, Arizona 2018[25]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Debbie Lesko 27,047 35.37%
Republican Phil Lovas 18,652 24.39%
Republican Steve Montenegro 18,106 23.68%
Republican Bob Stump 4,032 5.27%
Republican Clair Van Steenwyk 1,787 2.34%
Republican Christopher Sylvester 1,490 1.95%
Republican David Lien 1,341 1.75%
Republican Richard Mack 1,191 1.56%
Republican Mark Yates 871 1.14%
Republican Chad Allen 824 1.08%
Republican Brenden Dilley 823 1.08%
Republican Stephen Dolgos 377 0.49%
Write-in 8 0.01%
Total votes 76,459 100%

Democratic primary

Declared

Declined

Results
Democratic special primary results, Arizona 2018[25]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Hiral Tipirneni 23,175 60.22%
Democratic Brianna Westbrook 15,288 39.72%
Write-in 22 0.06%
Total votes 38,485 100%

Green primary

Declared
  • Richard Grayson (write-in), candidate in Green Party presidential primary in Arizona in 2012[9]
  • Gary Swing (write-in), Green Party candidate for U.S. Senator in Arizona in 2016[9]

Each candidate received 13 write-in votes in the primary. Neither was placed on the special election ballot.[29]

Libertarian primary

Declared
  • Kelly Noble (write-in)[30]

The candidate received 22 write-in votes in the primary and was not placed on the special election ballot.[29]

General election
Debbie Lesko at a campaign event in Peoria, Arizona
Hiral Tipirneni at a campaign event in Sun City, Arizona

Republican candidate Debbie Lesko received over $1 million in funding from Republican groups outside the state.[31]

Candidates

Debates
Host
network		 Date Link(s) Participants
Hiral
Tipirneni (D)		 Debbie
Lesko (R)
KAET March 26, 2018 [34] Invited Invited

Predictions
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[35] Likely R April 18, 2018
Inside Elections/Rothenberg Political Report[36] Likely R February 28, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] Likely R March 14, 2018

Endorsements
Debbie Lesko
Federal politicians
Local and statewide politicians
Organizations
Hiral Tipirneni
Federal politicians
Local and statewide politicians
Labor unions
Organizations

Polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin
of error		 Debbie
Lesko (R)		 Hiral
Tipirneni (D)		 Other Undecided
Emerson College April 19–22, 2018 400 ± 5.2% 49% 43% – 8%
Lake Research Partners (D-Tipirneni) April 14–16, 2018 408 ± 4.9% 44% 44% – 11%
Emerson College April 12–15, 2018 400 ± 5.2% 45% 46% 4% 5%
OH Predictive Insights April 11, 2018 500 ± 4.4% 53% 43% – 4%
Lake Research Partners (D-Tipirneni) March 3–6, 2018 400 – 48% 34% – 18%

Results
Arizona's 8th congressional district special election, 2018[70]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Debbie Lesko 96,012 52.37% -16.18%
Democratic Hiral Tipirneni 87,331 47.63% N/A
Total votes '183,343' '100%' N/A
Republican hold

See also

References
  1. "Congressman Franks resigns". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  2. "Gov. Ducey sets dates for special election to fill Rep. Trent Franks' seat". KPNX. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  3. "Rep. Trent Franks to Resign Immediately After Wife Is Hospitalized". Time. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  4. "2018 Congressional District 8 Special Primary and Special General Election Information" (PDF). Arizona Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  5. "Franks' immediate resignation puts monkey wrench into special election". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  6. Bob Christie (December 14, 2017). "Legislature's lawyers says "resign-to-run" not triggered". The Associated Press.
  7. Yvonne Wingett Sanchez; Ronald J. Hansen (February 21, 2018). "Steve Montenegro faces calls to quit congressional race; backers largely mum". The Arizona Republic.
  8. "Arizona Special Primary Election Results: Eighth House District". The New York Times.
  9. "Updated: Here's Everyone Who's Running To Replace Trent Franks". Phoenix New Times. December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  10. "Brenden Dilley for Congress – Vote February 27, 2018 in Arizona District 8's Special Election". Brenden Dilley for Congress. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  11. "The Amazing YourVoice™ America Hosts! – YourVoice America". Your Voice America. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  12. "Arizona Election Information". apps.arizona.vote.
  13. Ronald J. Hansen (December 20, 2017). "Debbie Lesko is officially running for Congress for Trent Franks' seat". The Arizona Republic.
  14. "Tweets with replies by Phil Lovas (@PhilLovas)". Archived from the original on June 6, 2020 – via Twitter.
  15. "12-18-17 Briefs". archives.mcrcbriefs.org. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  16. "Arizona names who could enter the race for Franks' US House seat". KTAR. December 7, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  17. http://azdailysun.com/news/local/first-candidate-certified-in-race-to-replace-trent-franks/article_a997b3e3-6bb3-5385-b5e2-22ab10868c60.html
  18. Seipel, Brooke (December 7, 2017). "Rep. Franks resigning after discussing surrogacy with female staff". The Hill.
  19. Ronald J. Hansen; Yvonne Wingett Sanchez; Eliza Collins; Dan Nowicki. "Trent Franks stepping down from Congress amid complaints from 2 former female staffers". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  20. "Trent Franks, Joe Arpaio endorse Arizona senator for Franks' former seat". KTAR. December 11, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  21. Wallace, Jeremy (December 28, 2017). "Ted Cruz weighing in on races in Arizona and Montana". Houston Chronicle.
  22. Roberts, Laurie (December 11, 2017). "Roberts: Is a Trent Franks endorsement a good thing for Steve Montenegro?". The Arizona Republic.
  23. @SteveMontenegro (January 17, 2018). "BREAKING: @SteveKingIA endorses Montenegro! "The establishment is never going to support candidates like Steve Montenegro because he will solve problems and put America first. He's exactly the warrior we need to make America great again!" #AZ08" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. "Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum endorses Steve Montenegro for Congress" – via Facebook.
  25. "2018 Arizona primary special election results" (PDF). Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  26. "Glendale doctor enters race for Arizona's 8th Congressional District". KTAR. July 19, 2017.
  27. Tipirneni, Kishore. "Dr. Hiral Tipirneni for Congress". Hiral Tipirneni.
  28. "Campaign finance data". Federal Election Commission.
  29. "Write-in Canvass Summary Special Primary Election 2018 Congressional District 8" (PDF). Maricopa County Recorder's Information Systems Center. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  30. "Special election for Arizona's Congressional District 8". KTVK. February 28, 2018. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  31. Martin, Jonathan (April 24, 2018). "Debbie Lesko Wins Arizona Special Election for Congress, Rallying G.O.P." The New York Times. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  32. Bowman, Bridget (February 28, 2018). "Lesko Wins GOP Primary in Arizona Race to Replace Rep. Trent Franks". Roll Call. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  33. "Hiral Tipirneni defeats Brianna Westbrook in Democratic Congressional District 8 primary". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  34. "Lesko vs Tipirneni: Eighth Congressional District Special Election Debate". Arizona PBS. March 26, 2018.
  35. "AZ-08: Republicans Retain Advantage in Special Election". Cook Political Report. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  36. "Rating Change: Arizona 8 Special Gets More Vulnerable | News & Analysis | Inside Elections". Inside Elections. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  37. "Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 House". Center for Politics. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  38. "Arizona, please get out today and vote @DebbieLesko for Congress in #AZ08. Strong on Border, Immigration and Crime. Great on the Military. Time is ticking down – get out and VOTE today. We need Debbie in Congress!". Twitter.
  39. "Endorsements". Debbie Lesko.
  40. Brahm Resnik [@brahmresnik] (February 6, 2018). "BREAKING Congressman @andybiggs4az endorses @DebbieLesko in #AZ08 GOP primary. Biggs a leading conservative voice in #MariCo" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  41. Weigel, David; DeBonis, Mike (April 18, 2018). "GOP enlists Trump, leadership to stave off Democratic challenge in Arizona". Washington Post.
  42. Debbie Lesko [@DebbieLesko] (January 19, 2018). "Big news! I have been endorsed by @Jim_Jordan for my campaign for #Congress in #AZ 08. For those of you who don't know he was a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus @freedomcaucus" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  43. Martha McSally [@MarthaMcSally] (April 21, 2018). "We've got to make sure this district knows, this state knows and this country knows that #AZ08 is RED and Arizona is RED. @DebbieLesko @AZGOP" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  44. Debbie Lesko [@DebbieLesko] (January 22, 2018). "So honored to have the support of @RepMarkMeadows for my run for Congress in #AZ 08!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  45. Debbie Lesko [@DebbieLesko] (January 30, 2018). "I am so excited to announce that @GovBrewer has endorsed my campaign! Thank you Governor!! #AZ08 #MAGA" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. Maricopa County GOP [@MaricopaGOP] (April 14, 2018). "Come out and support @DebbieLesko for Congress this Saturday... @GeneralBrnovich is stopping by! Knock some doors, make some calls...keep CD8 Red! Prizes and lunch! #Teamwork #EveryVoteCounts #AZ08 #KeepitRed @AZGOP #LeadRight" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  47. "Endorsed Candidates". KTAR News.
  48. "Endorsed Candidates". Maggie's List.
  49. "National Pro-life Group SBA List Endorses Debbie Lesko in AZ-8". January 12, 2018.
  50. "Debbie Lesko". Women For Winning.
  51. Tim Kaine. "Special election TOMORROW in #AZ08 - Democrat @hiral4congress is neck-and-neck in a district Trump won by 20+! She's a mom, a physician, and a longtime health care advocate". Twitter.
  52. "Dr. Hiral Tipirneni Endorsed by Members of Congress" (PDF). Hiral Tipirneni. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  53. "Nationwide endorsements for Dr Hiral Tipirneni". India Post. April 5, 2018.
  54. Kimbrough, Jason; Tipirneni, Hiral; Sinema, Kyrsten (April 5, 2018). "Dr. Hiral Tipirneni Earns Endorsements of Arizona Congressional Leadership" (PDF). Dr. Hiral Tipirneni for Congress.
  55. "AZ-08: Rep. Conor Lamb (D. PA) Helps Dr. Hiral Tipirneni (D) Pull Off A Special Election Victory". Daily Kos. April 21, 2018.
  56. "AZ-08: Kyrsten Sinema (D) Helps Hiral Tipirneni (D) Pull Off Another Special Election Upset Victory". Daily Kos. April 5, 2018.
  57. "Dr. Hiral Tipirneni Endorsed by Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo" (PDF). December 18, 2017.
  58. "Dr. Hiral Tipirneni Earns Endorsement of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99" (PDF). February 2, 2018.
  59. "Endorsed Candidates". AAPI Victory Fund.
  60. Gabby Giffords (February 21, 2018). "Giffords Endorses Dr. Hiral Tipirneni to Replace Trent Franks in Special Election for Arizona's 8th Congressional District". GiffordsPAC.
  61. "C4PC Endorses Hiral Tipirneni, MD, for Congress in AZ-8". Clinicians for Progressive Care. January 2, 2018.
  62. "ECU Endorses Dr. Hiral Tipirneni in AZ-08 Special Election – End Citizens United". End Citizens United. March 21, 2018.
  63. Schriock, Stephanie (April 4, 2018). "EMILY's List Endorses Hiral Tipirneni in Arizona's 8th District". Emily' s List.
  64. Giffords, Gabby (February 21, 2018). "Giffords Endorses Dr. Hiral Tipirneni to Replace Trent Franks in Special Election for Arizona's 8th Congressional District – Giffords". Giffords.
  65. Sittenfeld, Tiernan (April 20, 2018). "LCV Action Fund Endorses Hiral Tipirneni for Congress – League of Conservation Voters". League of Conservation Voters.
  66. Sheyman, Ilya (April 1, 2018). "MoveOn Members in Arizona Vote Overwhelmingly to Endorse Hiral Tipirneni (AZ-08) for Congress". MoveOn.
  67. Hogue, Ilyse (April 16, 2018). "NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Hiral Tipirneni on Her Bid For Congress – NARAL Pro-Choice America". NARAL Pro-Choice America.
  68. "Arizona 2018 Primary Election Candidates & Stonewall Democrats Endorsements". Stonewall Dems AZ.
  69. Urbina, Maria; Phelps, Emily (April 3, 2018). "Indivisible Project Endorses First Five Candidates in Midterm Elections". Indivisible.
  70. "Official Canvas of Special General Election" (PDF). Arizona Secretary of State. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
Official Campaign Websites
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