Democrat and Arizona Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema has filed petition signatures to officially qualify as a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jeff Flake. Sinema tells KAWC’s Lou Gum she’s ready for the transition from the U.S. House to the U.S. Senate.
Sinema’s campaign filed more than 10,000 petition signatures ahead of the Wednesday deadline at the Arizona Secretary of State’s office in Phoenix, well above the 5,000 needed to qualify for the ballot.
SInema served in the Arizona Legislature before election to the Unites State’s House of Representatives in 2012. The former social worker is the first openly bisexual member of Congress.
"When Senator Kyl served in the U.S. Senate, he worked hand in hand across the aisle." Rep. Kyrsten Sinema
Often touted as one of the most independent voices in government, Sinema has been criticized for both leaning to far the left and for her votes in support of the administration of President Donald Trump. Last year, Phoenix New Times reported only two other Democrats voted with Mr. Trump more during the 2017 legislative session.
Sinema touts her “independent voice” as a strength. She says Arizonans don’t care if politicians have a D or R after their names as long as they get results.
"I believe that Arizonans don't care if you have an R or a D at the end of your name. What they care about is who delivers results and gets stuff done." Rep. Kyrsten Sinema
Sinema spoke to KAWC by phone on May 30th. Her campaign website is a kyrstensinema.com
