Former U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick is running for Congress after a race for the U.S. Senate in 2016. She has recently moved from the rural northeastern part of the state to the southern district which includes parts of Tucson, considered a more progressive part of the state. She seeks to challenge Republican Representative Martha McSally. Kirkpatrick is a strong supporter of women’s rights and civil rights. Her campaign will focus on job creation, strengthening education, and creating and sustaining jobs.
Background and Achievements
Kirkpatrick was elected to the 1st Congressional District of Arizona in the US House of Representatives from 2009-2016.In 2016, she decided to give up her seat to challenge Senator John McCain. The 1st district has become increasingly Republican. Before serving in Congress, she worked as Coconino County’s Deputy County Attorney, the first woman to hold this position, and also served in the Arizona House of Representatives. She has previously served on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. During her time in the US House, she:
- Supported women’s rights, including reproductive rights
- Supported the Affordable Care Act
- Supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
- Sponsored the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act
- Co-sponsored bills to aid veterans and Native Americans
- Voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
- Voted for unemployment extension benefits,
- Voted for the Hate Crimes Act to include crimes motivated by prejudice based on gender, sexual orientation, or national origin,
- Voted for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Positions on Key Issues
- Strong supporter of reproductive health access and rights
- • Advocate for investing in public education and making public colleges and universities affordable. Opponent of repeated attempts to cut Pell Grants
- Strong defender of Medicare and Social Security
- Supporter of tough, fair, and comprehensive immigration reform addressing our broken immigration system and a consistent advocate for the DREAM Act
- Advocate for fighting global climate change and reduction of our carbon footprint
Prospects & Opponents
Kirkpatrick will face a crowded field of Democrats in the primary before she can face McSally in the general election. McSally is a strong leader in the efforts to repeal Obama Care. Her approval ratings have sunk after her repeal efforts. Kirkpatrick helped pass the Affordable Care Act in 2010.