Hiral Tipirneni (D-AZ-08)

Hiral Tipernini

Hiral Tipirneni, an emergency room physician, is running for Congress to represent the state of Arizona in the 8thdistrict. If elected, Tipirneni would become the first woman physician in Congress. In December 2017, Trent Franks (the Republican incumbent) resigned due to a sex scandal. The seat cannot stay open for an extended time so there was a special election scheduled for February 20, 2018. Tipirneni won the primary and became the Democratic nominee for the special election in Arizona’s 8thcongressional district. However, she was defeated in the special general election (April 24, 2018) by Republican nominee Debbie Lesko. Now, she is running again in the general election. She and Debbie Lesko both have an opponent in the primary (August 28), but they are generally expected to face each other in the November 6 general election.

Background and Achievements

Hiral Tipirneni was born in India but moved to the United States with her parents at the age of 3. As an immigrant, her family sought after the American Dream. Tipirneni obtained her medical degree through an accelerated program at Northwest Ohio Medical University. She was Chief Resident at the University of Michigan’s Emergency Department. After moving to Phoenix with her husband, she became a member of the Board of Directors of the Maricopa Health Foundation. Given her extensive background in medicine, she hopes to implement a new healthcare plan in which affordable and quality care is more accessible.

Positions on Key Issues

  • Strongly supports policies regarding women’s reproductive health rights
  • Advocates for the expansion of Medicare
  • Supports the Affordable Care Act
  • Plans to strengthen public school education, and make education more affordable
  • Supports the DREAM Act

Prospects & Opponents

Hiral Tipirneni is running against three Democrats in the August 28 primary. Tipirneni received $2,539,453 in contributions for the special election, and she is a strong front-runner. The winner of this primary will face the Republican primary winner in the general election on November 6. Trent Franks, the 8thdistrict’s Republican Incumbent announced he will be resigning. Currently, there are two Republicans running in the primary: Brenden Dilley, who is a strong Trump supporter, and Chris Sylvester, who is still working to get his name on the ballot.

Endorsements

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