Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)

Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. Representative in the 9th District of Arizona, is running for the U.S. Senate to represent the state of Arizona. CNN listed Arizona as one of several U.S. Senate seats most likely to flip in 2018. The winner of the Democratic primary on August 28 will face off against a Republican candidate in the November 6 general election. The Republican front-runner is Representative Martha McSally, a Republican congresswoman from Arizona’s 3rd District. Kyrsten Sinema, a front-runner in this high stakes race, is a qualified, feminist candidate and a true champion for families of all backgrounds. If elected, Sinema would be the first openly bisexual person to ever to serve in the Senate.

Background and Achievements

Kyrsten Sinema was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Sinema knows first-hand what it is like to struggle with poverty; her family lived in an abandoned gas station with no water or electricity for three years. Sinema learned the importance of hard work and education as she put herself through college on a full scholarship. After graduating college, Sinema became a social worker to help struggling families in Arizona. Throughout her career, she continued her education and earned a Master of Social Work, a J.D, and a Ph.D. in Justice Studies. In 2004, Sinema was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives and in 2010 elected to the Arizona Senate. In 2012, Sinema was elected to the U.S. House to represent Arizona’s 9th District, becoming the first openly bisexual member of Congress and Humanist. Through her career in social work and a progressive voting record in elected office, Sinema has demonstrated a dedication to bettering the lives of women and families.

Positions on Key Issues

  • Strongly supports women’s rights and comprehensive reproductive healthcare
  • Advocates for equal pay for equal work
  • Supports the DREAM Act
  • Advocates for equality and opportunity in public education
  • Voted to save the Affordable Care Act

Prospects & Opponents

Kyrsten Sinema is running against four Democrats in the August 28 primary. Sinema is a strong front-runner in the Democratic primary and is the top fundraiser in the race. The winner of this primary will face the Republican primary winner in the general election on November 6. Jeff Flake, Arizona’s Republican incumbent, announced that he is not seeking re-election, leaving the seat completely open. Among the Republicans facing off in the Republican primary are Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is believed to be the front-runner Kelli Ward, a radical Republican endorsed by Steve Bannon, and Joe Arpaio, the anti-immigration sheriff known for his discriminatory conduct in Arizona. This high stakes race, one of the biggest opportunities to flip a seat in the Senate, has been rated a toss-up by Cook Political Report.

Endorsements

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