Note from AriSEIA Executive Director: 2020 Election

For many of us, November 3 was a date we were excited to have come and go. As a political wonk, often times Election Day has been referred to as my Olympics. And as of this morning, two-days post-election, we are still awaiting the Presidential outcome, Arizona has a new Arizona State Senator, and a flip of the Arizona State House of Representatives to blue appears to not have happened. 

For those in the solar industry, there is no race more important than that for the Arizona Corporation Commission. As reported earlier this election cycle, there were three seats on the Commission that were up for election. Chairman Burns (R) was termed out, Commissioner Dunn (R) was disqualified from the ballot after not achieving the necessary signatures to qualify, and Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson’s (R) appointed seat was up for election. 

With Commissioner Dunn not qualifying for the ballot, the remaining candidates for the three seats were: Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson (R), Eric Sloan (R), Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar (D), former Commissioner Bill Mundell (D), former Councilwoman Shea Stanfield (D) and a write in candidate to the ballot Jim O’Connor (R). 

As of this morning, all but Yuma County are at 100 percent reporting and the overall ballot counts continue to be counted. With that said, Tolleson Mayor Anny Tovar is currently at the top with 17.79% (1,280,372) of the vote, followed by Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson with 17.16% (1,235,190), and lastly Jim O’Connor with 17.00% (1,223,537) of the vote. If these numbers hold true, the Commission will shift from 4-1 Republican/Democratic to a 3-2 Republican/Democratic split, with Current Commissioner Justin Olson (R) and Current Commissioner Sandra Kennedy (D) rounding out the full body. 

Shifting gears to the legislature, the Senate currently is at 16 Republicans and 14 Democratic members. In the House, the numbers currently sit at 31 Republicans, and 29 Democratic members. These numbers maintain the split that is currently in place, however, there are some upsets. In Legislative District 28, Christine Marsh (D), has won the seat turning that district's seats to all blue (unseating Sen. Kate Brophy McGee (R)). In Legislative District 20, Judy Schwiebert (D), was the top vote earner, bumping current Representative Anthony Kern (R) from his seat. Lastly, perpetual candidate Wendy Rogers (R) has finally won an election for the Legislative District 6 Senate seat.

The next step in both the Arizona Senate and the Arizona State House is for each party to choose their leadership. The House Republicans have stated they will caucus today to hold their majority leadership selection, whereas the House Democratic Caucus has stated they will meet on November 10 to determine their leadership. The leadership roles are anticipated to have challengers from within each party. 

Moving forwards, AriSEIA will continue to represent the solar energy industry before the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state legislature and the Executive for the advancement of the industry. As always, if there are any upsets or changes to these current election outcomes, I will share that information. Lastly, I want to thank everyone that took the time to vote in and participate in the election process. Each person’s vote makes a difference and allows for your voice to be heard.