So, did anything happen this week? Kinda drawing a blank here.
Oh, yeah: the midterm elections happened, and as you may have heard, it was a historic victory for the Democrats, including in Arizona, which, like the rest of the country, has gone deep-blue. AZPM spent Election Day spread out all across Pima County – from Marana and Sahuarita to midtown Tucson and Oro Valley – then moved to candidate watch parties at night. While Dems danced to Stevie Wonder, Republicans ‘cried in their beer,’ as one business owner put it.
If you’re looking for a one-stop, in-depth recap of the night, check out AZPM’s live post-election special here. Otherwise, check out the stories below, or stream AZPM’s News Weekend podcast above. Come to think of it, why not do all three?
1. “Democrat JoAnna Mendoza wins CD6, unseating incumbent Juan Ciscomani” (Nov. 5)
It took two days of counting ballots, but on Thursday afternoon, the AP called one of the closest Congressional races in the country for the Democratic challenger – and in the end, the final numbers weren’t all that close.
2. “Democrats set to control the Arizona legislature for the first time in 60 years” (Nov. 4)
Not only did Arizona Democrats break six decades of Republican control and seize the legislature, they also achieved the coveted electoral “Trifecta”: control of both legislative houses and the governor’s seat. So, what might they do with all that power? Kieran Hadley looked into it.
3. “Grijalva wins first full term in Congress representing Arizona’s CD7” (Nov. 4)
As expected, Rep. Adelita Grijalva handily defeated her Republican opponent for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, Daniel Butierez… again. In a press gaggle on election night, Grijalva discussed wanting to take her fellow members of Congress to the Tohono O’odham Nation, to show them what life is really like along the US-Mexico border in southern Arizona.
4. “Early election results show Tucson voters rejecting TEP franchise agreement” (Nov. 4)
Prop 421, which would renew a franchise agreement between the city and Tucson Electric Power for the next 25 years, looks to be failing – possibly opening the door for a public takeover of Tucson’s electric utility.
5. “Newcomer set to join TUSD board overseeing school closure plan” (Nov. 5)
As we explained last week, school board elections matter, particularly in the Tucson Unified School District, which is looking to possibly close and consolidate several of its schools starting next year. It appears after Tuesday’s election that the TUSD board will have someone new involved in that process: Pilar Acosta Ruiz.
Three For the Week: What to look forward to in the week ahead
- The annual Loft Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 11. Go here for the full list of movie screenings and honorary special guests.
- While the Loft Film Festival kicks off with James Gray’s Paper Tiger, the Reid Park Zoo is bringing some real tigers to town. After years under construction, the zoo’s new wing, Pathway to Asia, has its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 13. Also coming: red pandas!
- The 11th annual Binational Art Walk highlights local performers and artists right along the US-Mexico border, starting in Douglas on Nov. 13 and continuing to the town’s Mexico sister city, Agua-Prieta, on Nov. 14.
