Most of the candidates in the Arizona Legislative District 7 July 21 primary are running unopposed, except in the GOP race for state representative.
In the Senate race, incumbent Wendy Rogers faces no challengers in the Republican primary. Michiel “Mike” Montiel likewise faces no challengers in the Democratic primary.
In the race for LD 7 representative, the field is crowded in the Republican primary. Incumbent Walter “Walt” Blackman will face former state Rep. David Cook Sr., Andrew Costanzo and Barby Ingle. The top two vote-getters will move onto the general election in November.
In the Democratic primary, Samuel “Sam” Martin is running unopposed.
Richard Grayson of the Green Party is a write-in candidate.
LD 7 encompasses Apache Junction, Gold Canyon Flagstaff, Page, Winslow, Show Low, Sedona and Pinetop-Lakeside. Here’s a look at the candidates:
Richard Grayson is running as a write-in candidate in the Green Party primary
Grayson, 75, hails from Apache Junction and works at the Central Arizona College Superstition Mountain Campus Library.
He is also co-chair of the Pinal County Greens.
"Unfortunately, only one Democrat, Sam Martin, qualified to run for the two seats as LD7 state representative," Grayson stated. "I am running in the Green Party primary to give Democratic and other progressive voters who want to use their second vote in the general election another candidate to vote for."
Grayson stated that the single biggest issue facing Arizona heading into the next legislative session is water — specifically long-term water security tied to growth, housing and the Colorado River.
"Recent polling found Arizona voters ranked “water and Colorado River protection” ahead of inflation, border security, taxes and education as the top priority for lawmakers," he stated.
