Charlene Pesquiera

Political observers on both sides of the isle seem to agree, this year's legislative races will be interesting to watch. On the surface, it looks like there will not be much change, but then again anything could happen this year. Voters are angry, but the question that remains to be unanswered is will they take that anger out on the Republican held legislature or the Democratic Governor?

Ok that may be going a little far, but the Arizona state senate seems to be losing members to injury or sickness on a regular basis these days. Democrat Vic Soltero has been at home recovering from heart surgery, Republican Jake Flake was thrown from his horse last week and broke several ribs and now Democrat Charlene Pesquiera is taking time off to recover from gallbladder surgery.  That is 10% of the senate out until further notice.

Wrapping up our look at the LD26, we focus on the Republicans running to unseat Rep. Nancy Young Wright and replace Rep. Pete Hershberger, who's undertaking a run at the State Senate. There are three going after the two open slots, which will leave one of the candidates out in the cold after the September 2 primary.

Trent Humphries is considered a cinch to become the top vote-getter among the trio, which would leave Vic Williams and Marilyn Zerull to battle it out for the number two berth.

Today we begin our new special series entitled "Better Know a District Race," which, yes, unabashedly cribs from The Colbert Report's segment of nearly the same name.In this new series, which will continue throughout the election year, we will examine the primary fights and general election match-ups in the state's most hotly contested races for the Arizona House and Senate.

We start with 26, which has what is sure to be among the most heavily-scrutinized Senate primaries in the state, as well as what is currently a five-way battle for the two House seats.

So now, get to know the Senate race in LD26 - The Fightin' 26th!

PolitickerAZ has learned that State Sen. Charlene Pesquiera (D-26) will not run for reelection.

In a statement to supporters, Pesquiera explained:  read more »