By Andrew Oxford | Arizona Republic
State Rep. Nancy Barto announced Wednesday she will challenge incumbent Sen. Heather Carter in the Republican primary for their Arizona Senate seat representing north Phoenix.
Barto’s announcement pits a staunch conservative against one of the GOP’s moderate state senators and sets up what likely will be a bruising primary battle.
“Lately I’ve become deeply concerned to see our current senator is not representing our freedoms and values. It is vital that we bring back strong conservative leadership,” Barto, R-Phoenix, said in an online video announcing her candidacy.
Carter, R-Cave Creek, was quick to respond, lambasting Barto’s sponsorship of legislation that would expand exemptions for student vaccinations and her move to block Carter’s bill on regulating vaping products like tobacco.