Ronald J. Hansen
Arizona Republic
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly endorsed former state lawmaker Raquel Terán in her congressional bid Monday, giving her early backing from Arizona’s most visible Democrat in Washington.
The move helps Terán, who headed the Arizona Democratic Party during the 2022 election cycle, stand apart in an already crowded field in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, DAriz.
Gallego is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, IAriz., leaving an opening for his district, which spans south Phoenix and the West Valley and is considered safe turf for Democrats.
Terán’s tenure as chairwoman of the state Democrats included Kelly’s 2022 reelection. In a written statement, Kelly said she played a role in his victory.
“Raquel has spent nearly two decades working to build the diverse coalition that turned our state blue,” Kelly said. “She was an integral part of my election and the elections of Democrats up and down the entire ticket.
“I’ve also seen firsthand Raquel’s dedication to fighting for Arizona’s working families. She’s delivered in the state Legislature, working to protect fair wages for Arizona workers and abortion rights, as well as advocating for climate action. It’s that can-do spirit we need more of in Washington.”
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