State House and Liberty Bell Front Lawn Arizona Capital Building
Jakob Thorington
Arizona Capitol Times
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed a Democrat who nearly beat U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., to the state House of Representatives on Jan. 31.
The board appointed 2022 congressional candidate Jevin Hodge to the vacant seat in Legislative District 8. Hodge, from Tempe, lost to Schweikert by less than 1% of votes in the race.
Hodge is filling the vacancy left by former Rep. Athena Salman, who resigned shortly before the start of the legislative session to lead Arizona Campaigns for Reproductive Freedom for All.
Hodge expressed gratitude for the “American Dream,” in a House Democrats news release after he was appointed, sharing his experience of living in public housing as a child and his single mother working to improve their living conditions.
“My mother always told me to never forget where we came from – and to make sure we found a way to give back. I am humbled by this appointment and grateful to all who supported me,” Hodge said in the release. “Now, it’s time to get to work. My door is open to anyone who wants to make a difference for Arizona.”
The Board of Supervisors appointed him unanimously and supervisors expressed confidence in Hodge working with the GOP-controlled Legislature.
