Arizona's 9th Congressional District elections, 2014

U.S. House, Arizona District 9 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Kyrsten Sinema Incumbent	54.7%	88,609
	Republican	Wendy Rogers	41.9%	67,841
	Libertarian	Powell Gammill	3.5%	5,612
Total Votes				162,062
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

2016 → ← 2012

Arizona's 9th Congressional District

General Election Date November 4, 2014

Primary Date August 26, 2014

November 4 Election Winner: Kyrsten Sinema

Incumbent prior to election: Kyrsten Sinema

Race Ratings Cook Political Report: Lean D Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean D

Arizona U.S. House Elections District 1 • District 2 • District 3 • District 4 • District 5 • District 6 • District 7 • District 8 • District 9

2014 U.S. Senate Elections

2014 U.S. House Elections

Incumbent Kyrsten Sinema (D) won re-election to Arizona's 9th Congressional District in 2014. The race had the potential to turn into a tight race, but Republican Wendy Rogers, whose campaign was plagued by missteps, failed to pose a significant threat to incumbent Sinema.

Ballotpedia initially identified Arizona's 9th Congressional District as a U.S. House battleground district in 2014 because the district's numbers of registered Democrats and Republicans were relatively evenly split. In addition, Sinema won her first term in Congress during the election in 2012 by just over 4 percent of the vote. However, the district also had a slight Democratic lean, and President Barack Obama won the district by roughly 4 percent in 2012 and 2008. The slight Democratic lean combined with Rogers' poorly run campaign contributed to the race being less competitive than initially predicted.

Rogers, one of the first 100 female pilots in the United States Air Force, showed early promise of being a formidable challenger to Sinema and was included on Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Diane Black's (R-TN) list of top female House candidates. However, she received criticism for a campaign ad featuring the beheading of American photojournalist James Foley and for refusing to attend an October candidate forum.

Rogers and Sinema agreed that the border was not secure, that fixing the Veterans Affairs system was a top priority and that social security needed to be protected and preserved. Their main issues of disagreement were the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and gun rights. Rogers vowed to help repeal the ACA. She argued, "This disastrous program has resulted in millions of Americans having their health insurance rates skyrocket or their plans canceled altogether. I support market-based reforms, including allowing consumers to purchase healthcare across state lines." Sinema supported the ACA but agued that problems with the law needed to be fixed, including "a repeal of the medical device tax and the health insurance tax." Rogers, who has a Concealed Carry Permit, showed her full support for the 2nd Amendment. Sinema explained that she supported, "closing the gun show background check loophole, and I support measures like Rep. Barber’s legislation (H.R. 274) to expand mental health first aid training for first responders and school support staff in our communities. I oppose any expansion of concealed carry regulations to include public buildings, universities or establishments that serve alcohol."

Sinema and Rogers also faced Libertarian candidate Powell Gammill who shocked listeners at the October 21 PBS debate when he made the following statement about veterans: "I would basically toss 'em on their own. I don't believe in stealing people's money (through taxes) and spending it on veterans. I don't believe we owe this to them."

In a race that many predicted would be a toss-up, Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Real Clear Politics rated the race as "Likely Democratic," The Rothenberg Political Report rated it "Democrat favored" and The Cook Political Report rated it "Lean Democratic," as the race moved closer to Election Day.

Candidate Filing Deadline	Primary Election	General Election
May 28, 2014	August 26, 2014	November 4, 2014

Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Arizona utilizes a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters may choose which party's primary they will vote in, but voters registered with a party can only vote in that party's primary.

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Voter registration: To vote in the primary, voters had to register by July 28, 2014. For the general election, the voter registration deadline was October 6, 2014.

See also: Arizona elections, 2014

Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Kyrsten Sinema (D), who was first elected in 2012.

The 9th District is based in Tempe, Arizona, and is one of five primarily urban districts centered around Phoenix, Arizona.

Candidates

General election candidates

Kyrsten Sinema

Wendy Rogers

Powell Gammill

August 26, 2014, primary results
Democratic Primary

• Kyrsten Sinema - Incumbent a

Republican Primary

• Wendy Rogers - 2012 candidate a
• Andrew Walter

Libertarian Primary

• Powell Gammill

Election results

General election

U.S. House, Arizona District 9 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Kyrsten Sinema Incumbent	54.7%	88,609
	Republican	Wendy Rogers	41.9%	67,841
	Libertarian	Powell Gammill	3.5%	5,612
Total Votes				162,062
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

Primary election

U.S. House, Arizona District 9 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Wendy Rogers	59.4%	22,717
Andrew Walter	40.6%	15,510
Total Votes		38,227
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

Race background

Libertarian support

Democrats sent out mailers highlighting Libertarian Powell Gammill's positions in an effort to siphon votes from Rogers to Gammill. It could have been an effective strategy, as Gammill took in 6.6 percent of the vote in 2012, which was more than the margin of victory in that race.

Executive director of the Arizona Democratic Party DJ Quinlan said, "It might be unconventional, sure, but deceptive it's surely not. It says right there: 'Paid for by the Arizona Democratic Party.' Obviously we prefer Kyrsten Sinema. Our calculation is there are probably a lot of conservative voters who realize (Gammill) is a far more consistent conservative than Wendy Rogers... We're pretty much taking (Gammill's) positions directly from his website and sharing them."

Frontline Program

Sinema was a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Frontline Program. The program was designed to help protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents heading into the 2014 election.

Second try

Rogers previously ran for Arizona's 9th Congressional District seat in 2012, but she was defeated by Vernon Parker in the Republican primary.

First female pilots

Rogers, one of the first 100 female pilots in the United States Air Force, believed that her military experience would help her if she was elected to Congress. “Women vets have a unique perspective. We have the nurturing and the compassion components uniquely blended into the service to country, mission-minded outlook,” Rogers told the Washington Post.

October debate

On October 20, 2014, Sinema and Gammill expressed their views on a variety of topics during PBS's news show "Horizon." Rogers, however, chose not to attend. Her spokesman, James Harris, explained her absence saying, "This candidate forum is not a debate. Typically, a debate is something hosted by multiple news organizations, with rules discussed in advance with both major party candidates. That never happened, and we do not feel this would be a real debate. As a result, Wendy has chosen to spend the time talking to actual voters."

According to the Phoenix New Times, "Although Rogers didn't participate in the debate on the local PBS station's Arizona Horizon, many other candidates did during the election cycle. Out of Congressional District 1, both Democratic Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick and Republican challenger Andy Tobin participated in the debate. In Congressional District 7, where Democrat Ruben Gallego essentially locked up the win on primary night, still went on the PBS debate with his libertarian and independent challengers. All of the candidates involved in races for statewide offices have appeared for the PBS debates too, including gubernatorial candidates Doug Ducey and Fred DuVal (although any statewide candidates receiving Clean Elections funding are more or less required to participate)."

Beheading ad

After receiving criticism, Rogers removed footage of American photojournalist James Foley's beheading at the hands of ISIS from her campaign ad. The ad was meant as a criticism of Sinema's "votes in support of trying Guantanamo Bay detainees in U.S. courts and against eliminating funding to transfer detainees to their home countries."

James Harris, Rogers' spokesman, defended the ad. He said, "The execution of James Foley was a tragic incident, and the entire nation is in mourning. Our nation is facing a new threat in ISIS, and as our public officials are debating how America will approach this terrorist organization, so should we. To have a productive debate, we must have all the information, and the people should know about Congresswoman Sinema’s actions and anti-defense votes."

Tyrone Gayle, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said, “It is reprehensible and unbecoming of anyone seeking elected office to use the footage of an American tragedy for political gain, and Wendy Rogers should remove this ad immediately and apologize to Mr. Foley’s family. For Wendy Rogers to use such a reprehensible tactic to make baseless claims just to smear Representative Sinema proves how desperate her campaign has become.”

Endorsements

Kyrsten Sinema

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Sinema on September 5, 2014. Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer said, "The endorsement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s most respected pro- business advocacy organization, is a recognition of Rep. Sinema’s efforts to create an environment for job growth in Arizona and the nation where businesses large and small can thrive. The Arizona business community appreciates Rep. Sinema’s hard work on issues like the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and the development of a simpler, fairer tax code, which are vital to improving the U.S.’ competitive standing."
• The Arizona Republic

Wendy Rogers

• The Arizona Republic criticized Rogers, arguing in their endorsement for Sinema that "...Wendy Rogers, has largely hidden from the press. She did not meet with The Republic's editorial board in the primary or for the general election. Perhaps this is understandable, given her performance in a primary debate televised by KAET. Rogers showed a poor grasp of the key issues facing the district, Arizona and the nation."

Media

Wendy Rogers

Wendy Rogers campaign ad describing her dedication to service

Issues

See also: Energy and the 2014 election: the ballots and beyond

Kyrsten Sinema

Sinema's campaign website listed the following issues:

“	Looking out for Veterans and Military families: "To address the broken health care system seen at the Phoenix VA, Kyrsten has taken several immediate steps to help provide veterans with the health care and services they need." Listening to and standing up for Arizona families: "Kyrsten believes that no person who is willing to work full time should have to live in poverty, that’s why she supports an increase in the minimum wage. She also supported the No Budget No Pay Act because Congress should not get paid unless they do their job and pass a budget. She has fought to protect Medicare and Social Security so that we keep our promises to seniors and allow them to retire with dignity." Creating Good Jobs in Arizona: "Sinema works directly with Arizona businesses in order to listen to their concerns and help solve problems. She has pushed a bill to give tax breaks to companies that create high-tech, high-wage jobs. She is a strong supporter of our schools, community colleges and universities, so that Arizona will have the highly educated workforce we need to move our economy forward." Standing up for women and their families: "Kyrsten stood up when some in Congress tried to allow employers to deny coverage for basic women’s health care like birth control. Kyrsten opposed the law, and believes that only a woman, her family, and her doctor should be allowed to decide what is best for her health." Supporting Arizona Seniors: "Arizona seniors from across Congressional District 9 have told Congresswoman Sinema how, after a lifetime of hard work, Social Security allows them to retire with dignity. She will continue to fight for Arizona seniors and families by protecting Social Security and Medicare, even if that means taking on Washington and the President."	”
—Kyrsten Sinema's campaign website, http://kyrstensinema.com/issues/

Wendy Rogers

Rogers' campaign website listed the following issues:

“	Jobs & Economic Growth: "I believe we can reduce the tax and regulatory burden on families and job providers as an important first step toward jumpstarting our nation’s economy. Government doesn’t create jobs, but government can prevent jobs from being created. So let’s get Congress and the federal government out of the way of real job growth." Health Care: "In her first five months in Congress, Kyrsten Sinema has already TWICE voted to fund and implement Obamacare, the signature, self-named health care leviathan which will ultimately serve as Barack Obama’s legislative legacy. If I were in Congress now, I would have twice voted to repeal and defund this bill." National Security: "America’s security is under constant threat. I believe we have a responsibility to maintain America’s military preparedness against all foreseeable threats. An aggressive China, a resurgent Russia, the proliferations of nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union, rogue nations from the Middle East to the Korean Peninsula, and radical Islamic terrorists intent on killing innocent victims around the world are just a few of the potential security threats we must be ready to address without warning." Border Security & Immigration: "America’s immigration system is as broken as are our borders. Both must be fixed. As the majority of Americans, I support LEGAL immigration as much as I oppose ILLEGAL immigration. Unfortunately, Kyrsten Sinema and the career politicians and special interests in Washington are playing political games with both—and for decades, nothing meaningful has gotten done." Education: "There is no more important issue facing America today than the strength of our nation’s schools and the quality of the education our children are receiving. President Reagan said, “As a nation, we are dedicated to excellence in education. It makes a better life for our children as individuals, and it further secures the liberty we cherish.”"	”
—Wendy Rogers' campaign website, http://www.wendyrogers.org/issues/

Key votes

Below are important votes Sinema cast during the 113th Congress.

HR 644

See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange

On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage. Kyrsten Sinema dissented from the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Kyrsten Sinema voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Kyrsten Sinema voted for HR 2775.

Campaign contributions

Kyrsten Sinema

Kyrsten Sinema (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2013	$48,923.27	$333,062.76	$(74,924.61)	$307,061.42
July Quarterly	July 15, 2013	$307,061.42	$395,593.02	$(155,279.28)	$547,375.16
October Quarterly	October 15, 2013	$547,375.16	$329,040.77	$(94,813.44)	$781,602.49
Year-End	January 29, 2014	$781,602	$339,303	$(99,316)	$1,021,589
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$1,021,589	$419,619	$(175,676)	$1,265,532
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$1,265,532	$582,834	$(253,319)	$1,595,047
Pre-Primary	August 14, 2014	$1,595,047	$231,616	$(933,619)	$893,044
October Quarterly	October 15, 2014	$893,044	$619,163	$(1,031,609)	$480,598
Pre-General	October 23, 2014	$480,598	$192,116	$(252,532)	$420,182
			Running totals
			$3,442,347.55	$(3,071,088.33)

Wendy Rogers

Wendy Rogers (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 12, 2013	$3,583	$102,530	$(6,597)	$99,515
July Quarterly	July 8, 2013	$99,515	$128,425	$(21,502)	$206,438
October Quarterly	October 15, 2013	$206,438	$118,535	$(53,345)	$271,628
Year-End	January 31, 2014	$271,628	$90,026	$(50,163)	$311,490
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$311,490	$137,958	$(45,801)	$403,648
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$403,648	$138,367	$(154,669)	$387,346
Pre-Primary	August 14, 2014	$387,346	$51,110	$(221,020)	$217,436
October Quarterly	October 15, 2014	$217,436	$365,674	$(128,100)	$455,010
Pre-General	October 23, 2014	$455,010	$54,432	$(432,725)	$76,717
			Running totals
			$1,187,057	$(1,113,922)

Andrew Walter

Andrew Walter (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
July Quarterly	July 15, 2013	$0.00	$137,659.48	$(15,539.11)	$122,120.37
October Quarterly	October 15, 2013	$122,120.37	$64,392.45	$(36,560.09)	$149,952.73
Year-End	January 31, 2014	$149,952	$64,438	$(28,580)	$185,810
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$185,810	$112,133	$(41,705)	$256,238
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$256,238	$105,323	$(141,480)	$220,081
			Running totals
			$483,945.93	$(263,864.2)

**As of the 2014 July Quarterly Report, Walter's committee owed $100,000 in outstanding loans to Andrew Walter.

District history

Candidate ballot access
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2012

On November 6, 2012, Kyrsten Sinema (D) won election to the United States House. She defeated Vernon Parker (R) in the general election.

U.S. House, Arizona District 9 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Kyrsten Sinema	48.7%	121,881
	Republican	Vernon B. Parker	44.6%	111,630
	Libertarian	Powell Gammill	6.6%	16,630
Total Votes				250,141
Source: Arizona Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

2010

The district was created following the 2010 census.

See also

• United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, 2014
• United States House of Representatives elections, 2014
• U.S. House battleground districts, 2014

External links

• Arizona Elections Division

Footnotes

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Arizona's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ruben Gallego (D)

Mark Kelly (D)

Representatives

District 1

David Schweikert (R)

District 2

Eli Crane (R)

District 3

Yassamin Ansari (D)

District 4

Greg Stanton (D)

District 5

Andy Biggs (R)

District 6

Juan Ciscomani (R)

District 7

Vacant

District 8

Abraham Hamadeh (R)

District 9

Paul Gosar (R)

Republican Party (6)

Democratic Party (4)

Vacancies (1)