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Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election (August 28, 2018 Democratic primary)

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2016
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: May 30, 2018
Primary: August 28, 2018
General: November 6, 2018

Pre-election incumbent:
Martha McSally (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Arizona
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): R+1
Cook Political Report: Lean Democratic
Inside Elections: Lean Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District
U.S. Senate1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th8th (special)
Arizona elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018

Former Arizona 1st Congressional District Representative Ann Kirkpatrick beat physician and former state Rep. Matt Heinz and five other candidates in the Democratic primary on August 28, 2018. She received 41 percent of the vote to Heinz's 31 percent.

Incumbent Rep. Martha McSally (R) announced her bid for U.S. Senate in January, leaving the swing district open to a newcomer.[1] The 2nd District was on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) target list.

Both Kirkpatrick and Heinz claimed to be the most progressive candidate in the race.[2][3]

Heinz's campaign ads criticized Kirkpatrick's record on guns, healthcare, and the environment. He also pointed to her being new to the 2nd District. Heinz's opposition ads all ended with the tagline, "Ann Kirkpatrick: Not from here. Not progressive." Kirkpatrick criticized Heinz's record on guns, healthcare, and childcare policy.[4]

The candidates had similar views on some issues, such as allowing people to buy into Medicare, supporting the DREAM Act, and expanding background checks for firearms purchases.

Kirkpatrick was named to the DCCC's "Red to Blue" program. Her endorsers included Planned Parenthood Action Fund and former 8th District Rep. Gabby Giffords (D), who founded the group Courage to Fight Gun Violence.

Heinz's backers included the American Federation of Teachers, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence.

In June, Heinz attempted to knock Kirkpatrick off the ballot by funding a legal challenge to her nominating petition because of the residential addresses she listed. A judge ruled Kirkpatrick could remain on the ballot.[5]



Election results

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2 on August 28, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Ann Kirkpatrick
Ann Kirkpatrick
 
41.9
 
33,938
Image of Matt Heinz
Matt Heinz
 
29.6
 
23,992
Image of Mary Matiella
Mary Matiella
 
9.4
 
7,606
Image of Bruce Wheeler
Bruce Wheeler
 
8.4
 
6,814
Image of Billy Kovacs
Billy Kovacs
 
6.6
 
5,350
Image of Barbara Sherry
Barbara Sherry
 
2.6
 
2,074
Image of Yahya Yuksel
Yahya Yuksel Candidate Connection
 
1.6
 
1,319

Total votes: 81,093
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidates

Top candidates

The candidates below received major endorsements and notable media attention.

Matt Heinz

Matt Heinz.gif

Campaign website Facebook Twitter
Heinz's political experience includes serving in the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 29 from 2009 until 2013. He previously served as state House minority whip. He was also a 2016 Democratic candidate for the U.S. House to represent the 2nd Congressional District.[6] He lost to Rep. Martha McSally (R).

Heinz's professional experience includes working as a physician at the Tucson Medical Center.

Heinz has been a member of the Democrats of Greater Tucson, Equality Arizona, Executive Committee of the Healthy Arizona Initiative, Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats, American Medical Association, Arizona Medical Association, and Pima County Medical Society.[7]

Heinz's campaign website highlighted healthcare, guns and school safety, immigration, and the economy as themes. His endorsements included the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence.[8]

Ann Kirkpatrick

Ann Kirkpatrick.jpg

Campaign website Facebook Twitter
Kirkpatrick's political experience includes serving as a U.S. representative from Arizona's 1st Congressional District (2009-2011, 2013-2017) and serving in the Arizona House of Representatives (2005-2007).

Her professional experience includes serving as the Sedona city attorney and as deputy county attorney for the Coconino County and Pima County Attorney’s Office. Kirkpatrick earned her J.D. and a B.S. from the University of Arizona.[9]

Kirkpatrick's campaign website highlighted Medicare and Social Security, immigration and border security, supporting the military, and women's health as priorities. Her endorsers included Planned Parenthood, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, and End Citizens United.

List of all candidates

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

Democratic Party Democratic primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:


Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

Democratic Party factional conflict

See also: Democratic Party factional conflict in U.S. House primaries, 2018

Disputes between candidates endorsed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and candidates outside the official organs of the Democratic Party occurred in U.S. House primaries in 2018.

The DCCC, a campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, endorsed candidates who party leaders believed had the best chance of defeating Republican incumbents.[10]

Some criticized the DCCC's choices. Ryan Grim and Lee Fang wrote in The Intercept, for example, "In district after district, the national party is throwing its weight behind candidates who are out of step with the national mood."[11]

In this primary, the DCCC endorsed Ann Kirkpatrick.[10]

The chart below shows a scorecard for how the DCCC performed in competitive Democratic primaries that featured at least one DCCC-endorsed candidate and one other Democratic candidate.

U.S. House Democratic factions
Faction Primary victories in 2018
Endorsed by DCCC 31
Not endorsed by DCCC 2

Endorsements

Democratic primary endorsements
Endorsement Matt Heinz[8] Ann Kirkpatrick[12]
National figures
Former Sen. Dennis DeConcini[13]
Gabby Giffords, former U.S. Rep./Courage to Fight Gun Violence founder[14]
Former U.S. Rep. Ron Barber
State officials
State Sen. David Bradley (D)
State Sen. Olivia Cajero Bedford (D)
State Rep. Daniel Hernandez (D)
State Rep. Ruben Gallego (D)
State Sen. Andrea Dalessandro (D)
State Rep. Randy Friese (D)
Local officials
Tucson City Council Member Paul Durham
Organizations
Pride
Clinicians for Progressive Care
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Emergency Physicians
EMILY's List[15]
NARAL Pro-Choice America[16]
End Citizens United[17]
National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare
Stonewall Democrats of Arizona
Council for a Livable World
American Association for Justice
PACs
Feminist Majority PAC
NewDemPAC[18]
Planned Parenthood Action Fund[19]
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence
Victory Fund
National Organization for Women PAC
KIDS PAC
Unions
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
American Federation of Teachers
United Association
American Postal Workers Union
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
American Physical Therapy Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Building & Const. Trades Dept.- AFL-CIO
Air Line Pilots Association
Association of Professional Flight Attendants
International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employees
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
International Union of Operating Engineers
Laborers’ International Union of North America
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
National Association of Letter Carriers
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
National Association of Postal Supervisors
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers
Transport Workers Union of America
United Transportation Union
UNITE HERE!

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, Democratic primary
Poll Poll sponsor Matt Heinz Ann KirkpatrickOther/UndecidedMargin of ErrorSample Size
FM3 Research for Heinz
August 1-2
The Heinz campaign 31%26%42%+/-4.9402
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, Democratic primary
Poll Poll sponsor Matt Heinz Ann KirkpatrickMary MatiellaBruce WheelerBilly KovacsOther/UndecidedMargin of ErrorSample Size
FM3 Research for Heinz
April 29-May 3, 2018
The Heinz campaign 40%32%7%4%3%14%+/-4.9400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, Heinz vs. Peterson
Poll Matt Heinz Lea Marquez PetersonMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Policy Polling
February 8-10, 2018
45%31%+/-3.4841
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, Kirkpatrick vs. Peterson
Poll Ann Kirkpatrick Lea Marquez PetersonMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Policy Polling
February 8-10, 2018
43%34%+/-3.4841
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Campaign finance

The table below contains data from the Federal Election Commission.


Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Geraldine Custer Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Matt Heinz Democratic Party $1,013,517 $1,013,017 $500 As of December 31, 2018
Ann Kirkpatrick Democratic Party $4,591,985 $4,519,793 $72,191 As of December 31, 2018
Billy Kovacs Democratic Party $82,955 $61,289 $17,461 As of August 8, 2018
Mary Matiella Democratic Party $291,497 $291,497 $0 As of September 26, 2018
Barbara Sherry Democratic Party $7,318 $2,138 $0 As of October 10, 2018
Earl Swank Nonpartisan $0 $0 $0 Data not available***

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," . This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

Pre-primary report: July 1-August 8

Pre-primary reports, representing campaign finance totals from July 1 through August 8, were due in mid-August. Top candidates' totals for this period are presented below.

Campaign finance pre-primary report[20]
Candidate Filing deadline Contributions Expenditures Cash on Hand
Matt Heinz August 16, 2018 $35,501.72 $452,790.17 $76,508.63
Ann Kirkpatrick August 16, 2018 $185,502.26 $686,616.38 $335,813.55

Satellite spending

  • Women Vote!, a super PAC affiliated of EMILY's List, spent a total of $503,808 toward the race through August 22. The group spent $251,475 on an TV ad opposing Matt Heinz, which was released August 8. It spent another $252,333 on a TV ad in support of Kirkpatrick on August 22.
  • The super PAC Progress Tomorrow spent $159,748 toward the race through August 22. The money went to digital ads and direct mail, $73,304 in opposition to Heinz and $86,444 in support of Kirkpatrick.
  • The group American Healthcare Coalition spent $25,000 on a mailer opposing Kirkpatrick on August 11.[21]

Campaign themes and policy stances

Campaign themes

Matt Heinz

The content below was taken from Heinz's campaign website.[8]

Healthcare: The Affordable Care Act made progress, this much is undeniable. Equally undeniable is the fact that we still have a huge amount of work to do. Our healthcare system is under attack, it’s under attack by extremists in Congress, entrenched special interests in big pharma, and self-serving insurance lobbies. In the wake of these attacks, Matt believes we must keep moving forward to a system that provides coverage for all. Matt is ready to stand against the assaults on our rights to good doctors and quality care. And he has a plan to bring us closer to the healthcare future we need.

We need to move step-by-step towards universal coverage, so that we can join the rest of the developed nations. We should start with a Medicare buy-in option, which will result in lower costs and heightened levels of public health. Matt also believes that we must work to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, rather than surrendering control to the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbyists. During his time serving veterans, working at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Matt saw first-hand the positive effect of allowing drug prices to be negotiated. This renegotiation will drive down costs, improve public health, and have a meaningful impact on hard-working families.

Guns and School Safety: Southern Arizona knows all too well the devastating impact that guns can have on our communities. It seems that finally the winds of change have started to turn against the gun lobbies that have been putting profit before American lives for far too long. There has never been a better time to hold the gun lobby accountable and repeal liability protections. Let’s treat the gun lobby like ‘big tobacco’ and take our country back.

Matt has seen the reality of our country’s problem with guns. He’s treated gunshot wounds in the hospital and knows that gun safety is an issue of public health. He supports an end to the ban imposed on the CDC that prevents them researching gun violence as a health epidemic. The very fact this ban was ever imposed is evidence of just how powerful gun lobbies have become.

To deal with this issue, we must limit the potential for extreme damage. That means limiting capacity to 10 rounds of ammunition, banning bump stocks, and reinstating the assault weapons ban. Furthermore, we need to update the NCIC with current information, require comprehensive background checks, and keep guns away from domestic abusers and those on the terror-watch list. The NRA would have you believe that these measures are the desires of a tyrannical government. They’re not. They’re practical, common-sense precautions to keep our families safe, and they’re supported by the majority of Americans. Matt believes it’s time for Congress to catch up.

Immigration: Immigration is a hot topic, and one that causes a lot of people real concern. We need to address these concerns, but career politicians in Washington have failed to do so. Instead of real solutions, Congress and this administration offer us racially charged policies that play to our worst instincts. They tear families apart, offer false promises of security, promote a culture of intolerance and hate, and through all their harm, fail to fix our system. That’s why Matt proudly voted against SB1070 (the ‘Papers Please’ law) and stands with DACA students and the Dreamers against deportation.

Matt sees the proposed additions to the border wall for what they are, a futile measure and a huge waste of money that could go towards improving people’s lives. Matt believes that partly through increasing the number of customs agents, we can address immigration in a humane way that improves the economy of Southern Arizona and the economy of our biggest trading partner, the Mexican State of Sonora.

Jobs/Economic Development: Economic improvement and job creation in Southern Arizona is one of Matt’s top priorities. Unemployment has been on a downward trend, wages have stagnated, and inflation has made the cost of everyday goods and services unattainable for far too many hard-working families. This can’t go on. Matt believes it’s imperative that we invest in public education, invest in vocational training, and increase the minimum wage. Without these actions, we lock the doors to the American Dream to all but a few.

Furthermore, Matt recognizes the dire need to update our infrastructure. Including building a new energy grid, which will not only create jobs and improve wages, but have a meaningful impact on public safety and our environment. Most importantly, these infrastructure improvements will come from American manufacturers and American workers, so that we can end the trend of cheap outsourcing, thereby keeping our hard-earned tax dollars here at home - where they will do the most for our communities.

Environment: Almost the entire scientific community agrees that climate change is having a real, immediate impact on our environment. If we don’t act, the results will likely be catastrophic. That’s why Matt advocates a 21st century energy grid, improving alternative energy technologies, and forcing Washington to abandon their failing ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Matt believes we need to empower individual states to focus on how they can best reduce emissions and develop their green energy potential.

Arizona has the potential to be one of the world’s leading producers of solar power and alternative energy. Yet on this issue, politicians have failed the people of Arizona and are failing the world as a whole. Our corrupt system prioritizes corporate profits on perhaps the most important issue of the century. When he was serving in Arizona legislature, Matt worked to pass bills to improve the production of green energy and protect our environment. If elected, he’ll bring the same leadership to Washington, promoting policies that keep our air, water, and food supply safe for everyone.

Campaign Finance: So many of the issues that are devastating our country are because of our outrageous campaign finance laws. Money does not equal speech. Plain and simple. The decision regarding Citizens United will go down as one of the largest failures of the American political process. But it’s not too late to roll back the tides of special interests and corporations buying our political process. Matt believes it’s essential to enact legislation that prohibits corporate PACs from donating to federal candidates if that company is seeking federal contracts. If we fail to do this, our beloved country will head down a very dangerous road. Our government is not for sale.

Ann Kirkpatrick

The content below was taken from Kirkpatrick's campaign website.[22]

Building Critical Infrastructure

Arizona thrives when we have good roads, strong bridges and access to high-speed Internet. Investing in infrastructure creates good-paying and safe jobs, allows entrepreneurs to start new businesses, and puts our state on a path to the strong, stable economy we need.

From working with local communities on key flood control projects in Pinal, Navajo and Coconino counties to finalizing historic water rights for the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Ann has been a forceful and effective advocate for Arizona’s infrastructure needs.

Today Tucson is strategically positioned to attract jobs in logistics and trade due to the confluence of Union Pacific railways alongside Interstate highways (I-10 and I-19), proximity to Mexico’s deep water ports, and availability of developable land just six miles from downtown. Ann knows how to bring Arizona tax dollars home to use our fair share of investment to develop our economy. She secured millions of dollars in TIGER grants for transportation projects in rural and tribal communities, including $15 million for an overpass at State Route 347, one of the most dangerous rail crossings in Arizona.

Investments in infrastructure are investments in American innovation and help to rebuild middle class. Arizona has widespread infrastructure needs, and Ann knows we can create thousands of jobs by getting folks to work on these projects. With smart, targeted investments, we can build the foundation for our long-term economic prosperity.

Campaign Finance Reform

Republicans and outside groups have spent $40 million against Ann over the past ten years. She has seen first-hand that the proliferation of money in politics, particularly following the Citizen’s United decision, has had a corrupting influence on all aspects of American politics.

That’s why Ann supports the DISCLOSE Act to require reporting of all dark money spent in election’s and the Government By The People Act that would incentivize political campaigns that are funded by grassroots donors, not corporate PACs.

Ann is also proud that nearly 100,000 people have given to her campaigns. She is committed to fighting the millions in dark money the Republicans will throw at her with the power of people.

Creating a Fairer Economy

Our financial system is rigged against working families – too many are working harder and harder for less. As a former prosecutor, Ann is horrified that to this day no one on Wall Street has gone to jail for causing the economic collapse. Eight years later, Wall Street has not been held accountable. Ann believes we need more financial cops on the Wall Street beat who can enforce the laws with real teeth. Congress should close the revolving door between Wall Street and its regulators. Those who perpetrated a fraud on the American public deserve serious jail time.

Ann is also committed to ensuring all Americans, men and women, are guaranteed paid family leave in the workplace. As we build an economy that works for everyone, she believes families need paid time off to deal with births, deaths and illnesses that we all face. It’s simply wrong that only those with the financial means have the ability to properly deal with life’s ups and downs.

Defending Medicare and Social Security

Ann believes in the promise this nation has made to our seniors – that a lifetime of hard work will lead to economic security and access to health care in retirement.

As our economy continues its long recovery after the Great Recession, more seniors than ever are counting on Social Security and Medicare. And after years of hard work, they have earned the peace of mind these programs provide.

Ann has fought to protect Arizona’s families from attempts to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucher system. She opposed the Ryan Budget and criticized its harmful priorities. Ann also joined her colleagues in the successful fight to defeat the administration’s “chained CPI” proposal, which would have cut Social Security benefits, hurting seniors, veterans and working families. She also rejects privatization proposals that are described with code words such: personal accounts, partial privatization, options to invest benefits, partial investment of benefits, and the like.

Ann will never go back on the promise of Social Security and Medicare. They are earned benefits, not entitlements. She will fight to protect these programs against privatization or efforts to end the Medicare guarantee.

Ensuring Health Care for All Americans

Ann believes in universal health care to ensure that all Americans have insurance so that they can get high-quality, affordable health care.

Ann’s proudest vote in Congress was for the Affordable Care Act. She believes no one should have to make life-and-death medical decisions based on money. Although that vote cost her an election in 2010, she knew it was the right thing to do and will continue to fight reckless Republican efforts to repeal the ACA. The Act has led to a large drop in Arizona’s and the country’s rate of uninsured people, allowing hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to get health insurance for the first time. It has ended abuses such as people being denied the coverage they’ve long paid for at the unfortunate time that they are diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening diseases. The Act has also led to a huge decrease in uncompensated care by Arizona’s hospitals, which are now fiscally stronger. Our entire public health system has been strengthened, which is one reason that Arizona’s health sector has grown into the one of the strongest sectors of our economy.

As a mother whose daughter experienced complications with the birth of her son, Ann knows how devastating it can be for a family with an unexpected medical problem. The anxiety of managing serious threats to a loved one’s health is only compounded by the bills that come along with them. Thankfully, Ann’s grandson is happy and healthy, and her daughter had health insurance to support the effort to care for her newborn. But too many families still lack coverage.

Ann supports expanding the eligibility for individuals to buy into Medicare and believes it’s time for a public option, especially in counties where there is only one health insurance option available over the exchanges. Finally, she believes we must give Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices to reduce costs for our seniors.

Equality

Ann has always been a vocal champion for equality and ensuring that all Americans enjoy equal rights, including members of the LGBTQ community. She co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and applauded President Obama’s executive action on employment discrimination.

Fiscal Responsibility

Growing up in the White Mountains, Ann learned the value of a dollar from her father, who ran the general store. Those lessons stayed with her as she worked her way through college and law school and when she ran her own business.

But too many politicians in Washington are addicted to spending – putting new programs, pet projects and even military action overseas on the credit card with no plan to pay it off. And when the bill comes due, the American people are left with extreme choices between more debt and shutting down the government.

Governing from crisis to crisis, pushing problems off on future generations – that’s not how Ann’s father ran his store, and that’s not how we should run our country. Ann knows firsthand that the political fights in Washington are devastating to businesses here in Arizona. That’s why she believes that Congress should include “pay-for” measures in all spending bills, instead of kicking the can to the next generation.

There are hard choices to make, and Arizona deserves leaders who can face these choices, work together and find solutions – just as families and businesses do every day.

Honoring Our Veterans

For years, Ann has kept a quote on her desk in Congress that was given to her by a veteran. It reads: “Because they have already paid the price, fight for veterans with all your might.”

Ann has a record of unfailing support for veterans’ benefits and veterans’ programs that assist with job placement, health care and education.

She has worked tirelessly to ensure that veterans get the care they have earned. Her bipartisan legislation, VA CORE, was signed into law to help reduce the VA claims backlog that has affected thousands of veterans across the nation.

Ann was the first member of Congress to bring the allegations about the devastating scheduling practices at the Phoenix VA to the Inspector General, prompting an investigation of VA facilities nationwide. In the wake of that scandal, Ann served on the bipartisan House-Senate conference committee that crafted the most significant VA reform bill in years.

The heroic sacrifices of our servicemen and women must be honored not only while they are serving in uniform but also long after they have returned home. This is a principle that Ann holds deeply — and she will continue to fight for our veterans each and every day.

Immigration and Border Security

Arizona has suffered for far too long from the failure of our leaders in Washington to fix our broken immigration system. Unfortunately, too many politicians are content to exploit this issue for political gain.

Ann has consistently supported tough, fair and comprehensive immigration reform. She joins with Arizona’s business owners, educators, farmers, ranchers, and so many others in supporting comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, keeps families together and addresses the needs of Arizona’s economy.

As a former prosecutor, Ann has a long record of working to ensure border agents and law enforcement officials have the resources they need to combat cartels and traffickers. She worked to pass a $600 million border security package and successfully opposed cuts to federal funding that relieved the burden of border enforcement on Arizona.

And Ann has been a consistent advocate for the DREAM Act, which offers a chance at the American dream to undocumented young people who were brought to this country as children and are now working hard, playing by the rules and helping to strengthen our communities. She supports policies that keep families together and rejects the Trump Administration’s agenda of building a wall and targeting productive working people for deportation.

Ann has heard from countless Arizonans that addressing our broken immigration system is critical to Arizona’s economic future. Ann joins families across our state in calling for immigration reform that will keep families together, stimulate our economy and ensure border communities are safe and secure.

Investing in Education

Today, Arizona’s children are competing for jobs with the entire world – so they need a world-class education to prepare them for the 21st century economy.

As a mother who sent her children to Arizona’s public schools and former teacher, Ann knows we must do more to recruit, train and retain high-quality teachers in our state – particularly in rural communities. And, just as important, we must put our teachers and students in a position to succeed by properly funding classrooms, training programs and other essential needs.

Skyrocketing tuition has become a greater and greater burden on recent college graduates. This is holding back our economy and hurting the next generation of Arizonans. Ann is dedicated to reining in the cost of tuition and relieving the burden of student debt on Arizona families.

Ann is also fighting back against government policies that hurt students and their families. She supports restoring funding for Arizona’s public universities, which have seen their budgets dismantled in recent years. Ann has fought against repeated attempts to cut Pell Grants, which play an important role in making the dream of a college degree a reality for thousands of Arizonans. She also supports free community college.

A quality education is the birthright of every child, but our education system is failing our families. Our economy is changing, and so are the tools and training needed to succeed. More American’s must have access to affordable post-high school education choices, including four-year college, community college, and certificate programs, that train them for today’s jobs. Ann is committed to making the American education system the envy of the world by ensuring every child receives the education he or she deserves.

Jobs for Arizona

Ann’s economic approach is aimed toward a central goal: Get folks back to work in good-paying jobs.

Middle-class families in Arizona were smashed by the recession –and they struggle to keep up with the rising cost of basic living expenses, gasoline, college education, and healthcare even today.

Ann is committed to making Arizona home to a revived middle class by creating good-paying local jobs. And in order to do that, Ann wants to jumpstart the economy by supporting small businesses; keeping Arizona jobs in Arizona; fostering innovation; and making smart investments in education, infrastructure and job training.

Ann knows the importance of international trade to our economy, but she opposes so-called “free trade” deals that outsource U.S. jobs and harm American workers. And since the global economy demands an educated and evolving workforce, Ann is a fierce proponent of job training and education programs to help workers find jobs in the 21st century economy.

Our state also needs more good-paying jobs, and Ann is dedicated to creating an environment where new entrepreneurs and innovators can thrive. That means a tax code that fosters innovation, an end to unnecessary and burdensome regulations, and smart investments in education, infrastructure and job training.

Ann played a leading role in advancing key infrastructure projects across Arizona, such as the proposed Interstate 11 through Pinal and Pima counties, flood control projects in Coconino, Navajo and Pinal counties, and road improvements on the Navajo Nation. She is pushing to bring access to high-speed Internet to all corners of Arizona, which would provide an immense boost to local economies and prepare our students for the jobs of the future.

Ann knows that we need a Congresswoman who will bring home our fair share of federal tax revenues to support economic development in Southern Arizona, including the development of Tucson’s trade and logistics sector. Tucson’s access to rail, interstate highways and proximity to Mexico’s deep water ports makes it a natural location for these highly skilled, good-paying jobs.

Arizona’s natural resources are critical to our state’s economic prosperity. That’s why Ann has worked tirelessly to bring government agencies, local officials, conservationists and other stakeholders to the table to finalize the Four Forest Restoration Initiative. The initiative will protect Arizona’s treasured forests, create jobs, and help our economy for years to come.

Ann also co-sponsored the bipartisan Southeast Land Exchange and Conservation Act, which traded 2,400 acres of Forest Service land for 5,000 acres of privately held, environmentally sensitive land – and will create thousands of jobs in Arizona’s Copper Corridor. And Ann has fought back whenever bureaucrats in Washington impose burdensome regulations that would devastate our rural and tribal communities.

For Ann, working for Arizona means fighting for an economy that ensures that all of our families have a chance to work hard and build a better life for their children.

Protecting Our Natural Resources

As the home of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, the Sonoran Desert and so much beautifully preserved wilderness, Arizona offers its residents a special connection to our environment. It is our duty to protect and preserve these places for our children and for generations to come. Arizona’s natural resources are also key economic engines – particularly in rural areas – and bring much-needed jobs to our state.

Ann is committed to protecting our natural heritage. She worked to bring government agencies, local officials, conservationists and other public and private stakeholders to the table to finalize the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, which will protect Arizona’s treasured forest and create jobs.

Ann believes we must fight global climate change and reduce our carbon footprint before it is too late. She strongly supports developing a wide range of alternative energy sources in Arizona to create 21st-century jobs and free America from its dependence on foreign oil.

However, Ann has fought against the federal government’s harmful approach to Arizona’s land and water issues. Regulations drafted by bureaucrats who fail to understand our state would cost thousands of Arizonans their jobs, devastating rural and tribal communities. Instead, Ann believes the federal government must work in conjunction with local communities to protect Arizona jobs today and position our state to grow and thrive.

Second Amendment

Like a lot of Arizonans, Ann learned how to hunt from her father. Responsible gun ownership has always been a part of her heritage. Today, she remains a proud gun owner and strong supporter of the Second Amendment.

As a former prosecutor, Ann also knows there are common-sense steps we can take to prevent gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. Gun violence has torn our communities apart and Ann believes we must pass stronger laws to protect lives.

Some people should not have access to guns, including criminals and the severely mentally ill. Ann has co-sponsored legislation to strengthen background checks, prevent guns from getting into the hands of those convicted of domestic violence, and end the ban on gun violence research. And Ann is fighting to close the Terror Gap to prevent those on the terrorist watch list from buying guns.

Ann has also been endorsed by leading gun violence prevention advocates, Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly.

Supporting our Military and Their Families

Southern Arizona is home to the A-10 Squadron, the only plane in the U.S. Military capable of providing close-air support to our troops on the ground. The A-10 protects our troops when they are in combat. That’s why Ann has long been an advocate of protecting the A-10 program and strongly supported former Rep. Ron Barber’s successful 2014 effort to save the A-10’s funding.

Ann believes we need protect the A-10 program until we develop a reliable replacement. She also supports investing in the next generation of military technology to defend our nation and ensure the safety of our troops – and that new technology should be based here in Southern Arizona at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca Army Base.

Those who serve our country put themselves in harm’s way to defend us all. Ann knows we have an obligation to ensure their families have good jobs, secure housing, access to an affordable education and the health care they deserve. She will continue to fight in Congress to fulfill our obligations to those who serve and the ones who love them.

Women’s Health

Ann is proudly pro-choice and has always been an advocate for ensuring all women have access to the health services they need. She will fight against Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood or weaken protections or access for women’s health insurance and services.


Campaign strategy and tactics

Campaign advertisements

Democratic Party Ann Kirkpatrick (D)

Support
"Proudest" released June 13, 2018
"Con" released June 28, 2018
"Daylight" released July 19, 2018
"Progressive Champion" released August 10, 2018
Opposition

The Heinz campaign put out the following ads critical of Kirkpatrick.

"Tragedy" released July 17, 2018
"Joined" released July 17, 2018
"Depend" released August 2, 2018

Democratic Party Matt Heinz (D)

Support
"Values" released July 17, 2018
Opposition

The Kirkpatrick campaign released the following opposition ad.

"What Do We Know" released August 2018[23]

Women Vote!, an affiliate of EMILY's List, released an opposition ad against Matt Heinz in August. View the ad here.

Kirkpatrick responds to Heinz ad

Ann Kirkpatrick released the following response to one of Matt Heinz's ads.[24]

Kirkpatrick Campaign Responds To False, Negative Ad From Primary Opponent
Ann Kirkpatrick has been a strong voice in Congress to protect Medicare and Social Security.

That’s why the Republicans have spent millions of dollars trying to defeat her.

That’s why she has been endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Medicare and Social Security.

“National Committee members know what sets Ann apart from her opponents in this election, she already has a record of supporting seniors and their families,” said Max Richtman, President of The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “Ann worked to ensure Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Older Americans Act services to seniors were fully funded. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare knows it can count on Ann.”

What Matt Heinz is saying is not accurate.

In 2010, the Republicans pretended that voting for Obamacare was a “cut” to Medicare. They were lying. Today, Matt Heinz is pretending that Ann’s vote for the ABLE Act was a “cut” to Medicare. He is lying. It wasn’t. The ABLE Act was a bill that helped people with disabilities save money to pay for medical and other expenses. It passed the U.S. House 404 votes to 17 votes. This was not a controversial piece of legislation. Harkin. President Obama signed it into law.[25]

Noteworthy events

Heinz's effort to knock Kirkpatrick off ballot

Former state legislator Matt Heinz—who won the party’s nomination for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District in 2016—sought to knock his chief rival, former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D), off the ballot. Heinz funded a legal challenge in June 2018 to nullify Kirkpatrick’s nominating petitions, arguing she falsely listed two Tucson addresses as her residence when she lives in Phoenix.[26] However, a Tucson judge ruled that Kirkpatrick was a resident of Tucson and legally able to run for the congressional seat on June 19, 2018.[27]

Debates and forums

February 25 forum

Matt Heinz, Ann Kirkpatrick, Billy Kovacs, Mary Matiella, Barbara Sherry, and Bruce Wheeler participated in a candidate forum on February 25. Click here for coverage.

Race background

The 2nd District is a swing district.

  • In 2012, Ron Barber was elected to represent the 2nd District, beating Martha McSally (R) by about 2,500 votes.
  • In 2014, Barber lost to McSally by fewer than 200 votes.
  • In 2016, incumbent McSally defeated Matt Heinz, the Democratic nominee that year, by 14 percentage points.

With the seat open to a newcomer in 2018, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added the district to its target list.

Republican district won by Hillary Clinton

See also: U.S. House districts represented by a Republican and won by Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections

This district was one of 25 Republican-held U.S. House districts that Hillary Clinton (D) won in the 2016 presidential election.[28] Nearly all were expected to be among the House's most competitive elections in 2018.

Click on the table below to see the full list of districts.


2018 election results in Republican-held U.S. House districts won by Hillary Clinton in 2016
District Incumbent 2018 winner 2018 margin 2016 presidential margin 2012 presidential margin
Arizona's 2nd Republican Party Martha McSally Democratic Party Ann Kirkpatrick D+9.5 Clinton+4.9 Romney+1.5
California's 10th Republican Party Jeff Denham Democratic Party Josh Harder D+2.6 Clinton+3.0 Obama+3.6
California's 21st Republican Party David Valadao Democratic Party TJ Cox D+0.8 Clinton+15.5 Obama+11.1
California's 25th Republican Party Steve Knight Democratic Party Katie Hill D+6.4 Clinton+6.7 Romney+1.9
California's 39th Republican Party Ed Royce Democratic Party Gil Cisneros D+1.4 Clinton+8.6 Romney+3.7
California's 45th Republican Party Mimi Walters Democratic Party Katie Porter D+1.6 Clinton+5.4 Romney+11.8
California's 48th Republican Party Dana Rohrabacher Democratic Party Harley Rouda D+5.8 Clinton+1.7 Romney+11.7
California's 49th Republican Party Darrell Issa Democratic Party Mike Levin D+7.4 Clinton+7.5 Romney+6.7
Colorado's 6th Republican Party Mike Coffman Democratic Party Jason Crow D+11.2 Clinton+8.9 Obama+5.1
Florida's 26th Republican Party Carlos Curbelo Democratic Party Debbie Mucarsel-Powell D+1.8 Clinton+16.1 Obama+11.5
Florida's 27th Republican Party Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Democratic Party Donna Shalala D+6.0 Clinton+19.7 Obama+6.7
Illinois' 6th Republican Party Peter Roskam Democratic Party Sean Casten D+5.6 Clinton+7.0 Romney+8.2
Kansas' 3rd Republican Party Kevin Yoder Democratic Party Sharice Davids D+9.1 Clinton+1.2 Romney+9.5
Minnesota's 3rd Republican Party Erik Paulsen Democratic Party Dean Phillips D+11.4 Clinton+9.4 Obama+0.8
New Jersey's 7th Republican Party Leonard Lance Democratic Party Tom Malinowski D+4.7 Clinton+1.1 Romney+6.2
New York's 24th Republican Party John Katko Republican Party John Katko R+6.3 Clinton+3.6 Obama+15.9
Pennsylvania's 1st Republican Party Brian Fitzpatrick[29] Republican Party Brian Fitzpatrick R+2.6 Clinton+2.0 Obama+2.6
Pennsylvania's 5th Republican Party Pat Meehan[30] Democratic Party Mary Gay Scanlon D+30.2 Clinton+28.2 Obama+27.7
Pennsylvania's 6th Republican Party Ryan Costello[31] Democratic Party Chrissy Houlahan D+17.6 Clinton+9.3 Obama+3.2
Pennsylvania's 7th Republican Party Charlie Dent[32] Democratic Party Susan Wild D+11.3 Clinton+1.1 Obama+7.0
Texas' 7th Republican Party John Culberson Democratic Party Lizzie Pannill Fletcher D+5.0 Clinton+1.4 Romney+21.3
Texas' 23rd Republican Party Will Hurd Republican Party Will Hurd R+0.5 Clinton+3.4 Romney+2.6
Texas' 32nd Republican Party Pete Sessions Democratic Party Colin Allred D+6.3 Clinton+1.9 Romney+15.5
Virginia's 10th Republican Party Barbara Comstock Democratic Party Jennifer Wexton D+12.4 Clinton+10.0 Romney+1.6
Washington's 8th Republican Party David Reichert Democratic Party Kim Schrier D+6.2 Clinton+3.0 Obama+1.6


Click here to see the 13 Democratic-held U.S. House districts that Donald Trump (R) won.

Click here to see an overview of all split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections..

Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker Race ratings
October 30, 2018 October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report Lean Democratic Lean DemocraticLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales Lean Democratic Lean DemocraticLean DemocraticTilt Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball Likely Democratic Likely DemocraticLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+1, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 1 percentage point more Republican than the national average. This made Arizona's 2nd Congressional District the 232nd most Republican nationally.[33]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 0.94. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 0.94 points toward that party.[34]

District election history

2016

U.S. House, Arizona District 2 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMartha McSally Incumbent 57% 179,806
     Democratic Matt Heinz 43% 135,873
Total Votes 315,679
Source: Arizona Secretary of State
U.S. House, Arizona District 2 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngMatt Heinz 52.8% 32,017
Victoria Steele 47.2% 28,658
Total Votes 60,675
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

2014

U.S. House, Arizona District 2 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMartha McSally 50% 109,704
     Democratic Ron Barber Incumbent 49.9% 109,543
     Write-in Sampson U. Ramirez 0% 56
     Write-in Sydney Dudikoff 0% 48
Total Votes 219,351
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

2012

U.S. House, Arizona District 2 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRon Barber Incumbent 50.4% 147,338
     Republican Martha McSally 49.6% 144,884
     Libertarian Anthony Powell 0% 57
Total Votes 292,279
Source: Arizona Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states. No counties in Arizona are Pivot Counties.

Donald Trump (R) defeated Hillary Clinton (D) in the 2016 presidential election. Trump won 48.7 percent of the vote, while Clinton won 45.1 percent. Arizona was one of 12 key battleground states in 2016. Of the 30 states won by Trump in 2016, Arizona had the fifth closest margin. From when it became a state in 1912 to 2016, Arizona voted Republican in 66.7 percent of presidential elections. It voted Republican in all presidential elections from 2000 to 2016.

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Arizona. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[35][36]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 12 out of 30 state House districts in Arizona with an average margin of victory of 25 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 14 out of 30 state House districts in Arizona with an average margin of victory of 27.5 points. Clinton won two districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 18 out of 30 state House districts in Arizona with an average margin of victory of 22.9 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 16 out of 30 state House districts in Arizona with an average margin of victory of 21.5 points.

See also

Footnotes

  1. USA Today, "Arizona Rep. Martha McSally announces she's running for Senate," January 12, 2018
  2. AZ Central, "In southern Arizona's 2nd Congressional District race, Democrats have choice: Play it safe or go left?" August 22, 2018
  3. AZ Central, "Matt Heinz compares Ann Kirkpatrick to 'meth addict' in interview," August 22, 2018
  4. Kirkpatrick for Congress, "Media," accessed August 6, 2018
  5. Arizona Capitol Times, "Lawsuit to kick Kirkpatrick off ballot fails," June 19, 2018
  6. Azcentral, "Democrat joins race for Congress against Martha McSally," July 30, 2015
  7. Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed November 24, 2014
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Matt Heinz 2018 campaign website, "Home," accessed June 18, 2018
  9. Ann Kirkpatrick 2018 campaign website, "About," accessed June 18, 2018
  10. 10.0 10.1 DCCC, "Red to Blue Candidates," accessed May 15, 2018
  11. The Intercept, "THE DEAD ENDERS: Candidates Who Signed Up to Battle Donald Trump Must Get Past the Democratic Party First," January 23, 2018
  12. Kirkpatrick for Congress, "Kirkpatrick Campaign Announces Endorsements from Over 40 Organizations, Individuals," August 12, 2018
  13. Tucson.com, "Dennis DeConcini: Heinz offers a prescription for a brighter future," March 16, 2018
  14. AZ Central, "Gabrielle Giffords makes an early endorsement among Democrats in her district," September 8, 2017
  15. Tucson Weekly, "Kirkpatrick Wins EMILY's List Nod in Race Against U.S. Rep. McSally," October 9, 2017
  16. NARAL Pro-Choice America, "NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Ann Kirkpatrick for Congress," March 5, 2018
  17. End Citizens United, "End Citizens United Endorses Ann Kirkpatrick for Congress," November 9, 2017
  18. Roll Call, "New Democrats’ PAC Endorses First 16 Candidates for 2018," March 9, 2018
  19. Planned Parenthood Action, "2018 Election Endorsements," accessed August 7, 2018
  20. Federal Election Commission, "Arizona - House District 02," accessed August 22, 2018
  21. ProPublica, "Arizona’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed August 23, 2018
  22. Ann Kirkpatrick 2018 campaign website, "Issues," accessed June 18, 2018
  23. ADMO, "What Do We Know," accessed August 26, 2018
  24. Kirkpatrick for Congress, "Kirkpatrick Campaign Responds To False, Negative Ad From Primary Opponent," August 1, 2018
  25. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  26. Tucson.com, "Locals seek to oust Kirkpatrick from CD2 race, say she doesn't live in Tucson," June 12, 2018
  27. Arizona Capitol Times, "Lawsuit to kick Kirkpatrick off ballot fails," June 19, 2018
  28. This figure includes Pennsylvania districts that were redrawn by the state Supreme Court in early 2018 and districts that flipped in special elections.
  29. The new 1st district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 8th District held by Fitzpatrick. Click here to read more.
  30. The new 5th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 7th District held by Meehan. Click here to read more.
  31. The new 6th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 6th District held by Costello. Click here to read more.
  32. The new 7th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 15th District held by Dent. Click here to read more.
  33. Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  34. FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
  35. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  36. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
Eli Crane (R)
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
Vacant
District 8
District 9
Republican Party (6)
Democratic Party (4)
Vacancies (1)