With many votes still uncounted, Democrats appear to be leading in several Maricopa County races previously held by Republicans.
The earliest results reported from Maricopa County Tuesday night showed Whitney Walker and Jevin Hodge leading in their races. If elected, Walker and Hodge would be the county’s first Black members of the Board of Supervisors and both would flip Republican-held seats, putting Democrats in the majority.
Democrat Julie Gunnigle is also leading in the race for Maricopa County Attorney. She would unseat Republican incumbent Allister Adel and would be the first woman elected to the role; Adel was appointed to the position last year.
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In the race for County school superintendent, Democrat Jeanne Casteen as of Wednesday morning was more than 40,000 votes ahead of Republican Steve Watson.
Progressive lobbyist Marilyn Rodriguez told KJZZ’s The Show the changes, if confirmed, would be the result of years of efforts to organize Arizona voters.
“We're awake, we’re paying attention to races, and we’re not paying attention to just the top of the ticket and the presidency,” Rodriguez said.
Republican consultant Emily Ryan said the early results do appear to show a shift for the county.
“I think it’s a little surprising to wake up today to ‘Maricopa County is blue,’” Ryan said.
Sheriff Paul Penzone and County Recorder Adrian Fontes, both Democrats, also appeared to be holding onto their offices as of Wednesday's count. Both flipped those seats in 2016.