Tempe lawmaker Athena Salman announced Wednesday that she is resigning from the state House of Representatives at the end of the month to run the Arizona arm of a national abortion-rights nonprofit.
Salman will serve as director of Arizona campaigns for Reproductive Freedom For All. The group, formerly known as NARAL, is collecting signatures to get a measure on the ballot in 2024 that would codify Roe v. Wade.
The organizers need to collect 383,923 valid signatures by July 3 to make it on the ballot. It’s an effort supported by Arizona Democrats, including Governor Katie Hobbs.
Salman says the group already has 75,000 members in Arizona ready for her to mobilize.
“It’s going to be really exciting, and I’m looking forward to being a critical part and leader in that work as I have, you know, really championed those issues in my capacity as a state legislator,” she said.
Democratic leaders in Salman’s district will select candidates to replace her for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on Jan. 8.
Salman said she doesn’t know who’s interested in taking over her seat in Legislative District 8.
District Democrat Vice-Chair Jacob Raiford said LD8 supports Salman and is treating the matter of her replacement “with a sense of urgency.”
Salman was first elected in 2016 and served in the House since 2017.
“I’ve been absolutely privileged and it’s the honor of a lifetime to be able to be a public servant and be a voice of compassion,” Salman said. “And really, I feel like I’ve spent my time standing up and fighting for the people in our state, in our country and quite frankly, around the world, who have been among the most vulnerable.”
