Mesa Democrat Seth Blattman announced Friday that he won’t run for reelection to the state House of Representatives, citing low pay among other reasons.
Blattman was first elected in 2022 and represents Legislative District 9. He will serve out the rest of his current term.
He said he hasn’t ruled out running for office again someday but is seeking a job in the business world for now.
Blattman had a job outside the Legislature at his family’s furniture store, but the business recently closed. He said that played a “large role” in his decision.
Legislators make $24,000 a year and Blattman said that’s not enough without his second job.
“The Legislature does not pay a living wage, and I still hope to one day raise a family,” Blattman said in a text.
He’s not the only lawmaker to leave because of financial stress.
Former Democratic Sen. Eva Burch resigned last year citing low pay.
There’s also been a broader trend in recent years of Democratic lawmakers leaving the state Legislature for a variety of reasons.
Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-Tempe) announced in September that she won’t run for reelection either.
In 2024, seven Democrats left the state House of Representatives.
As part of his announcement, Blattman endorsed Jacob Martinez to take over his seat.
LD9 is considered a competitive district, where Democrats will have to fight to hold onto the seats they won in 2024.
Martinez’s website states his priorities are affordability, strong public schools, affordable housing and protecting Arizona’s water future.
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