Meyer, Brophy McGee split House seats in LD11

Democratic Rep. Eric Meyer held onto his House seat in Legislative District 11, and will share representation with Republican Kate Brophy McGee, unofficial results from the Nov. 2 election show.

Meyer staved off a serious challenge by Republican Eric West, who lost by about 800 votes. McGee had the most votes after having spent a whopping $140,000.

Republicans spent $16,285 in independent expenditures in an attempt to oust Meyer, who was first elected in 2008. But Meyer spent $81,728 in the general election, according to recent campaign finance reports, and he received a $21,340 infusion of independent expenditure cash in October.

“I didn’t expect to, but I certainly set out to come out on top,” McGee said.

The northcentral Phoenix district, which also takes in Paradise Valley, has been considered a Republican stronghold, but Democrats have taken seats in the last two election cycles.

This wasn’t West’s first close contest with a better-funded and better-known candidate. In the Aug. 24, primary, his second-place finish over Shawnna Bolick was considered a surprise.