Sierra hospitalized with COVID-19 complications in D.C.

Arren Kimbel-Sannit//October 5, 2020

Rep. Lorenzo Sierra was admitted to a hospital in Washington, D.C. last night with complications from COVID-19, the Arizona House Democratic caucus announced this morning.

Sierra, a Democrat from Avondale, is “intubated and resting comfortably” in the intensive care unit at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md, a statement from the caucus said.

Sierra announced that he and his wife, the consultant and Arizona Republic contributor Rhonda Cagle, began showing symptoms of the virus and tested positive while visiting family in Washington last week. He’s the third Arizona lawmaker to publicly announce a COVID-19 diagnosis, and the second from his district. Both Sen. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, and Rep. Joanne Osborne, R-Goodyear — and their families — tested positive earlier in the year.

This morning’s announcement triggered a flood of support from community members and politicians.

“We’re going to keep democracy warm until you get home, Zo,” tweeted Rep. Jennifer Longdon, D-Phoenix. “We love you. Heal quick.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.