The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed a seventh Democrat to the state House of Representatives since January. 

The board appointed former House Minority Leader Eric Meyer Monday morning to replace former Rep. Laura Terech, who resigned in June to work at the Secretary of State’s Office. The appointment fills a vacancy in Legislative District 4, which covers North Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. 

“I am so excited and honored to be serving the constituents of Legislative District 4,” Meyer said in a Monday news release. “I enjoyed my years of prior service in the House and look forward to responding to the needs of my constituents and to the issues facing all Arizonans. I am humbled to have this opportunity and understand the importance and magnitude of my appointed position.”

Meyer, a medical doctor from Paradise Valley, served in the House from 2009 to 2017 and was minority leader from 2014 to 2016. He was one of three nominees selected by LD4 Democratic precinct committeemen in July to be considered by the board for the appointment to the vacant seat. 

The other two nominees were former state Rep. Kelli Butler and Madison Elementary School District Board member Karen Gresham. Both Butler and Gresham are running for election to the state House this November. 

During the precinct committee meeting when the three nominees were chosen, Meyer said he preferred for Butler or Gresham to get the appointment. 

Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates made the motion to appoint Meyer and said while all three candidates were strong, Meyer has experience if the legislature is called into session. 

“I’ve served with Dr. Meyer, seen his commitment to public service in action, and am thrilled to welcome him back to our caucus,” House Minority Leader Lupe Contreras said. “He was an effective and forward-looking leader, and a staunch voice for Arizona’s public schools, our healthcare safety net and our environment. All three of the candidates put forward for consideration – including Kelli Butler and Karen Gresham – were stellar choices. Even if it’s temporary, our caucus and our constituents will benefit with Dr. Meyer back in the fold.”

Since January, the board has appointed seven members to the legislature – all House Democrats. Last year, the board appointed four members to the legislature, and the Pima County Board of Supervisors appointed one member.

“I don’t know if it’s a record number, but we’ve had a lot of appointments to the Arizona legislature that the board has been responsible for, and all my colleagues and I take this responsibility very seriously,” Gates said. 

Terech joins former state Reps. Athena Salman, Amish Shah, Jennifer Longdon, Leezah Sun, Jevin Hodge and Marcelino Quinonez who have resigned in recent memory. She announced shortly after her resignation that she’s working on special projects within the Secretary of State’s Office. 

Terech was one of the instrumental negotiators on a bill during the 2024 legislative session that moved the primary election to July 30 that ensured overseas voters would be able to participate in the general election this year if a recount was triggered. 

Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, holds the other seat in the district. He and Terech worked on several bipartisan measures together during both their first-terms and spoke complimentary of each other often. 

He said Monday he was looking forward to working with Meyer. 

“Dr. Meyer brings a wealth of experience back to the legislature, having served in the House for eight years. His strong ties to the community and passion for public service will ensure continuity for our constituents through the end of the year,” Gress said. 

House Democrats haven’t announced details for Meyer’s swearing-in ceremony yet.