Precinct committeemen, the party faithful who show up at legislative district meetings and encourage people to vote, occasionally get a chance to have an even more influential role in state politics.

Four lawmakers won’t be returning to the Capitol after losing their re-election bids in the August 30 primary election.

The “Clean Team” was victorious in Tempe’s Legislative District 26 as Democratic Rep. Juan Mendez is leading in the district’s Senate Democratic primary, and his running-mates, political newcomers Isela Blanc and Athena Salman, took the top two spots in the district’s House primary.

Celeste Plumlee came to the Legislature following a domino appointment process to fill former Sen. Ed Ableser’s seat in the east Tempe and west Mesa Legislative District 26, and she filled former Rep. Andrew Sherwood’s seat when he moved to the Senate.

Surrounded by a cadre of Democrats, family, legislative staff and House Republican leadership, Celeste Plumlee was sworn in as the newest member of the House today.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors this morning chose Democrat Celeste Plumlee as the newest representative from Legislative District 26.

Citing a unique opportunity to ensure the next lawmaker is a woman, LD26 Democratic precinct committeemen on Wednesday nominated an all-female slate of three candidates to fill the district’s open House seat.