With every Republican leader in the state Senate from 2018 gone, Karen Fann steps into the void as the next Senate president and the leader of not just the Republican Caucus, but the chamber at large.

Some candidates with varying degrees of political baggage proved more adept at second chances than others.

David Gowan’s tumultuous turn as speaker of the House hasn’t turned off voters, who appear poised to send the Sierra Vista Republican back to the Capitol.

Arizona is no stranger to legislative candidates with baggage, but this election cycle stands out for the number of candidates, namely Republicans, who are seeking office despite their tarnished reputations.

A handful of would-be Republican lawmakers stand out from a crowded field of legislative candidates this election cycle for their tarnished reputations, but some may still land in office.

Arizona’s Legislative District 14 Republican Senate primary pits scandal-plagued former House Speaker David Gowan against Rep. Drew John and an anti-establishment political newcomer.

May 30 marked the deadline for candidates to submit petitions to run for legislative, statewide and congressional offices. Unlike in previous election cycles, few legislative races are uncontested.

The Sierra Vista Republican filed 846 nominating petitions to run for the state Senate in Legislative District 14, easily eclipsing the 440 petitions required to qualify for the ballot.

Some politicians block spam accounts on social media. Some block corporations or trolls. But some Arizona lawmakers block their constituents, something First Amendment experts say may be unconstitutional.

Because the records were obtained, albeit at a much later date and by a different administration, there was no way to criminally prosecute the person responsible for altering the records and not promptly turning over documents used in a database’s creation.