Jennifer Jermaine has long dedicated her career to public service in the nonprofit sector, but this was the year for her to take it to the next level.

While all eyes were on the state Senate in anticipation of a potentially momentous Democratic power shift, it was the House of Representatives that saw a big step away from Republican dominance.

Early voting poll results show Sen. Sean Bowie defending his Senate seat against his old rival, Republican Frank Schmuck.

Both Democrats in the Legislative District 18 House race maintained last night’s early lead and have won.

This year is different, some Democrats say. And while they say that every year, their hope boils down to a handful of races that could decide which party controls the Senate, and perhaps increase Democrats’ share of representation in the House.

Former lawmaker and Arizona Board of Regents chairman Greg Patterson is well on his way to a political comeback.

No legislative votes are picked apart come election season quite like those of lawmakers from Arizona’s swing districts. While Sen. Sean Bowie follows conventional wisdom, Reps. Mitzi Epstein and Kelli Butler don’t play by bipartisan rules.

LD18, which spans parts of east Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler, was one bright spot for Arizona Democrats in an otherwise dark evening.

Political newcomer Sean Bowie is headed for victory over Republican Frank Schmuck, providing Democrats with a rare win in an East Valley district that has long been a Republican stronghold at the Legislature.

As the election comes to a close, campaign finance documents filed with the Arizona Clean Elections Commission and the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office show that, with only one statewide race, outside spending is in state and legislative elections is way down from 2014.