The commute, time commitment and low pay have contributed to a high turnover rate among legislators from the state’s largest legislative district.

New lawmakers could change dynamics of Senate

Two new lawmakers arrived at the Legislature this summer to fill vacancies in the Arizona Senate, potentially altering the dynamics of a chamber that left the Capitol bitterly divided on the issue of Medicaid expansion.

The newest senator from northern Arizona brings a different perspective to the Senate, one that is in large part guided by an upbringing as a Navajo and the unique needs of the state’s rural areas.

New senator has lived in many homes far from his district

By all accounts, new state Sen. Carlyle Begay is highly qualified for public office.

He has impressed lawmakers, county and city officials and even the Governor’s Office with his credentials as a student of public health. And he boasts extensive work with American Indian communities as the vice president of business development at the American Indian Health Management and Policy group in Phoenix, where he has worked since 2006.

Gilbert or Ganado — New senator faces challenge over residency

Mere hours after he was sworn into the Arizona Senate, Democrat Carlyle Begay faced a challenge to his seat on the grounds that he doesn’t live in the district he was appointed to represent.

Only hours after he was sworn into the Arizona Senate, Democrat Carlyle Begay faces a challenge to his seat on the grounds that he doesn’t live in the district he was appointed to represent.

Surrounded by friends and family, as well as a few of his new colleagues at the Arizona Legislature, Carlyle Begay was sworn in Tuesday morning as the newest state senator, but could soon face a legal challenge to his appointment to office.

Ed Bunch is one of the few completely unencumbered Arizona senators. He hasn't been at the Capitol long enough to feel the full weight of special interest groups bearing down on him. He made it clear that he would step down from the District 7 seat after filling in the rest of Jim Waring's term.