Pictured: Debbie Lesko
Republican Debbie Lesko won the special election in Arizona’s 8th District Tuesday night, defeating Democrat Hiral Tipirneni in an unexpectedly close race. Lesko won by about six points in a district that President Donald Trump won by 21 points in 2016.
Her narrow margin in a reliably Republican district is seen as yet another warning sign for Republicans heading into difficult midterm races this fall.
Hiral Tipirneni, a physician new to politics, said that she will run again in November 2018.
Lesko, a former state senator, will fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Trent Franks (R), who resigned last December amid allegations of sexual harassment.
