On Monday, Senator Carlyle Begay announced that he is switching political parties. The Democrat lawmaker held a press confernce today and was joined by Arizona GOP Chair Robert Graham, State Senate President Andy Biggs and other Republican Party dignitaries.
Begay’s announcement surprised few after his controversial vote for Governor Doug Ducey’s budget last year.
In a prepared statement issued on Monday, Begay claimed that “the Republican Party is finding solutions to build a positive future for the people I represent.” Begay, a member of the Navajo Nation, said that the Republican Party has worked side-by-side with him to improve education, jobs, and infrastructure.”
Graham enthusiastically welcomed Begay, who was elected to represent Arizona’s Legislative District 7. “My relationship with Senator Begay has grown over the years and I am so proud to see him join with our party so he can better serve the people of his district,” said Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham. “Republicans have proven to have a much more successful approach on the issues important to not just his district but all of Arizona, like education and economic prosperity, and I’m looking forward to working with him to improve opportunities for his community.”
District 7 is the nation’s largest state legislative district by area and includes most of Northeastern Arizona including eight different tribal lands.
Begay was appointed to the Arizona Senate in 2013 and was reelected in 2014. He released a brief video documenting his upbringing as a Navajo (or Diné) and his lifelong political journey and strong desire to better serve the constituents of his district.