Two Arizona legislators called it quits early on Wednesday. Republican Rep. Bret Roberts, a popular Arizona legislator from district 11 announced on Wednesday that he is resigning from the Legislature effective September 30th. The soft-spoken Roberts won wide support this past legislative session from conservatives and civil libertarians for his fight against vaccine passports. Roberts’ fight was unsuccessful in the end when fellow Republican, Senator TJ Shope, killed his bill in the Senate.
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Engel quit to focus on her campaign for Congress. She told her associates that she hoped to give her fellow Democrats enough time to find a replacement before the next legislative sessions starts. She is a candidate for Congress in what is currently Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.
Roberts told the Arizona Daily Independent that he was seizing “an opportunity that’s best for my family.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you, the Republican caucus, and the entire House,” Roberts tweeted. “I wish you all nothing but the best going forward and am confident that the House, will continue to do the people’s work on behalf of all Arizonans.”
Roberts then tweeted further explanation to his constituents, “After much consideration this decision was made merely on the basis that it is best for our family.”
.@BretRbrts has been one Arizona’s finest legislators. Always principled and professional. From all of us at the RLCAZ, thank you Rep. Bret Roberts for defending our liberties. We wish you and your family the best. https://t.co/IhHd2V0QND
— RLC of Arizona (@RLCAZ) September 9, 2021
Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers, who was frequently challenged by Roberts’ independent streak, issued a statement calling Roberts “a strong, consistent champion for the Republican caucus and the residents of Legislative District 11. I appreciate his service to the House and the State of Arizona. He will be missed.”
It was an honor having you serve in our caucus Senator @EngelForArizona https://t.co/GM5wN8R5Ko
— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) September 8, 2021