On Friday, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted on a replacement to fill the vacant Arizona Legislative District 14 Representative seat. Lupe Diaz, a Councilmember for the City of Benson, has been appointed to serve as the new State Representative for the remainder of the term.
Following the recent resignation of former State LD14 Representative Becky Nutt, per law, the County Board of Supervisors is responsible for selecting a replacement. On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Board conducted candidate interviews during a Special Meeting to help determine who would potentially fill the vacancy.
Candidates Lupe Diaz, a Benson resident, Brian McKeighen from St. David, and Robert Montgomery from Palominas, were nominated by the Republican Party in Cochise County to interview for the vacant position.
Both Supervisors Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby named Diaz as their first choice. Supervisor Ann English said her first choice was Brian McKeighen. Supervisor Crosby moved to appoint Diaz, and he received a unanimous vote.
“Lupe Diaz will be an energetic and effective new voice in the Legislature for southern and rural Arizonans,” said Speaker Bowers. “I am thrilled to have him join the incoming group of rising stars to our House Republican team, so that, together, we can advance conservative policies in our state.”
Mr. Diaz, born and raised in Bisbee, now serves as the Pastor/Principal of Grace Chapel/Grace Christian Academy in Benson, where he is also a member of the city council. He previously served two-terms as the president and CEO of the Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce and he continues to be a strong advocate for a pro-business economy, safe communities, and protecting Arizona’s limited water and natural resources.
“I’m grateful to the Cochise County Supervisors for this honor to represent District 14 in the Arizona Legislature,” said Diaz. “My priority will always be to the people I represent, to support good public policy to help them thrive and to raise their families in free and safe communities. I can’t wait to get started.”