In a statement sent out just a short while ago to supporters, State Senator David Livingston announced that he was going to leave the State Treasurer’s race and campaign instead for the open State House seat in his new legislative district.
The move comes as a surprise since Livingston was considered the front-runner for the Treasurer’s office and had garnered high profile endorsements from leading conservatives like Congressman Paul Gosar.
“It has been a rather wild last couple of weeks. I have been campaigning for State Treasurer for several months and was recently asked to consider an opportunity in the private sector that would allow me to work on some issues very near and dear to my heart. The challenge was that I didn’t feel it would be at all appropriate to take on outside professional obligations in the context of a year-round statewide office with the kinds of responsibilities that being State Treasurer would entail. Yet I love public service and covet the prospect of being able to continue doing good things for Arizona.” wrote Livingston in his statement.
He went on to write “So Tracy and I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to figure out the best way to balance these important considerations while still being able to serve. Accordingly, after talking with friends, fellow lawmakers, and our extended family, we decided that I would remain in the Legislature instead of pursuing statewide office. This way I can continue fighting for issues like election integrity, protecting taxpayers, border security, pension reform, eliminating our state debt, and more.”
Livingston had previously endorsed State Representative Frank Carroll for his Senate seat and is standing by his choice, running for Carroll’s House seat instead of asking Carroll to switch back and allow Livingston to stay put in the Senate.
The other incumbent lawmaker is State Representative Beverly Pingerelli, and it appears that the new LD28 in Maricopa County’s northwest valley has a trio of lawmakers already ready for the 2022 election.