Kern And Payne Set To Return To Legislature

May 30, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski |

Two Arizona west valley lawmakers are eyeing a return to the Arizona Legislature in 2025.

On Friday, State Senator Anthony Kern and Representative Kevin Payne announced that they had filed paperwork to run for re-election in the 2024 election cycle. Their news release revealed that the two would be switching spots in the Legislature due to Payne’s term limits in the House. Kern will now be running for the Arizona House of Representatives, and Payne for the state senate.

Senator Kern shared his thoughts about the swap, highlighting that the idea to take this course of action originated with him: “Kevin Payne is a solid conservative who is doing great and important work on a number of issues, especially those related to public safety and Arizona’s military and veterans. With him reaching his term limits in the State House I asked if he would consider switching places with me so that he could keep fighting for those issues.”

Payne also issued a statement on the news, saying, “First off, let me just say that Anthony Kern hasn’t just been one of the hardest working State Senators in Arizona, he’s a selfless guy who wants what is best for Arizona.” responded Payne, “So I appreciate his offer and I’ll be glad to work hard for both my own election as well as his. We need his solid conservative presence in the State House!”

The two legislators quickly received one high-profile endorsement for the re-election bids, coming from House Speaker Ben Toma, who also serves in the same district. Toma said, “This is great news for the district and the state. Kevin and Anthony are hard-working, solid conservatives, who focus on getting the work done. I look forward to voting for both of them!”

Kern and Payne’s district is extremely crucial for Arizona Republicans in November General Elections as they enjoy a solid-red electoral advantage. Both lawmakers have been instrumental in helping legislative Republicans hold the line against the new Democrat state officials: Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Legislative Republicans hope that these two are at the core of an expanded majority in 2025.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

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