State Senator Debbie Lesko claimed victory in the Tuesday special election to fill the vacant seat left empty by former Republican Congressman Trent Franks, who resigned in December 2017.


The race was expected to be much closer than past election cycles, despite the district being reliably Republican. Lesko faced off against Democratic nominee Hiral Tipirneni in the special general election, after winning the crowded Republican primary.


Lesko received congratulations from former Governor Jan Brewer at an election night victory party that was held in Peoria, with supporters and community leaders gathering to watch the election results.


Lesko is expected to run for a full term in the November general election.


You can find photos from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmeDrkJf