Today, non-partisan election forecasters at the University of Virginia Center for Politics’ “Sabato’s Crystal Ball” downgraded Rep. David Schweikert’s re-election chances, shifting their rating of the race from Likely to Lean Republican. In the decision, Kyle Kondik of Crystal Ball cited Schweikert’s House Ethics Committee investigation, the blue-trending suburbs that make up the district, and Dr. Hiral Tipirneni’s strong candidacy.
Crystal Ball, in part, said:
[Schweikert] continues to face a House Ethics Committee investigation that has cost him a considerable amount in legal fees…[The Democratic] frontrunner appears to be well-funded Hiral Tipirneni (D), who ran a respectable race against now-Rep. Debbie Lesko (R, AZ-8) in special and general elections in 2018.
DCCC spokesperson Sarah Guggenheimer released the following statement:
“Congressman David Schweikert is in the fight of his political life as Dr. Hiral Tipirneni continues to highlight his abysmal record of working to gut protections for pre-existing conditions and the House Ethics Committee investigation into his shady behavior, in this blue-trending suburban district. Arizonans are clearly tired of Schweikert’s self-serving record in Congress and are looking to Tipirneni to provide the honest and dedicated leadership they deserve.”
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