Schweikert defeats Tipirneni for sixth term
Rep. David Schweikert won a sixth term in Congress, overcoming ethics lapses and a steep financial disadvantage against Democrat Hiral Tipirneni.
Unofficial results through Saturday morning showed Schweikert, R-Ariz., with a growing lead over Tipirneni even as the number of uncounted votes has rapidly dwindled.
While the final results are yet to be determined, it is clear that Schweikert’s latest triumph is the narrowest generalelection race of his career, despite a 12percentage point Republican registration advantage. The Associated Press called the race for Schweikert at 9:43 a.m. Saturday.
Chris Baker, Schweikert’s campaign consultant, said the result was consistent with voter sentiments.
“We always felt good about this election because David Schweikert’s commitment to economic growth, lower taxes and a safe community is exactly what the voters of CD 6 want from their representative,” he said. “It was a hardfought race, and David is incredibly thankful for the support he received from the voters in the district.”
In a written statement, Tipirneni said
she had no regrets about running for Congress again. This is her third loss since 2018.
“Among other things, I ran as a physician, as a first-generation immigrant, and as a mom. And I still believe we need more scientists and doctors at the table. The only way we’ll get out of this public health crisis and begin to build back our economy is if we listen to experts, follow the facts, and trust the sci
ence,” she said.
“Even today, after this heartbreaking loss, I stand by my decision to run wholeheartedly,” she continued. “And I’m proud to have joined the countless other women leaders nationwide who stepped up and demanded better. We need more women in positions of power. We need more women in politics.”
In some ways, Tipirneni’s loss in the Scottsdale-based district is emblematic of Democrats’ frustration in the House of Representatives more broadly. Schweikert’s district is the kind of suburban, college-educated district that has moved away from President Donald Trump in recent years.
Tipirneni, a physician and cancer-research advocate, made Schweikert’s ethics problems and creation of a public option in health insurance coverage the pillars of her campaign. That year, she lost a special election to Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., then lost a rematch with Lesko in the general election.
Democrats and their allies spent nearly $8.7 million on the 6th Congressional District race in the 2020 cycle, compared to $2.8 million by Republicans and their allies, according to Advertising Analytics, which tracks political campaign spending.
Tom Emmer, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, praised Schweikert for the win.
“Congratulations to David Schweikert on his hard-earned victory,” Emmer said in a statement. “I look forward to our continued work together for the American people in Congress.”