Democrat to join House ahead of abortion repeal vote

Democrat Junelle Cavero is the newest state lawmaker, appointed to fill a vacancy in the Arizona House just a day before the Legislature is expected to take a pivotal vote on whether to repeal an abortion ban first enacted in 1864.

Her unanimous appointment by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors returns the Democratic caucus to its full 29-member strength. This marks the 10th time the board has appointed a state lawmaker to the current two-year session, mostly due to a string of departures by Democrats.

She replaces Rep. Marcelino Quinonez, who resigned April 4. By state law, the appointee must be of the same political party as the lawmaker they replace.

Cavero is the daughter of immigrant parents and a decade-long resident of the South Mountain community in Phoenix. She traces her activism to protesting against Senate Bill 1070, a state law enacted more than a decade ago that was widely viewed as an attack on immigrants and Latinos. She worked at the Arizona Fair Housing Center as she advocated against housing discrimination.

The supervisors did not comment on their unanimous vote. But later, Supervisor Steve Gallardo said he felt Cavero fit the southwest Phoenix district better than the two other nominees, Michael Butts and Lisa White.

“She is very invested in the community,” he said. “I think she had a stronger understanding of the needs of the district, a strong understanding of the legislative process.”

Records filed with the Secretary of

State show Cavero owes $11,750 in late fees from her 2022 campaign for state Senate. She acknowledged the fines and said she just learned two days ago that her campaign committee did not get closed out properly.

She said she will follow proper procedures to fix her campaign reporting.

Cavero said she’ll be sworn into office early Wednesday before the Legislature returns for its regular session.