Phoenix Democrat resigns from Arizona House

(The Center Square) – Rep. Laura Terech, D-Phoenix, is stepping down on June 30 now that the legislative session is over, but before her term technically ends.

Terech had announced previously that she would not seek re-election in the hotly competitive legislative district 4, which includes much of the northeast Phoenix area. She is the seventh Democrat in the House to leave her position this year, although all the others stepped down during the session. While most left to pursue new jobs, former Rep. Jevin Hodge had to step down due to a sexual misconduct scandal after only spending a month and a half in the legislature.

“The past two years saw four of my bills receive a committee hearing. As a member of the minority party in a narrowly divided legislature - much less as a swing district Representative - this was quite a feat,” she said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday.

“These achievements are a testament to the collaborative spirit I brought to the Capitol. It was my privilege to work with fellow legislators, community leaders, and the many passionate citizens who engage in the democratic process,” the Democrat lawmaker added, saying that she would announce her new role next week.

Her seatmate, Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, wished her goodbye as well.

“Rep. Terech, thanks for your service to Arizona. It’s been a pleasure serving with you on behalf of [LD-4],” Gress tweeted.

“While we didn’t agree on many issues, I know you approached every one of them with the best intentions for our state. I wish you well in the years ahead,” he continued.

In the case of any legislative vacancy, the Democratic precinct committeemen in her district will choose three names to submit to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors as a replacement. The board will then hold interviews with the three and appoint one to the legislature.

The legislative session ended earlier this month after the budget passed, and Terech voted in favor as she believed some of the reforms to the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account program were a good start.