The state’s primary election on September 4 signaled some changes in both the Senate and House. There were 20 House seats and 4 Senate seats that were open due to retirements and deaths. More than half of the 200 state lawmakers ran unopposed, and most of the 20 incumbents with primary challengers prevailed on Tuesday. Some will face challengers in the November 6 election. It should be noted that 24 Senators and 113 Representatives have no opposition in the November elections.
This election also marked the primary election of Nika Elugardo who defeated Jeffrey Sanchez, the current chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Many of the bills we have championed are currently under review in that committee. We are hopeful some might be passed during the informal legislative sessions before the end of this year. In January, we will again host a legislative information session for new legislators highlighting the work of The Arc and our effort to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families.
