With 95% of the votes counted early Wednesday morning, Tipirneni had 53.7% of the votes. Second place finisher Anita Malik, another Indian American, won 36.1%. Media called the race for the Democrat Tiperneni to challenge Rep. David Schweikert for the suburban district.
Even though Arizona’s 6th District has traditionally been Republican territory, Schweikert’s ethics scandal has given Democrats an opening. National Democrats have labeled the district as one of their top targets this cycle.
Republicans also swear that they will fight to keep Schweikert's seat.
Malik quickly endorsed called for unity in order to defeat Schweikert.
"Our neighbors have used their voice & made their vote," Malik tweeted. "Now, we must unite to ensure Rep. Schweikert can no longer take advantage of our trust. He doesn’t deserve his position and I will stand with our nominee to defeat him."
Tipirneni has raised more money than the incumbent, who is also dogged by a probe from the House Ethics Committee over allegations of of misusing official funds and receiving improper campaign contributions.
The Democrat candidate wasted no time targetting the Republican.
"He’s taken hundreds of thousands from the insurance and pharmaceutical industries and put their interests first, voting to eliminate protections for those with pre-existing conditions. It’s long past time for new leadership that will put people first," she continued.
In 2018, Tipirneni unsuccessfully ran for Congress in District 9. Her narrow loss in a heavily Republican district got the attention of national donors who brought their dollars to her 2020 campaign.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Updated Aug. 5, 10:40 a.m. to include latest vote count.
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