TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - City Council Member Steve Kozachik announced that he will be changing parties Friday. 

 

In a letter to his constituents, Kozachik writes, "over the past two election cycles it has become clear that the local and Arizona State Republican Party is being driven by a small, but vocal faction that has taken it far to the political right. That faction has effectively taken over the Party leadership and is driving an ideological agenda that I do not believe reflects the common will of the community."

 

Kozachik goes on to write, "The Republican Party leadership cannot expect those of us whose purpose it is to reach common ground across varying political interests to continue to wear a label that rejects that core principle."  

 

Kozachik says he will not change his approach to issues or abandon the common sense, hard work he has show in the past while serving on the City Council. 

 

For a full text of Kozachik's letter, please click here. 

 

KGUN 9 On Your Side will have more on this developing story.