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2 Republicans, 1 Democrat elected Arizona utility regulators

Posted at 1:20 PM, Nov 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-07 15:20:14-05

PHOENIX (AP) — Two Republicans and one Democrat have won their races in the little-watched battle for control of Arizona's utility regulatory commission.

Current Arizona Corporation Commission member Lea Marquez Peterson and retired finance industry professional Jim O'Connor are the Republicans.

The Democrat is current Tolleson mayor and former state senator Anna Tovar.

Democrats fell short of gaining control of the commission.

It is currently controlled 4-1 by Republicans and they will have a 3-2 majority when the new terms beginning in January.

Democrats had hoped to help turn the state toward more renewable energy and boost scrutiny of rate increases sought by regulated electric utilities.