Just 24 hours after Senator Jeff Flake announced he won't run for re-election - both Pima County Democrats and Republicans are already working on a plan to take the seat.
Senator Flake won the Senate seat back in 2012 when he ran against Democrat, Richard Carmona.
Pima County GOP chairman, David Eppihimer says, with Flake opting out - the next sitting Senator will likely be a "junior senator" that will take some time to get established. Adding, the Pima GOP isn't worried about losing their chance in the Senate.
"Once it happened it was a very quick reaction and it's a good thing among the ranking republicans because Senator Flake has been so outspoken against President Trump."
Eppihimer says, Kelli Ward has popularity and strong support here in pima county. "Even if there are others that jump in the race we think that Kelli will prevail. She's got the lead and i think she will keep it."
Morgan Abraham with the Pima County Democratic Party, says the departure of Senator Flake puts his party in a great position. "I think Arizona is poised to turn over to blue."
With Phoenix area Congresswoman, Kyrsten Sinema hoping to run for Senator.
"From our perspective, I think we have a great candidate running for Senate and great candidates running for Congress here locally. We're ready to send a message."
Follow News Reporter, Jennifer Martinez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
