TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Democratic candidate for the Arizona state Senate was killed when his car was hit by a suspected drunk driver Friday morning, a day after he conceded the race to his GOP rival.
John McLean, 68, was driving a Toyota RAV4 in his hometown of Tucson at about 6 a.m. when a Ford Explorer didn’t cease at a cease signal and struck McLean’s car at a excessive price of pace because it handed by an intersection, the Tucson Police Division stated.
The motive force of the Explorer, 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, was not significantly injured and was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and aggravated driving underneath the affect. He was booked into Pima County Jail.
The Pima County Democratic Occasion stated in an announcement that it was “heartbroken to hear of the tragic death of John McLean.”
“We got to know John on the campaign trail, but as a third generation Arizonan, he has long served Tucson,” the assertion stated. “John was a leader in Pima County even before he stepped up to better our state, and run for Arizona State Senate.”
Vince Leach, his Republican opponent within the race, despatched condolences to McLean’s household and referred to as him “a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate.”
The Related Press had not declared a winner within the race as of late Friday as a result of it was nonetheless too early to name. McLean, nonetheless, conceded the race Thursday, saying in a Fb put up: “It has been an honor and a privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat.”
“While the outcome isn’t what we hoped for,” he added, “I am proud of the work that so many people put into our campaign.”
mcleanforarizona.com
John McLean, 68, was driving a Toyota RAV4 in his hometown of Tucson at about 6 a.m. when a Ford Explorer didn’t cease at a cease signal and struck McLean’s car at a excessive price of pace because it handed by an intersection, the Tucson Police Division stated. (mcleanforarizona.com)
Outgoing GOP Sen. Justine Wadsack, who has held the seat representing the Tucson space since 2022, additionally despatched condolences to McLean’s family members.
“John was deeply rooted in Tucson’s community, was a graduate of the University of Arizona, retired Tucson business owner, and regular volunteer with the Humane Society,” she stated. “This is a travesty in every way.”
