Arizona to get 1st female senator, as McSally, Sinema advance to November race

PHOENIX (AP/KSAZ) -- Arizona is poised to have its first female U.S. Senator ever, as Associated Press projections are calling for a race between Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema.

The seat is being vacated by incumbent Sen. Jeff Flake (R), who announced in 2017 his decision to not seek reelection. The seat is considered a key pickup for Democrats in their bid to take control of the chamber.

Sinema defeated community activist Deedra Abboud in Tuesday's Democratic primary. She is currently serving her third term in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, GOP's McSally, who has represented the state in the U.S. House since 2015, defeated former state Sen. Kelli Ward and former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Tuesday's primary. McSally is an Air Force veteran who was the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat.

Many political observers predicted McSally would emerge as the nominee with Ward and Arpaio splitting up the state's most conservative voters.