The Democratic candidate for an Arizona Senate seat died in a DUI crash in Tucson Friday morning, police confirmed.
According to the Tucson Police Department, 68-year-old John McLean died after 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with his vehicle.
Creel is being held in the Pima County Jail on murder and aggravated DUI charges.
McLean died at the scene, and police determined that speed and impairment were known factors in the fatal crash.
According to court documents obtained by the local outlet 13 news, The DUI case against Creel was dismissed in December 2023.
Arizona Senate Democrats also confirmed McLean’s passing.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of LD17 Senate candidate John McLean. “He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona and we couldn’t be more grateful for his work and dedication to our great state.” The group posted a statement on“We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones.”
McLean was running against Republican Vince Leach for the District 17 seat in the Arizona Senate. Leach also released a statement and expressed his condolences to McLean’s family and friends.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for today’s tragic loss,” Leach said. “John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends at this most difficult time.
When election results were announced Friday afternoon, Leach was leading McLean by more than 3,000 votes.
McLean, who was running for office for the first time, had accepted the race less than 24 hours before the accident.
“It is an honor and privilege to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat. “While the outcome is not what we hoped for, I am proud of the work that so many people did in our campaign,” McLean wrote in part on his campaign Facebook page.
State Senator Mitzi Epstein expressed her condolences in a statement, saying she had spoken to McLean earlier Monday.
“I spoke to John on Monday this week. His optimism about Arizonans never waned. He proceeded to take on a volunteer job that required long hours every day, and he brought a smile and thoughtful word to every door. My heart goes out to his family.” Epstein wrote in a post on X.
Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs also paid tribute to McLean, saying he was a “true public servant”, calling his death a “tragic loss”.
“John was a true public servant who cared deeply about Arizona. He always wanted to do what was best for his community and will be remembered for that. This is a tragic loss, and my heart breaks for his family and loved ones. I am sending all my love to those who know him.” Hobbs wrote in a post on X.
Police said investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing.
(TagstoTranslate)US news(T)Politics(T)Arizona(T)Democrats(T)DUI(T)Politicians
