AZ Republican and Democratic reps, Yumans respond to Sinema’s party change

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - U.S. Senator Krysten Sinema from Arizona announced she is leaving the Democratic party and registering as an Independent.

Sinema switching to the Independent party just days after Democrats secured a majority in the senate.

In addition, Sinema says she never fit perfectly in either party.

Announcing her decision on Twitter, she also shared on Friday over the phone.

“Registering as an independent and showing up to work, with the title of independent, is a reflection of who I’ve always been," Sinema spoke.

Further comments

Hot of the heels of her announcement, she volunteered at at a food bank, where she further commented on her party change.

“I don’t think about issues as being Democrat or Republican, and I don’t think Arizonians do either. What I’m really focused on is delivering results for Arizonians."

Yumans share their thoughts

Furthermore, we spoke with two Yumans who shared their thoughts on the senator’s party change.

“I think her move to move to better represent all the people in the great state of Arizona and she can better represent us now and the people who are more conservative and have more conservative values," Yuma resident Lana Hill said.

Additionally, “Anyone who goes against any of the two parties, can ruffle a lot of feathers, but at the same time, you have to be true to who you are,” Jose Arguelles, another Yuma resident, spoke.

Response from state representatives

Some lawmakers have also been critical of the announcement like representative Raúl Grijalva.

He says Democrats will move forward putting people over politics with or without her help.

Grijalva added this when we spoke to him Friday.

“I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t know when it was going to come. But, I wasn’t surprised by it.”

However, other lawmakers are in favor like representative Tim Dunn.

“I think it’s a good move for her...it’s a good move for Arizona. I think it will strengthen her position, but the proof will be in how she votes.”

Sinema said quote: "The senate seat doesn’t belong to democratic or republican bosses in Washington. It doesn’t belong to one party or the other, and it doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to Arizona."