(The Center Square) – Former Mesa Public Schools Board Member Kiana Sears is joining the Arizona Senate after her appointment Wednesday to fill the seat vacated by a fellow Democrat, Eva Burch.
Sears will serve the remainder of Burch’s term, which ends in early January 2026.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chose Sears over Laura Metcalfe and Ryan Winkle to represent Legislative District 9. The district includes the county board’s districts 1 and 2 and stretches across Mesa from the Loop 101 to Val Vista Drive.
All three state Senate candidates were praised by Mark Stewart, who represents Supervisorial District 1 on the county board.
“After thoughtful deliberation, the board selected Kiana Sears because of her exceptional leadership, deep understanding of key issues like water, housing and education, and a lifelong record of community service,” Stewart said in a news release.
Sears has served the past eight years on the Mesa Public Schools board. She left that position Jan. 1.
She also spent seven years as executive utility regulatory consultant for the Arizona Corporations Commission. She earned a master’s in public administration at Arizona State University.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors noted Sears has almost 30 years experience in government relations, civic engagement and public policy.
Under Arizona law, the Senate appointment had to go to someone of the same political party as Burch, a Democrat who resigned March 14. Burch said she stepped down because of the low pay for legislators, who earn $24,000 a year, and the difficulty of passing bills as the member of the minority party. Republicans have majorities in the Arizona Senate and House.
