Arizona Senator Eva Burch Resigns Citing Financial Strain, Career Shift

Arizona Senator Resigns Over Financial Strain

Arizona Senator Eva Burch has announced her resignation, citing financial pressures as a primary reason. Representing a politically divided district around Mesa, Burch has served in the state legislature since her election in 2022. Despite winning reelection, the $24,000 annual salary for lawmakers has proven insufficient for her family’s needs.

Burch expressed concerns that the low salary could lead to a legislature dominated by the independently wealthy. “To a certain extent, you get what you pay for,” she noted, highlighting the potential for underrepresentation of working-class individuals in government roles.

The financial burden has prompted her decision to step down sooner rather than later. “The finance is an absolute reality and part of the reason that this has to happen now and not later,” Burch explained. Additionally, as a Democrat in a Republican-controlled legislature, she felt limited in her ability to advance her legislative agenda. “I know that with the current structure in place, the best way for me to get bills to the floor is certainly not to sponsor them myself,” she stated.

Looking ahead, Burch plans to remain active in Arizona politics while returning to her previous profession as a nurse. She also intends to spend more time with her family, mentioning plans to visit Universal Studios with her children.

Burch gained attention last year for her personal story shared on the Senate floor concerning abortion rights. During a critical court case regarding Arizona’s potential near-total abortion ban, she disclosed her decision to have an abortion due to a non-viable fetus. “I don’t think people should have to justify their abortions,” Burch remarked, aiming to spark meaningful dialogue about legislative impacts on real-world situations.