Arizona Special Election Results: Former Gabrielle Giffords Aide Ron Barber Wins Big

Impact

UPDATE: Democrat Ron Barber has defeated Republican Jesse Kelly in the Congressional District 8 special election for Gabby Giffords' House seat.

Meeting Gabby Giffords left people thinking that she can’t be a politician. She is so nice that speaking to her gave us hope for politics. This is regardless of which side of the fence you’re on. 

Then came that fateful day when Jared Loughner planned her attempted murder by shooting 19, killing six including a judge and nine-year-old girl.  

This special election for Gifford’s seat is a sad reminder of those victims of the senseless massacre. Many of these people, along with Arizona residents, feel justice failed them. 

Giffords' former aide Ron Barber was the heavy favorite and apparent winner in the election. Barber is riding on Giffords' reputation, sympathy votes, and his campaign pledge to tighten border security.

Speaking of security, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu was running for Congress until his sexual orientation was made public. Now, he’s fighting to keep his job as Sheriff.