State Route 347’s most fervent advocate at the Capitol Mall has won her sophomore bid for the State House, InMaricopa can project with 34 percent of precincts reporting.

House Majority Whip Teresa Martinez, who has deep passions for road infrastructure and safety and is not afraid to call out political dysfunction in the state’s bureaucratic prongs, fended off attacks from top Pinal County Democrats late in her campaign but won votes with her fiery, get-it-done work ethic and willingness to reach across the aisle.

Martinez and Sen. T.J. Shope, both Casa Grande Republicans, have brought about a red wave in Maricopa’s Legislative District 16, having run a ticket with political newcomer Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande) to likely oust incumbent Democrat Rep. Keith Seaman.

InMaricopa projected Sen. Shope would retain his seat at 11 p.m. last night.

“I am humbled and honored that the people of Maricopa have selected me to represent them,” Rep. Martinez told InMaricopa at 11:15 a.m. “I want everyone to know that my only focus is to the betterment of evert single person who lives in LD 16.”

Martinez’s opinion editorial published on InMaricopa.com Oct. 23 made a final case against Seaman with the representative releasing a file containing more than 80 partisan opposition votes he had cast against bills that were widely supported in the district.

The local GOP coalition also ran a wide-reaching and scathing ad buy last month calling Seaman and his daughter Stacey Seaman, who lost to Sen. Shope last night, “the political odd couple” who were “too odd for Arizona.” Martinez raised at least $82,770 en route to her second legislative win, according to unofficial figures from the Federal Election Commission.

“Your roads, your water, education [and] job creation will be my top goals in the next two years,” Martinez promised in declaring victory today. “I want to thank everyone who supported me. I am truly humbled by your support.”