(The Center Square) — John McLean, the Democratic Senate nominee in Arizona’s 17th Legislative District, died in a vehicle crash on Friday morning, according to the Tucson Police Department.
According to a city of Tucson news release, McLean’s vehicle was struck by another driven by 27-year-old Michael Martin Creel, who authorities found to be “impaired” at the time of the crash. Creel is charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence, and he is in the custody of Pima County.
McLean was in a tight race against former Republican Sen. Vince Leach for the seat. Leach currently leads by roughly 3,000 votes with 98% counted, but the race has yet to be called by the Associated Press.
Leach released a statement on McLean’s death.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today. John was a good man who conducted himself honorably as a candidate. My deepest condolences go out to John’s family and friends in this most difficult time. As a third-generation Arizonan, the lives John positively touched during his life are incalculable, and we should all be so fortunate to do the same.”