/ Modified apr 20, 2024 10:02 p.m.

Republican says abortion ban repeal will advance in the state House by midweek

The 29 Democrats in the House of Representatives have twice tried to alter House rules to vote to repeal the ban.

360 capitol museum phx The Arizona Capitol Museum building at the State Capitol in Phoenix.
AZPM Staff

Rep. David Cook says enough Republicans will join with Democrats in the Arizona House this week and vote to repeal Arizona’s near-total abortion ban.

The 29 Democrats in the House of Representatives have twice tried to alter House rules to vote to repeal the ban, but they’ve always fallen one vote short of the 31 votes they need to override Republican leaders blocking their efforts.

Cook (R-Globe) says that will change when the chamber reconvenes next Wednesday.

“You’re going to have 31 people that are going to put it on that board,” Cook said.

Cook didn’t say who will cast the crucial 31st vote, but it won’t be Cook.

Even though he supports repealing Arizona’s abortion ban, Cook says won’t support the motion necessary to overrule GOP leadership to make that happen.

So far, Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) is the only Republican who’s voted to buck his own party’s leadership. With his support, the motion still failed this week 30-30.

House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria) has said in no uncertain terms that he supports the ban and will do everything he can to thwart the repeal bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson).

KJZZ
This story was produced by KJZZ, the public radio station in Phoenix, Arizona.
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