A Democratic candidate for an Arizona state Senate seat died in a drunk-driving crash in Tucson early Friday morning, police confirmed.
John McLean, 68, died after Michael Martin Creel, 27, allegedly ran a stop sign and crashed into his car, Tucson police said. Creel is being held in the Pima County Jail on a charge of manslaughter. Aggravated drunk driving charge.
McLean died at the scene, and police determined speed and impairment were known factors in the fatal crash.
According to court documents obtained by local news outlets. 13 news, The DUI case against Creel was dismissed in December 2023.
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Police have confirmed that Arizona state Senate Democratic candidate John McLean was killed in an early morning crash in Tucson that appeared to be caused by a drunk driver. (John McLean, LD17 Facebook)
Arizona Senate Democrats also confirmed MacLean's death.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of LD17 Senate candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona. We could not be more grateful for his dedication to our state,” the group said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to John's family and loved ones.”
MacLean was running against Republican Vince Leach for the Arizona Senate District 17 seat. Mr Leach also issued a statement expressing his condolences to Mr MacLean's family and friends.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the MacLean family following their tragic loss today,” Leach said. “John was a good man who acted honorably as a candidate. Our hearts go out to John's family and friends at this most difficult time.”
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When the election results were announced Friday afternoon, Mr. Leach led Mr. McLean by more than 3,000 votes. McLean, who was running for office for the first time, had conceded the race 24 hours before the accident.
“It is an honor and honor to run as the Democratic candidate for the LD17 Senate seat,” said MacLean. “While the results were not what we had hoped for, we are grateful for the work that so many people put into our campaign. I'm proud,” he wrote. Some of them are posted on his campaign Facebook page.
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State Sen. Mitzi Epstein said she just spoke with MacLean on Monday and offered her condolences in a statement.
“I just spoke with John this past Monday. His optimism for Arizonans never wavered. He is active in volunteer work that requires long hours each day, and he leaves a smile at every door. “My thoughts are with his family,” Epstein wrote in a post about X.
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Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs also paid tribute to Mr McLean, saying he was a “true public servant” and his death was a “tragic loss”.
“John was a true public servant who cared deeply about Arizona. He always wanted to do what was best for his community, and he will be remembered for that. This is a tragic My heart breaks for his family and loved ones. Sending all my love to everyone who knew him,” Hobbs wrote in a post about X.
Police said an investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital.
