A Democratic candidate for the Arizona Senate was killed in an early-morning DUI crash in Tucson on Friday, police said.
John McLean, 68, died after Michael Martin Creel, 27, allegedly ran over and crashed his car, according to the Tucson Police Department. Creel is being held at the Pima County Jail for murder and manslaughter enhanced DUI charges.
McLean died at the scene, and police determined that speed and impairment were known factors in the crash.
According to court documents obtained by local outlet 13 News, Creel had a DUI charge dismissed in December 2023.
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Police have confirmed that John McLean, a Democratic candidate for the Arizona State Senate, was killed in an early morning crash by a suspected drunk driver in Tucson. (John McLean of LD17 Facebook)
Arizona Senate Democrats also confirmed McLean's passing.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of LD17 Senate Candidate John McLean. He spent his final days fighting for a better Arizona and we could not be more grateful for his work and dedication to our great state,” the group wrote in a statement. in X. “We extend our deepest sympathies to John's family and loved ones.”
McLean was running against Republican Vince Leach for the District 17 seat in the Arizona Senate. Leach also issued a statement sending condolences to McLean's family and friends.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the McLean family for their tragic loss today,” Leach said. “John was a good man who conducted himself with respect as a candidate. My deepest sympathies to John's family and friends at this very difficult time.”
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Leach was leading McLean by more than 3,000 votes when election results were announced Friday afternoon. McLean, a first-time candidate, had conceded the race less than 24 hours before the crash.
“It was an honor and a privilege to run as a Democrat for the LD17 Senate seat. Although the result was not what we expected, I am proud of the work that many people have done in our campaign,” McLean wrote. in part on his campaign Facebook page.
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State Sen. Mitzi Epstein offered her condolences in a statement after speaking with McLean on Monday.
“I just spoke with John on Monday of this week. His hope for Arizonans never wavered. He rose to do volunteer work that required long hours every day, and brought a smile and thoughtful words to every department. My heart goes out to his family,” Epstein wrote in a post to -X.
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Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs also paid tribute to McLean and said he was a “true public servant,” calling his death a “tragic loss.”
“John was a true public servant who cared deeply about Arizona. He always wanted to do the best for his community, and he will be remembered for that. This is a sad loss, and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I send all my love to those who knew him,” Hobbs wrote in a post to X.
The police said that the investigation into the accident that killed many people is still ongoing.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital.
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