Unfortunately the governor is Democrat Janet Napolitano. I have to research how Arizona fills a Senate vacancy, but if it’s by appointment then that’s a loss.
Under state law, Napolitano would appoint a replacement senator to serve until “the next general election.” If McCain resigns after a November win, Napolitano’s pick would serve through 2010.Also by law, Napolitano’s pick would have to be a Republican because that’s McCain’s party. Napolitano is regarded as a likely U.S. Senate candidate in 2010. That’s when both her current term and McCain’s end.
Because of that, “I’m assuming that only somebody who would not run (in 2010) would have any chance of getting appointed,” said Lisa Hauser, a Republican election attorney.
So it would remain a Republican seat but Napolitano gets to pick who, so unless she sees JD is an easy opponent it's not likely she'd pick him.