RUFUS – Senator Rachel Shermann died early this morning surrounded by her family. Shermann served as the 2nd Senator from Mesa since 2016. Her family confirmed her death on X(formerly twitter), and announced that she had been struggling to breath for the last few weeks before her death.

“Rachel suffered within breathing difficulties and last night was not a good sign for her,” said Mark Shermann, the Senator’s younger brother confirmed. “We would like to ask for privacy as we grieve her loss and hope to heal privately as a family.”

Senator Shermann’s seat is set to be filled by Governor Joshua Adamson who is set to appoint a Republican giving Republicans yet another seat. Adamson has not confirmed who he would appoint but the Shermann family say they are focused on mourning.

Shermann was instrumental in gutting federal agencies of targeted hiring, meaning that they were required to follow DEI practices which have since been reversed since President Laylin assumed office.

Shermann is scheduled to lie in state at the Capitol according to her family, who says she will also have private funeral and celebration of life. Her death is under investigation.