For all the campaigning, media attention and public hoopla, elections in most legislative districts are done before they start. The outcomes were all but pre-ordained eight years ago when boundaries were drawn in the once-a-decade rite of redistricting.

But shifting conditions, notably the rise of independents, have changed the complexion of certain corners of the state. Competitive races, in which the candidates at least start out with roughly equal numbers on their side, may still be few but they do exist. And despite its reputation as a Republican stronghold, almost half are found in the middle of Phoenix.