Getting to Know Jo
HMTV decided it would be a good idea to put on its political hat and interview Jo Holt,
Democratic candidate for Arizona State Senate in District 11. In 2007, Holt retired as a biochemist from the University of Arizona to care for her husband, Gary, who had been diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s. A resident of Oro Valley, Holt is facing Representative Steve Smith in the
general election for the seat being vacated by Al Melvin.
HMTV: You come across like a rational person, so what were you thinking to get into politics?
Holt: As you may recall, I’m a scientist who has spent decades conducting research on very
small things called molecules. People usually think of scientists as rational and extremely
objective, and we do try very hard to act like adults. BUT scientists are people too, and science
is full of massive egos, petty politic