(Image source from: KTAR.com)

The first state lawmaker Don Shooter, in the nation, to be first kicked out of office amid sexual misconduct claims since the #MeToo movement started can run for state Senate, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday.

The justices said Shooter's name can appear on the ballot in the August 28 Republican primary since it appears he's still a resident of the district he wants to represent.

An opponent, Brent Backus, had filed a legal challenge saying Shooter doesn't live at an address in Yuma as he claims.

In February, Shooter was expelled by the state House after detectives concluded that he sexually pestered at least seven women, including his fellow lawmakers. However, he acknowledged the insensitive comments but he said he never sought to touch anyone or have an intimate relationship.

Shooter previously represented a district that includes parts of Yuma and Phoenix.

The state Supreme Court affirmed the move of a Maricopa County Superior Court judge that Shooter has treated his Yuma apartment as his primary residence in the five years that he's lived there.

Over 800 signatures were filed by Shooter to qualify for the primary election ballot in the southwestern Arizona district.

The else candidates seeking the district's Senate seat are Republican Senator Sine Kerr and Democratic Michelle Harris.

By Sowmya Sangam