Sims was first elected in November 1996, defeating Republican Anthony Mello.
Mello simultaneously won a special election to fill the seat for the remaining two months until January 1997.
[1] Sims was defeated for reelection in 2004 by Republican Terry Shelton.
Sims challenged Shelton again in 2006, regaining her seat.
[2] She was defeated for reelection in 2010 by Republican Michael Meredith.