You know Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, but who else will be on the ballot this year? This page has bios and links to candidates running at the local level, from the AZ legislature to the city council.
Important Dates
For more information about what will be on your ballot, see http://beballotready.vote.
| July 23 | Last day to mail back your ballot |
| July 26 | Last day to vote early in person |
| July 30 | Primary Election Day! |
| Sept 21 | Military and Overseas Ballots Mailed |
| Oct 7 | Voter Registration Deadline |
| Oct 9 | Ballots Mailed & Drop Boxes Available |
| Oct 25 | Last Day to Request an Early Ballot |
| Oct 29 | Last Day to Mail Back Your Ballot |
| Nov 5 | General Election Day! |
AZ Legislature (LD13)
Our three legislative candidates, Sharon, Nicholas, and Brandy, have a joint donation page that equally splits the donations between all three candidates. Use the link above, or donate to candidates directly using the donate buttons below.
Sharon Lee Winters is a mother, author, small business owner, former paralegal, and retired English and math teacher. She holds a BS in education (K-12) with a major in psychology from Illinois State University and an MA in humanities from the University of Texas. She has devoted her teaching career to special education in public schools, taught in the Bernalillo Pueblo School in New Mexico, and taught English at Brookhaven College. Championing Reproductive Rights, Voting Rights, and Education, Sharon is committed to being a dynamic force for change in LD13. As a pro-choice candidate, she believes in empowering individuals with the right to make their own reproductive choices.
Nicholas Gonzales is an entrepreneur, urban planner, and father now running for State Legislature in his hometown of Chandler. Raised and educated in the Chandler Unified School District and ASU, Nicholas has deep connections to the Chandler community. As a father, he is firmly committed to restoring reproductive freedom in Arizona. As a business owner, he is passionate about economic development, affordable housing, and education, crucial for Arizona’s economy to continue thriving.
Brandy Reese, a forensic scientist and education advocate, has a solid background in analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. With a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma, she spent 14 years working in a laboratory and providing expert testimony in courtrooms. Her professional experience underscores her commitment to justice and factual accuracy. Brandy is focused on advocating for equal educational opportunities, responsible climate and water policies, and reproductive freedom.
Maricopa County
In Maricopa County, the race for Sheriff is contested. All other Democrats running at the county level are running uncontested races. Please learn about the candidate using the links below.
Tyler has over two decades in law enforcement and a Bachelor’s of Science in Administration of Justice from ASU. His career includes roles such as Shift Commander, Gang Enforcement Sergeant, and Homicide Detective with the Phoenix Police Department. Tyler has led organized crime investigations and enhanced interagency collaboration. He’s also engaged in community policing initiatives like “Operation Guardian” for gang intervention. Internationally, Tyler served in West Africa, developing strategies against human trafficking and establishing a task force at Kotoka International Airport. Additionally, he’s involved in humanitarian efforts and serves as Director of Executive Protection for Thrive Service Group Inc, focusing on poverty eradication. Tyler, married with four children, is active in his local church. His candidacy emphasizes innovative crime-fighting, ethical leadership, and community commitment.
Russ Skinner has worked in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for over 33 years and served as interim sheriff since Penzone’s departure. He was recently appointed by the Board of Supervisors as the new Maricopa County Sheriff, serving through November.
Joel Navarro, a third-generation Arizonan from Tempe, has a long-standing commitment to public safety, serving as a firefighter/paramedic since 1995 and currently as Deputy Chief overseeing Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Fire District. He has managed various departments within Phoenix Fire, including Special Operations and Emergency Medical Services. Elected to the Tempe City Council in 2008 and re-elected thrice, Joel focuses on issues like public safety, housing, and mental health. He has held positions with the Maricopa Association of Governments, National League of Cities, and other national organizations, emphasizing public safety and opioid response. Joel’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Advertising Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. He has also been involved in coaching various youth sports.
Tamika Wooten, with over 30 years in law, is running for Maricopa County Attorney. She’s been a Chief Prosecutor, defense attorney, and Judge Pro Tem across Maricopa County. Advocating for a just system, reproductive rights, and community impact, Tamika aims for an equitable justice system for all. She emphasizes her unique blend of legal experience, compassion, and judicial wisdom as foundational for her candidacy.
Tim Stringham, an Arizona native and ASU graduate, is running for Maricopa County Recorder. A veteran of both the Army and Navy, he served in Afghanistan and as an attorney in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, focusing on the rule of law in Africa and the Middle East. Stringham emphasizes the importance of democracy and integrity in elections, advocating for fair and transparent vote counting. His campaign is centered on protecting the right to vote and opposing election-related misconduct. If elected, he plans to ensure convenient, secure voting and accurate vote tallying. Stringham, who continues to serve in the Naval Reserve, has a legal background from Notre Dame Law School, facilitated by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Dr. Laura Metcalfe is an educator who came from industry to make a significant difference in education. She is passionate about supporting learning and achievement for all kids, families, the public school system, and communities.
Laura holds 27 years of responsible education experience, starting as a high school teacher to a district-level administrator. She has also worked in the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Office as a leader supporting all levels of schools within Maricopa County. Laura earned a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and she is certified in Arizona as a school superintendent.
Greg Freeman, a Phoenix native with a background in Math and Computer Science from the Colorado School of Mines, has over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, working in various roles including escrow officer and commercial property manager. He actively participates in community development, serving on zoning commissions and as a board member of local alliances and foundations. Greg is also involved with the Phoenix Police Department Business Initiative. His campaign for Maricopa County Assessor focuses on addressing the housing shortage and homelessness, advocating for affordable housing solutions, and supporting senior residents. He aims to ensure equitable tax contributions from investment corporations and rental companies, promoting neighborhood prosperity and opportunities for homeownership and renting in Maricopa County.
State Candidates
The Arizona Corporation Commission oversees utility companies, handles corporate filings, and enforces safety rules for railroads and pipelines. It ensures that utilities are reliable, protects investors, and keeps the public safe, which helps maintain a stable economy and trust in services across Arizona.
There are three Democratic candidates running for three open seats on the AZ Corporation Commission. Please learn about the candidate using the links below.
Ylenia Aguilar, with a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona, is the Business Development Manager at Gybe, focusing on water analytics for watershed health. Committed to environmental sustainability, she serves on the Osborn School District Governing Board, Vitalyst Health Foundation Board of Trustees, and HECHO Advisory Council. Influenced by her father’s conservation ethos, Aguilar is passionate about outdoor activities. Her sons are pursuing environmental sciences and international baccalaureate studies.
Jonathon Hill, a candidate for the AZ Corporation Commission, has a background in Aerospace Engineering, Geological Sciences, and Russian from Arizona State University. His PhD focused on studying Martian salt deposits. For 17 years, he worked at the ASU Mars Space Flight Facility, operating instruments on NASA’s Mars missions and supporting missions like OSIRIS-REx and the Clipper mission to Europa. Hill is running for the Corporation Commission to leverage his technical expertise in regulating Arizona’s utilities.
Joshua Polacheck, who grew up in the rural West and spent his middle and high school years in Tucson, has a background in the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer for nearly two decades. His international assignments included Mosul, Pakistan, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and the Dominican Republic. Returning to Arizona in 2018 to care for his father, Joshua has since been involved in local advocacy, focusing on practical solutions for Arizona families. He is running to secure Arizona’s future, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
CAWCD Candidates
(Non-Partisan)
The Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) manages canals from the Colorado River across Arizona, providing water to municipalities, agribusiness, and industry. This system supplies a significant portion of Arizona’s drinking water. The state’s development relied on securing water rights from the Colorado River, transforming it into a thriving area. The CAWCD’s role is crucial for Arizona’s growth, requiring smart management, conservation, and innovation to ensure a sustainable water supply, which is essential for economic opportunity and the state’s future.
Heather Macre fights for the people of Arizona every day, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and sustainability. She has represented Maricopa County on the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors since getting elected in 2012. She is a partner at the Fennemore law firm and spends her free time raising money for children in the community through Suns Charities 88. Heather and her husband Steven are parents to Dorothy and four rescue dogs.
Federal Candidates
Ruben Gallego is running for Senate with a focus on creating equal opportunities for working families in Arizona. As the son of immigrants, he grew up in a low-income household and worked multiple jobs to support his family and fund his education at Harvard University. His experience as a Marine Corps infantryman in Iraq, where he faced significant combat and losses, deeply impacted him and led to his book “They Called Us ‘Lucky’.” Post-military, Gallego entered public service, advocating for veterans and working families in Arizona. In Congress, he has been a key figure in national security, serving as the highest-ranking Latino on the House Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. He has been instrumental in authoring budgets for these areas. Gallego’s campaign emphasizes bridging the gap for families striving for the American Dream, addressing disparities created by powerful entities in Washington and Wall Street.
As a former Mayor of Phoenix, Greg knows how to get things done and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents.
Congressman Stanton flies home every weekend to work in his district.
There is simply too much work to be done to take any time out of serving the folks who put their trust in him.
Katrina, a Congressional candidate with a blue-collar background from Chicago, emphasizes support for middle America and small businesses in her campaign. Raised in a carpenter’s family, she gained practical skills in construction and later pursued a cosmetology license through trade school. Her work experience in a corporate setting and at a salon helped develop her customer service, leadership, and organizational skills. Her political activism focuses on affordable healthcare, quality education, economic reform, and climate action. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Katrina actively supported refugees and advocated on Capitol Hill. She aims to represent everyday families and challenge policies favoring the top 1%, positioning herself against special interest lobbyists.
School Board Candidates
(Non-Partisan)
Claudia Mendoza is an experienced educator who worked at ASU Prep STEM Academy. With a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Claudia has dedicated her career to fostering innovative learning environments. Her work at ASU Prep STEM Academy involved developing and implementing curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Claudia is known for her commitment to education and her ability to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Barb Mozdzen was elected to the Governing Board in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Her term expires December 2024. Barb has served on several non-profits’ boards of directors, volunteered for the Chandler Education Foundation, and is a retired legal assistant. Her children attended Shumway and Sanborn Elementary (where, as a member of the PTO, she tirelessly supported the Art Masterpiece program), Andersen and Willis Junior Highs, and Chandler High School (where she has been an energetic booster of the swim team).
Zeyna, with a Graduate Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a decade of teaching experience, is a candidate for the Chandler Unified Governing Board. Her background includes a Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas and experience in her family’s retail business. Zeyna’s focus includes analyzing and improving graduation rates, maintaining educational excellence, and collaborating with the Chandler City Council and Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to education is reinforced by her roles as a parent, special education para-educator, substitute teacher, and community volunteer within the Chandler Unified School District.
City & Town Councils
(Non-Partisan)
The Chandler City Council race is non-partisan, with 7 people running for the 3 open seats. Of the 7 candidates, 3 of them have been guest speakers at our general meetings and have shared their campaign information. Visit their campaign pages for more information.
Ballot Measures
Potential Measures
In Arizona, citizens can propose new laws, amend the state constitution, or repeal existing laws through a ballot measure. To place a measure on the ballot, citizens must gather signatures from registered voters, with the number of required signatures based on the total votes cast for governor in the last election. For 2024, 15 percent of the governor’s vote total is needed for constitutional amendments, 10 percent for state statutes, and 5 percent for veto referendums. Once the signatures are verified, the measure is placed on the ballot for voters to decide in the next election, allowing direct public involvement in state legislation.
This ballot initiative would provide the fundamental right to abortion that the state of Arizona may not interfere with before the point of fetal viability (defined as the point of pregnancy when there is significant chance of the survival of the fetus outside of the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures) unless justified by a compelling state interest (defined as a law or regulation enacted for the limited purpose of improving or maintaining the health of the individual seeking abortion care that does not infringe on that individual’s autonomous decision making).
This amendment would eliminate partisan primaries and replace them with an electoral system where individuals may vote for the candidate of their choice, regardless of the party affiliation of the voter or the candidate. It would place all primary candidates on the same ballot, regardless of political party. The amendment would allow for the state legislature to choose on how many candidates would advance from the primary to the general election. For one-winner races, it would provide for two to five candidates to advance to the general election. If three or more candidates advance in one-winner races, ranked-choice voting will be used in the general election.
This ballot measure would increase the minimum wage to $18 per hour, and continue to increase the minimum wage based on inflation as measured by the consumer price index. The measure would also gradually raise the wage of tipped employees to be equal to the wage of other employees by 2028.
On the Ballot
These resolutions were passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature. The propositions starting with a “1” would amend the state constitution. The propositions starting with a “3” would create new state laws.
Arizona Proposition 133, Require Partisan Primaries and Prohibit Primaries Where Candidates Compete Regardless of Party Affiliation Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports this constitutional amendment to: require partisan primary elections for partisan offices; prohibit primary elections where all candidates, regardless of political party affiliation, run in the same primary election, such as top-two, top-four, and top-five primaries; provide that the state’s direct primary election law supersedes local charters and ordinances that are inconsistent with that law.
A “no” vote opposes amending the Arizona Constitution to require partisan primary elections for partisan offices, maintaining the status quo of requiring partisan primaries by state statute.
Arizona Proposition 134, Signature Distribution Requirement for Initiatives Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports establishing a signature distribution requirement for citizen initiatives, meaning that instead of requiring 10% of votes cast for governor statewide for initiated state statutes for the ballot, and 15% of votes cast for governor statewide to qualify initiated constitutional amendments for the ballot, the initiative would: require signatures from 10% of votes cast for governor in each legislative district to qualify initiated state statutes for the ballot, and require signatures from 15% of votes cast for governor in each legislative district to qualify initiated constitutional amendments for the ballot.
A “no” vote opposes requiring signatures from each legislative district for initiated ballot measures.
Arizona Proposition 135, Emergency Declarations Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports providing for the state legislature to terminate a state of emergency or alter the emergency powers granted to the governor during a state of emergency, and providing for a state of emergency to automatically terminate 30 days after it is declared unless the state legislature extends the emergency powers granted to the governor, except in cases for a state of war emergency or an emergency arising from a flood or a fire.
A “no” vote opposes providing for the state legislature to terminate a state of emergency or alter the emergency powers granted to the governor during a state of emergency and providing for a state of emergency to automatically terminate 30 days after it is declared unless the state legislature extends the emergency powers granted to the governor, except in cases for a state of war emergency or an emergency arising from a flood or a fire.
Arizona Proposition 136, Legal Challenges to Constitutionality of Initiatives Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports providing for challenges to an initiative measure or constitutional amendment after the filing of the measure with the secretary of state.
A “no” vote opposes providing for challenges to an initiative measure or constitutional amendment after the filing of the measure with the secretary of state.
Arizona Proposition 137, End Term Limits and Retention Elections for Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports ending term limits for state supreme court justices and superior court judges, replacing them with terms of good behavior unless decided otherwise by a judicial review commission, and would end retention elections at the end of the judicial term.
A “no” vote opposes ending term limits for state supreme court justices and superior court judges, replacing them with terms of good behavior unless decided otherwise by a judicial review commission, and would end retention elections at the end of the judicial term.
Arizona Proposition 138, Wages for Tipped Workers Amendment (2024)
A “yes” vote supports allowing for tipped workers to be paid 25% less per hour than the minimum wage if any tips received by the employee were not less than the minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked.
A “no” vote opposes allowing for tipped workers to be paid 25% less per hour than the minimum wage if any tips received by the employee were not less than the minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked.
Arizona Proposition 311, Criminal Conviction Fee for First Responder Death Financial Benefit Measure (2024)
A “yes” vote supports establishing a $20 fee on every conviction for a criminal offense, which would go to pay a benefit of $250,000 to the spouse or children of a first responder who is killed in the line of duty.
A “no” vote opposes establishing a $20 fee on every conviction for a criminal offense, which would go to pay a benefit of $250,000 to the spouse or children of a first responder who is killed in the line of duty.
Arizona Proposition 312, Property Tax Refund for Non-Enforcement of Public Nuisance Laws Measure (2024)
A “yes” vote supports allowing for property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city or locality in which the property is located does not enforce laws or ordinances regarding illegal camping, loitering, obstructing public thoroughfares, panhandling, public urination or defecation, public consumption of alcoholic beverages, and possession or use of illegal substances.
A “no” vote opposes allowing for property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city or locality in which the property is located does not enforce laws or ordinances regarding illegal camping, loitering, obstructing public thoroughfares, panhandling, public urination or defecation, public consumption of alcoholic beverages, and possession or use of illegal substances.
Arizona Proposition 313, Life Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking of a Child Measure (2024)
A “yes” vote supports amending the Constitution to a sentence of life imprisonment without parole if an individual is found guilty of sex trafficking of a child.
A “no” vote opposes amending the Constitution to guarantee a sentence of life imprisonment without parole if an individual is found guilty of sex trafficking of a child, and maintaining current state law.
Arizona Proposition 314, Immigration and Border Law Enforcement Measure (2024)
A “yes” vote supports:
Making it a state crime for noncitizens to enter the state at any location other than the port of entry;
Allowing for state and local police to arrest noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully;
Allowing for state judges to order deportations;
Requiring the use of the E-Verify program in order to determine the immigration status of individuals before the enrollment in a financial aid or public welfare program;
Making it a Class 6 felony for individuals who submit false information or documents to an employer to evade detection of employment eligibility, or to apply for public benefits, and;
Making the sale of fentanyl a Class 2 felony if the person knowingly sells fentanyl and it results in the death of another person.
A “no” vote opposes:
Making it a state crime for noncitizens to enter the state at any location other than the port of entry;
Allowing for state and local police to arrest noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully;
Allowing for state judges to order deportations;
Requiring the use of the E-Verify program in order to determine the immigration status of individuals before the enrollment in a financial aid or public welfare program;
Making it a Class 6 felony for individuals who submit false information or documents to an employer to evade detection of employment eligibility, or to apply for public benefits, and;
Making the sale of fentanyl a Class 2 felony if the person knowingly sells fentanyl and it results in the death of another person.
Arizona Proposition 315, Legislative Ratification of State Agency Rules that Increase Regulatory Costs Measure (2024)
A “yes” vote supports prohibiting a proposed rule from becoming effective if that rule is estimated to increase regulatory costs by more than $500,000 within five years after implementation, until the legislature enacts legislation ratifying the proposed rule.
A “no” vote opposes prohibiting a proposed rule from becoming effective if that rule is estimated to increase regulatory costs by more than $500,000 within five years after implementation, until the legislature enacts legislation ratifying the proposed rule.
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