Dr. Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong is a former teacher and school administrator who now serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at ASU. A Truman Scholar and Woodrow Wilson Fellow, she has dedicated her career to improving schools and empowering educators. Rockee is running for State Representative to ensure Chandler, Sun Lakes, and Gilbert have strong, people-focused leadership at the Capitol.

Chris James is an economic strategist, small business advocate, and former federal official. He served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration, managing programs that expanded access to capital and supported entrepreneurs. A longtime Gilbert resident, James emphasizes integrity, bipartisanship, and practical solutions to strengthen Arizona communities.

Matt Orlando is a longtime Chandler leader, U.S. Air Force veteran, and retired aerospace executive with over 20 years of service on the Chandler City Council. A former Colonel in the Air National Guard, he spent decades in defense and space industries with companies such as Honeywell, Motorola, and General Dynamics. Orlando holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and a degree from Rutgers University. He has focused his public service on public safety, parks, neighborhoods, and economic development to keep Chandler thriving.

Angel Encinas is a Chandler native who still lives in downtown Chandler. A graduate of the city’s public schools, he holds a Business degree with a minor in Sustainability from Arizona State University.

Professionally, Encinas manages an immigration-consulting firm and works as a realtor, holding strong community ties across Chandler.

Since taking office in January 2023, he has served on Council sub-committees for Community Safety, Neighborhoods, and Sustainability & Technology, and he participates on workforce, education, and inclusion committees in the region.

Jane Poston is a Chandler-based small business owner and community leader with deep roots in the East Valley. She owns J2 Media, a communications company she built alongside her husband, and previously worked as a city employee—giving her firsthand experience with municipal operations. Since assuming her council role in 2023, she’s served on regional transportation and public-safety committees and remains focused on fiscal responsibility, transparent government, and supporting local businesses and residents.

Cicely Rocha-Miller is a longtime Chandler resident, business owner, and community advocate dedicated to safety, economic growth, and quality of life. An ASU alum with a degree in nonprofit administration and communication, she has over 20 years of experience managing large-scale events and budgets through her company, Life Design Events. She previously directed volunteer services for a nonprofit supporting homeless families and has served on multiple city and community committees. Endorsed by local public safety organizations and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Cicely focuses on supporting small businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, and preparing the city’s future workforce.

Jennifer Jermaine is an experienced public servant with a record of fair, balanced, and community-focused leadership. She currently serves as Associate Presiding Justice of the Peace for Maricopa County and previously represented Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Ahwatukee in the Arizona Legislature. Known for her thoughtful decision-making and commitment to equal access to justice, she continues to serve the Chandler and Sun Lakes communities with integrity and dedication.

More info to come.

Katie Hobbs is the 24th Governor of Arizona. Born and raised in Tempe, she built her career as a social worker before entering public service to address issues facing working families. She previously served in the Arizona Legislature and as Secretary of State, where she led efforts to modernize elections and strengthen public trust. As governor, Hobbs has focused on bipartisan solutions to improve education, expand affordable housing, protect healthcare access, and secure Arizona’s water and border resources.

Adrian Fontes is Arizona’s 21st Secretary of State, a former Marine, attorney, and elections administrator. A native Arizonan, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning his law degree and working as a prosecutor in Denver and Maricopa County. Later, as Maricopa County Recorder, he modernized the election system to expand voter access and transparency. As Secretary of State, Fontes focuses on protecting election integrity, improving voter participation, and providing nonpartisan support for Arizona’s businesses.

Kris Mayes is Arizona’s 27th Attorney General and the first mom to hold the office. A lifelong consumer advocate and attorney, she focuses on protecting Arizonans from fraud, corporate abuse, and the fentanyl crisis while defending the state’s water and natural resources. Previously, she served on the Arizona Corporation Commission, where she advanced clean energy initiatives and job creation. A Prescott native, Mayes earned degrees from Arizona State University and Columbia University and has also taught law and sustainability at ASU.

Nick Mansour is a third-generation Arizonan, entrepreneur, and former Chairman and CEO of the Arizona College of Nursing. Under his leadership, the college became Arizona’s largest nursing school and expanded to 24 campuses in 14 states. A Stanford graduate with degrees in industrial engineering and business, Mansour has built businesses focused on workforce development and job creation. He’s running for Arizona State Treasurer to apply his financial and leadership experience to strengthen the state’s investments and support future economic growth.

Brian Matlock is a mechanical engineer and former U.S. Marine Reservist running for Arizona State Mine Inspector. With a degree from Tennessee Technological University, he has built a career in heavy industry, field engineering, and mining operations across North America. Since moving to Arizona in 2014, Brian has worked with mines statewide and internationally, emphasizing safety, innovation, and practical solutions to protect workers and improve mining operations.

Dr. Michael D. Butts is an educator, school board member, and former police officer. A father and lifelong public servant, he has spent the past decade teaching and leading schools in the Osborn and Agua Fria districts. Dr. Butts holds degrees from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University and serves on the board of the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented Children.

Brett Newby is an educator, coach, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. With over a decade of experience working with children with special needs, he has trained teachers statewide and developed programs supporting students with autism and developmental disabilities. A professor and lifelong coach, Newby emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and educational opportunity.

Dr. Teresa “Terry” Leyba Ruiz is an educator and former college president. A third-generation Arizonan from South Phoenix, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities from K-12 through higher education. With degrees from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, Dr. Ruiz has served as a math teacher, administrator, and President of Glendale Community College.

Derrick Espadas is an entrepreneur and educator from Tucson, Arizona. He is the Owner and Managing Partner of Spade Business Services, which provides outsourced accounting. He holds an MBA and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration focused on decision-making and title prestige. Derrick serves as the Mayor’s appointee to Tucson’s Commission on Disability Issues and has worked as an adjunct instructor and mentor to youth. He lives in Tucson with his wife, Brenda, and their three dogs.

Jonathon Hill is a scientist, engineer, and educator with 18 years of experience at Arizona State University working on NASA space missions to Mars, Jupiter, and asteroids. A Phoenix native with degrees in aerospace engineering and geological sciences, he brings deep technical expertise to Arizona’s energy and water challenges. Hill advocates for affordable, reliable energy, smart climate policy, and strong cybersecurity for public utilities. Running as a Clean Elections candidate, he prioritizes transparency, innovation, and protecting Arizona families over special interests.

Clara Pratte is a public servant, entrepreneur, and member of the Navajo Nation. Raised in Lupton, Arizona, she experienced firsthand the importance of reliable utilities. Her career includes leadership roles under three U.S. Presidents and four Navajo Nation Presidents, as well as senior positions at the Small Business Administration and Department of Commerce. As co-founder of Navajo Power, she advances clean-energy projects that empower Indigenous communities. Pratte aims to lower energy costs, strengthen consumer protections, and make Arizona a national leader in renewable energy and sustainable growth.