Denise "Mitzi" Epstein
State Senator - District 12
Democratic
https://www.mitziepstein.com
We need better funding for education, more affordable housing options, high quality jobs, and sustainable water solutions. As your current House Representative and a computer systems analyst, I am a problem-solver with a successful track record. In 2021, I led a statewide team to develop and pass bipartisan solutions for Arizona's Unemployment Insurance system. The results are better benefits for workers and lower tax rates for employers. As a former school board member, I am known for listening to parents, teachers, and students, and I speak up at the Capitol for the support our schools need in order to offer an excellent education and keep qualified educators. As a small business owner, I know first-hand that public policies must provide a supportive environment for your business to compete and grow. I push for fiscal responsibility and government integrity: our tax dollars belong in our pockets and in the programs that help our community, not in the pockets of cronies and special interests. Practical solutions are possible without raising taxes, if we work together. In the AZ Senate, I will continue listening, collaborating and leading to stop the partisan games and build on Arizona's strengths.
David Richardson
State Senator - District 12
Republican
https://www.votedavidrichardson.com
I'm a life science entrepreneur and engineer, a native Arizonan, a first-generation college graduate, and a new dad. Two generations ago, my grandpa and great-uncle paved many of the roads here in Phoenix that I drive on today; like them, I'm committed to building a better Arizona for my children's children. I'm running to be the type of leader I would want representing me at the state legislature: Someone who unites people rather than dividing them, someone who approaches policy with a long-term mindset, a citizen leader who doesn't just point out problems but innovates to solve them. My top priorities include advocating for high quality education, supporting business and entrepreneurship, and securing a sustainable water supply-all of which are crucial to ensure the prosperity of future generations of Arizonans.
James "Jim" Chaston
State Representative - District 12
Republican
https://www.chastonforaz.com
As a small business owner, commonsense Republican, community advocate, and CPA, I'm running to bring fiscal conservatism and sound business practices to the State Capitol. Currently, no CPAs serve in the Arizona House and my unique background will instantly make me a policy leader on taxes, state finances, paying down debt, and getting inflation under control. I want to be your CPA down at the Arizona Legislature. I've lived in Arizona for over 35 years and graduated from Arizona State University in 1991. My degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Master of Taxation. I've worked in accounting for more than 30 years, starting my own CPA firm over 18 years ago. We specialize in working with local small business owners to save them money. I've always been active in my community by serving on various committees and organizations: - Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants IRS Liaison Committee and Arizona Department of Revenue Liaison Committee - Boys and Girls Club Auxiliary Board - Gila Bend Chamber of Commerce - Maricopa Chamber of Commerce - Maricopa Little League Board - Maricopa Unified School District Board - Multiple Non-Profit Boards I've been married to my beautiful wife Pamela for 29 years and we have three children.
Patricia "Patty" Contreras
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
https://contrerasforaz.com
As a public servant for the majority of my career, I am passionate about working to provide legislation that will enhance the lives of residents my district and Arizona. I am running on the issues of fully funding education, helping seniors and veterans, combating climate change, and preserving Arizona's water supply. I retired from the City of Phoenix after 31+ years of service to Phoenix residents. I worked in both the Parks and Recreation and Human Services Departments primarily providing services, resources, and programs to seniors and people with disabilities. Education funding and supporting public education are my priorities. Two of my grandchildren attend schools in the Kyrene School District and one is a sophomore in the Tempe Union High School District. I am very proud of my two sister's who are K-12 educators. I will advocate for senior and home care policies and legislation demanding accountability so our aging populations can age in place with dignity. I support a woman's right to choose and am an ardent supporter of veterans, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. I also believe voting should be accessible to all eligible Arizonans. I volunteered in many elections as a poll observer and also helped with Election Protection.
Terry Roe
State Representative - District 12
Republican
https://www.terryroeforaz.com
At the end of this year I will complete eight years on the Chandler City Council, and I am currently honored to be serving a one year term as the Chandler Vice Mayor. I am also a retired Police Sergeant and during my 20 year career I was fortunate to work in many different assignments including property and violent crime investigations and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education "DARE" program. In 2007 I completed my career as a Mesa Police Sergeant and retired from my final assignment at the Center Against Family Violence. Today I am running for a seat in the Arizona State House of Representatives District 12 which is made up of Ahwatukee, and South Tempe, along with North and West Chandler. This is a diverse district with many challenges and opportunities. My constituents want the best in schools and quality public safety. They also want secure borders, responsible government spending and a robust business and job environment. I want to work toward meeting the expectations of my neighbors here in Arizona. I believe I have the experience to help make a difference. I am asking for your vote. Respectfully Terry Roe
Anastasia "Stacey" Travers
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
https://www.traversforaz.com
I am a Scientist, Veteran and Mom. I will bring a fact-based perspective and hands-on lived experience to the State House to fight for the issues important to ALL hard-working Arizonans. As a scientist, with a degree in Geosciences, I have the experience working on water and climate change issues that we need in the Legislature to help find sustainable answers to Arizona's future. As a U.S. Army Veteran, I fought corruption and fraud at the VA as an advocate for homeless and disabled Veterans. We must represent the will of our community with trust, honesty, integrity and transparency. Government needs to work for us again and our state budget must reflect our collective values. We need a common sense approach, to focus more on issues that bring us together, less on what divides us, and meet the needs of all Arizonans by coming together. As a mom, I think a lot about the legacy we are leaving our children. I see their world of opportunity getting smaller: their access to quality education, making their own family planning and healthcare decisions, the environment they will inherit, whether they will have a voice in their democracy. I'm in this fight for their future, and I'm in it for yours, too.