Maryn Brannies
State Senator - District 11
Republican
Maryn is a female combat veteran, having bravely served the National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Copper Cactus, a counter drug mission on the Arizona border. After being honorably discharged as a Sergeant, Maryn started a small business which continues to support our local schools, sports teams, and nonprofits over a decade later. Maryn has been a nationally and state registered EMT and holds a Bachelors degree in Behavioral Science. As the first high school graduate in her family, Maryn worked her way through college by serving the community as a waitress, tow truck driver, and EMT. When Maryn purchased her first home in South Phoenix, she found it to be a perfect combination of her rural roots and city life. Having lived in diverse areas nationally and internationally, Maryn understands that freedom isn't free; freedom is priceless! Maryn stands for community safety, limited government, criminal justice reform, free speech, second amendment as the great equalizer, pro life, and caring for our rising generation. Maryn is ready to stand on the front lines once again to represent you in Laveen, South Phoenix, Guadalupe, and Downtown Phoenix in Legislative District 11!
Junelle Cavero
State Senator - District 11
Democratic
https://www.caveroforaz.com/
For over 20 years, Junelle Cavero has fought for equal opportunity, equity and economic security, with a focus on policies impacting minorities, women, children, veterans, those with disabilities, and working families. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration to serve these communities. A mother of two, Junelle is concerned with the growth of homelesssness in our district. She is committed to working with public safety officials and community members to establish a trusting relationship that ensures our neighborhoods are safe. As a public administrator, she has the experience to create policies and budgets to address such concerns. Junelle has a solid track record of achieving grants and fostering business development. She will work with local officials and community leaders to strengthen working families. As a State Senator, Junelle will advocate for immediate action on worker’s rights, universal childcare, small business recovery, public safety, affordable housing, a respectable minimum wage, and clean and sustainable water policies.
Catherine Miranda
State Senator - District 11
Democratic
https://www.mirandaforsenate.com/
It’s been said that education is a great equalizer, where common people can accomplish uncommon achievements. The goal of our education system is to create conditions where learners can contribute to our society and therefore improve a person’s quality of life. Our education process at the local, state, and federal level must be looked at as an investment in people rather than a system of liabilities. As a former school teacher, school administrator and school board member, I will lead the fight for school funding based on updated population and inflation data since 2008; to get an accurate aggregate expenditure limit amount. Until then and only then will we know the accurate amount our public school districts deserve. I support businesses. Businesses strive with well skilled and educated employees. Those future employees are sitting in our classrooms today. I will bring the business and education stakeholders together when elected to better serve our students. I will fight for families; especially ones pending eviction. There are over 65,000 families in Arizona currently in danger of being evicted. Many of these families are in my district. Having already served in the House and Senate, experience is what I will bring to you! Catherine Miranda
Janelle Wood
State Senator - District 11
Democratic
I consider myself an experienced leader and fighter for just, safe and supportive environments for our children and families. As a community leader, dedicated wife and mother, I have dedicated my life ensuring that our children have an opportunity to achieve their full potential, free from systems, laws and policies that stand in their way. As founder of the Black Mothers Forum, I am committed to ending the school to prison pipeline, ending police violence, and caring for the mental health of our children and families. I know a great education is fundamental to Arizona’s future. That’s why I stood up for our students on the Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Taskforce and Equity and Inclusion Council. I am will use my experience to rebuild our education system and to ensure every child has a chance to succeed. As State Senator for District 11, I will fight to: Fully fund our schools. Restore Arizona’s economy as we recover from the pandemic. Fight to protect our right to vote. Invest in our neighborhoods by ensuring affordable homeownership, good job opportunities & infrastructure.
Shams AbdusSamad
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
http://shamsforaz.com
Shams (pronounced: Shahms) grew up in Phoenix and is a long-time resident of Laveen. She is a graduate of the Phoenix Union High School District and a proud "Sun Devil" with both a BS and MS in engineering from Arizona State University. It was during a Presidential campaign rally held on the ASU campus in 2007 for then Senator Barack Obama that Shams began her active involvement in the political arena. A lifelong Democrat and "Fired Up" this was the beginning of her Democratic Party political activism. Starting at the grassroots level, Shams has and continues to tirelessly volunteer, organize events, serves as a precinct committee person, and also but not limited to being a Legislative District board member. As a resident of the new Legislative District 11 (redistricted from Legislative District 27), Shams has experienced and understands the core values and needs of our LD11 community. Shams's Priorities are: Education, Infrastructure, Voting Rights, Workers' Right to Organize, and Public Safety. For more information about Shams AbdusSamad, visit her website: ShamsForAZ.com
Michael Butts
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
https://www.michaeldbutts.com/
Michael went to work for his community, at the early age of 16, volunteering as the president for at-risk inner city kids. Later, Michael took on the responsibility of being a community leader by becoming a Cincinnati Police Officer. Michael is the great grandson of Willie Lee Abernathy Jr., and the great great grandson of Willie Lee Abernathy Sr., both former Baptist Pastors. As a distant nephew of the Civil Rights icon, Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, Michael felt an even greater call to leadership. He felt that call was in Phoenix, Arizona and thus relocated his family in 2006. While pursuing his education at Arizona State University, Michael joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 2011. In 2017, Michael was approached to lead as an educator. He taught high school for two years and Social Studies to fifth grade students for three years. Michael established mentors for fifth grade students with state leaders such as Senator Rebecca Rios. Developing leaders resonated with Michael in such a way that he obtained his Masters’ in Educational Leadership through Northern Arizona University while continuing to teach. He received his Administrator Certification and is now supporting the initiatives of Osborn School District.
Oscar De Los Santos
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
http://oscarforaz.com
The proud child of working-class immigrants, Oscar De Los Santos has dedicated his life and career to serving South Phoenix, Laveen, and Guadalupe. As a former 6th grade English teacher in South Phoenix, Oscar knows the importance of a high-quality public education for our community's children. As the former head of public policy of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, he represented Arizona's 1,000 food banks and food pantries, and worked successfully with both parties to pass legislation to combat childhood hunger Today, he serves at the Arizona Democracy Resource Center, where he works to protect voting rights from Republican attacks. Prior to working on public policy in Arizona, Oscar worked in President Obama's 2012 campaign for president and in the Obama White House. Oscar holds two graduate degrees: one in Christian Ethics from Union Theological Seminary, and another in public policy from the University of Oxford where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. In office, Oscar will fight for smaller class sizes and better teacher pay, more jobs with living wages and good benefits in our community, and healthcare as a human right. Oscar is rejecting donations from lobbyists, corporations, and political actions committees.
Wesley "Wes" Leasy
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
Wesley Leasy, single father to his daughter, former NFL Arizona Cardinals Linebacker, small business owner, public speaker, coach, and board member of several community organizations is proud to run for LD11. Investing in teacher recruitment and retention, protecting voter rights, attracting high wage jobs, affordable housing and making sure everyone has access to high quality healthcare in the district are priorities he will fight for. Wesley, the oldest of eight, lost his father to illness at an early age and struggled in poverty with a single mother in Greenville, MS. Sports became a catalyst for opportunities that taught Wesley the importance of community service. Earning an athletic scholarship to Mississippi State University, Wesley worked hard to position himself as a draft pick for NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, a lifelong dream. Wesley’s philosophy is grounded in equality and respect for all, an open mind to new ideas, and the importance of listening. His commitment to listening has allowed him to connect with others and to fight for what is right. Wesley believes we must work together to find solutions that make us stronger and keep us special and diverse. He is passionate about making life better for others and our community.
Tatiana PeÑa M.
State Representative - District 11
Republican
https://tatianapenaforaz.com/
Tatiana PeÑa was born, raised, and resides in South Phoenix with her husband and four daughters. Tatiana attended elementary school in Roosevelt School District (RSD), transferred to ASU on scholarship from SMCC, completed a Bachelor’s in Bilingual Education, and a Masters in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. Tatiana began teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade in RSD and taught at public, charter, and private schools stateside and internationally. Tatiana serves the community through several local non-profits - assisting refugees, elderly, children, crisis pregnancy, low-income, mentally ill, and immigrant communities. For example, Tatiana helps families align the best schools, programs, and funding to their child’s specific needs. Tatiana is also a mariachi musician and has helped at-risk youth connect and progress through music. Tatiana is the representative for whom the community cries out: she supports our law enforcement and is committed to increasing public safety. Tatiana will defend our community’s values through preserving parental and natural rights, protecting the unborn, improving the foster system, safeguarding the sacred right to vote, and empowering the nuclear family. Through her advocacy, Tatiana has already delivered significant investment and attention to our community. Tatiana will expand and continue to fulfill her promises as your representative.
Marcelino Quinonez
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
https://www.marcelino4az.com/
Marcelino QuiÑonez proudly serves Legislative District 11 in the Arizona House of Representatives. As a first generation college graduate, Marcelino has dedicated his career to providing opportunities to the community through his various servant leadership roles. He has taught in south Phoenix, and was later elected to serve as a Roosevelt school board member. He has served as a nonprofit leader at St. Vincent de Paul, and was a director of educational outreach and partnerships at Arizona State University. Marcelino is a passionate educational advocate who has introduced legislation to increase the number of counselors and social workers in Arizona schools. Marcelino believes in economic development through an investment in community colleges and training schools, and attracting businesses to call Arizona home. A fierce supporter of democracy, Marcelino believes every eligible voter should cast a ballot without additional barriers and has spoken out on the House floor on this issue and voted against all anti-voter bills. Marcelino is committed to making Arizona a place of opportunity and prosperity for all. He lives in LD 11 with his 13 year old daughter and is a staunch advocate for the arts. To learn more, visit: www.marcelino4az.com
Naketa Ross
State Representative - District 11
Democratic
https://naketaross.com/
Child and Family Well-being As a survivor of the foster care system, Naketa understands that every family should have access to the resources they need. This means not just affordable childcare and a living wage but changing the laws that negatively impact low-income families. It is vital to provide necessary support and skills to the more than 14,000 youth in foster care in Arizona. We must ensure Arizona families have access to state and federal health care options, including abortions and gender-affirming care. Funding Public Education Arizona is ranked 49th in education funding, but adequate funding is only part of the problem. As a Governing Board member for Phoenix Union, Naketa has consistently prioritized our students’ educational, health, and safety needs and teachers and families. As a state representative, she will be able to continue this work while fighting to increase state education funding to the national average. Criminal Justice Reform Families are better together. Naketa knows criminal justice reform builds more robust and safer communities. She will fight to decriminalize substance abuse and other non-violent offenses so families and communities are strong, secure, and resilient.