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 executive and engineer, a business owner and entrepreneur, a native Arizonan and first-generation college graduate, and a new dad. I’m transitioning to public service because I’m driven by the desire to leave a better Arizona for my children’s children. My top priorities include securing a sustainable water supply, preserving great options for education, supporting business and entrepreneurship, and protecting individual liberty. I believe it is possible to uphold strong conservative values while still treating those who disagree with us as neighbors, not enemies. It will take a compassionate and unifying voice to win our district and represent it well, and I’m running to be that voice.
Suzanne Sharer
State Senator - District 12
Republican
https://www.suzannesharerforaz.com/
I am running for office because as an American that was raised in Christian conservative values and taught to love and respect our great country, I am deeply concerned by the hard left turn our country has taken. As a mom and grandmother, I understand how critical it is to protect family values and morals. They are the cornerstone of a healthy and free society. Now more than ever we need strong, effective leadership that will put Arizona first and fight against federal overreach and tyranny. I will be that leader. A strong country starts with strong states.
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.
Sam Huang
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
No Statement Submitted.
Ajlan "A.J." Kurdoglu
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
https://www.voteforaj.com/
Dear neighbor, My name is Ajlan Kurdoglu, but you can call me AJ. I am running to represent you in the Arizona State House. I am an immigrant, and became a citizen in 2013. I started my small business in Chandler and met the love of my life, a teacher, in this neighborhood. I achieved my American Dream here, and I’m running to help every Arizonan find their own dream, to help make each day a little bit better than the last. So much of our success comes from the community where we live, the support we have in our schools, for our small businesses, and in the places we call home. Our state should be full of opportunity for every member of our community. Opportunity to thrive, to receive an excellent education, to start a business, to find a good house in the neighborhood they call home. As a first generation American, it’s truly remarkable the opportunities I’ve had and this chance to represent my community–the community I call home. I hope you’ll join me on this journey, as we work to bring a fresh perspective, positivity and opportunity to every Arizonan.
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'm a Veteran, Scientist and Mom. As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, I fought for our country, our freedoms, and our future and will continue that fight for all Arizonans. As a Scientist, I will make data-informed decisions to fully understand the long-term ramifications for subsequent generations. As a mother, I think a lot about the legacy we are leaving to our children. We are the stewards of their future. I see the world of opportunity for our children getting smaller: from access to education, making their own family planning and healthcare decisions, the environment they will inherit, to whether they will have a voice in their democracy. Arizonans deserve a better future. I want to expand the choices and opportunities for Arizonans. The government needs to work for us again and our state budget must reflect our collective values. “We the people” needs to mean something once more. We need to bring common sense back into government, to focus more on issues that bring us together, less on what divides us. We must meet the needs of Arizona’s working families by coming together. That’s the example we need to set for future generations!
Paul Weich
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
https://www.PaulWeich.com
I decided to run not DESPITE the current political climate, but BECAUSE OF IT." That's my answer to the most FAQ I hear talking to my neighbors. I will serve all of my district (and Arizona) and I will work to improve that climate. We are ALL Arizonans who love our state and our country! As a journalist and an attorney who has practiced elections law, I know we have a secure, fair and accurate elections system. I am standing up and running because my experiences and skills set will help protect democracy against disingenuous attacks. Bad bills simply to make political points have become far too prevalent. I will help bring back responsible lawmaking and governing. We need to work to make our public education system stronger, so that we can retain our good teachers and better educate our children/grandchildren. We need to responsibly plan for our water future and our climate future. We need to protect reproductive rights and women's health decisions. We need to improve our state for ALL Arizonans. I plan to work on these issues and more if you entrust me to serve Arizona as a state lawmaker. Thank you! –Paul