The Decent Ballot  /  Maricopa County, Arizona  /  Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Maricopa County

Who on your ballot seems like good people, in a sentence or two each, with sources. Fill out your ballot in ten minutes.

best choice in the race Seems like good people Compromised Not good people Not enough info

Who is running in Maricopa County, Arizona in 2026

Clerk of the Superior Court
Sebastian Seb Maximiliano Matta and Jeff Dial
Justice of the Peace, San Marcos Precinct
Jennifer Jermaine and J.D. Mesnard
Community College Governing Board, At-Large
Judy Schwiebert and John David Crow
Mesa Public Schools Governing Board
Jennifer Echols, Joshua Chilton, Rachel Walden and Jason Smithson
Deer Valley Unified Governing Board
Julie Stockwell, David Alvarado, Kristi Cooper and Paul Carver
Peoria Unified Governing Board
Melissa Ewing, Heather Rooks and Desiree Byrne
Paradise Valley Unified Governing Board
Kea Carota, Richard Ross and Catherine Barrett
Scottsdale Unified Governing Board
Jennifer Johnson, Amy Carney and Jeanne Beasley
City of Phoenix City Council, District 2
Julie Read, Danny Mazza and Matt Evans
City of Phoenix City Council, District 4
Ed Hermes, Megan Schmitz, Patricia Jimenez, Michael Mazzocco, Robb Olivieri, Ashley Harder, Zachary Lauer and Cassandra Hernandez
City of Phoenix City Council, District 6
Kevin Robinson and Michael Del Prete
City of Phoenix City Council, District 8
Kesha Hodge Washington, Jarrett Barton Maupin Jr. and Frank Abasciano Jr.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Katie Hobbs / John Giles, Andy Biggs / Sine Kerr, Risa Lombardo / Lisa Castillo and Teri Hourihan / Angela Harrolle Mohan
Secretary of State
Adrian Fontes, Alexander Kolodin and Duwayne Collier
Attorney General
Kris Mayes and Warren Petersen
State Treasurer
Nick Mansour and Elijah Norton
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Teresa Leyba Ruiz and Kimberly Yee
State Mine Inspector
Brian Matlock and Les Presmyk
Corporation Commission
Jonathon Hill, Clara Pratte, Kevin Thompson, Ralph Heap and Mike Cease
U.S. House, District 1
Amish Shah, Jay Feely and Monica Alponte
U.S. House, District 3
Yassamin Ansari, Alan Aversa and David Redkey
U.S. House, District 4
Greg Stanton, Zuhdi Jasser and Tisha Benoit
U.S. House, District 5
Elizabeth Lee and Mark Lamb
U.S. House, District 7
Adelita Grijalva and Daniel Butierez
U.S. House, District 8
Bernadette Greene-Placentia and Abraham Hamadeh
U.S. House, District 9
Danielle Sterbinsky and Paul Gosar
State Senate, District 2
Amelia Gallitano and Shawnna Bolick
State House, District 2
Stephanie Simacek, Justin Wilmeth and Paul Carver
State Senate, District 4
Aaron Lieberman and Carine Werner
State House, District 4
Karen Gresham, Tammy Caputi, Matt Gress and Pamela Carter
State Senate, District 9
Kiana Sears and Bridget Fitzgibbons
State House, District 9
Lorena Austin, Jacob Martinez and Bradley Bettencourt
State Senate, District 13
Kristie O'Brien and Julie Willoughby
State House, District 13
Racquel Armstrong, Jacob Weinberg, Janet Weninger and Kevin Hartke
State Senate, District 23
Brian Fernandez and Michelle Altherr
State House, District 23
Mariana Sandoval, Emilia Cortez, Michele Peña and Gary Snyder

Maricopa County

Most county offices (supervisors, sheriff, county attorney, recorder) aren't up again until 2028. This year the county ballot has the Clerk of the Superior Court, justices of the peace and constables, and the community college board. Partisan races show a party; the college board is nonpartisan.

Clerk of the Superior Court

Vote for one

Open seat. The clerk keeps the court's records and runs filings for divorce, probate and other cases.

Sebastian Seb Maximiliano Matta

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

ASU philosophy student, 19; first run for office

Wants probate cases to be started online and plans self-help guides and staff interpreters in languages like Spanish, Urdu and Haitian Creole. Endorsed by the LD12, LD14 and LD27 Democratic clubs.

Sources: State Press, Campaign site, LD12 Democrats, LD14 Democrats

Jeff Dial

Compromised Republican

State representative 2011 to 2015, state senator 2015 to 2017; commercial real estate agent

Says the office "is not about politics." Endorsed by Tea Party AZ and the LD28 Republicans, and veterans' groups questioned his Army Reserve record during his 2015 and 2016 campaigns.

Sources: Clean Elections guide, Ballotpedia, LD28 Republicans, Arizona Capitol Times, Wikipedia

Justice of the Peace, San Marcos Precinct

Vote for one

Chandler area. Justice courts handle evictions, small claims and traffic cases. This is the only contested justice of the peace race in the county.

Jennifer Jermaine

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Justice of the peace since 2023; state representative 2019 to 2023

In the Legislature she founded and chaired the state study committee on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Says she listens "to all sides" before ruling; endorsed by the LD13 Democrats.

Sources: Maricopa County, Campaign site, LD13 Democrats

J.D. Mesnard

Compromised Republican

State senator since 2019; House speaker 2017 to 2019; community college instructor

As speaker he started the investigation that led to Rep. Don Shooter's 2018 expulsion for harassment. Endorsed by the Arizona Multihousing Association, the landlords' group, for a court that hears evictions, and in 2021 sponsored a bill requiring ID with mail ballots.

Sources: LegiStorm, PBS NewsHour, AZ Multihousing Assn., KTAR

Community College Governing Board, At-Large

Vote for one

Nonpartisan. The board oversees the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges.

Judy Schwiebert

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State representative 2021 to 2025; high school teacher for 27 years

Taught at Cactus and Greenway high schools and co-founded the community theater group Theater Works. Endorsed by the colleges' faculty association PAC and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council.

Sources: Ballotpedia, MCC Faculty Association, Campaign site

John David Crow

Not good people Republican

CEO of CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty; former Glendale planning and zoning commissioner

Wants to keep tuition low, expand job training and bring back junior college football. Has the LD3 Republicans' endorsement in this nonpartisan race, plus the colleges' police officers association.

Sources: Vote411, Campaign site, AZ Votes Red

Other college and health district seats

Not profiled

Also on some ballots and not rated: Community College District 3 (William "Bill" Sandweg, Susan Hightower Winder), District 4 (Ryan Caracciolo, Donna J. Davis, Jack Hastings), and the Special Health Care District, which runs Valleywise Health: District 3 (Angel B. Algarin, Kelly J. Barr) and District 4 (Jolynn Herber, Woody Thomas). Every other justice of the peace and constable race has one candidate.

Superior Court judges (retention)

Not profiled

Yes or no on keeping 48 Superior Court judges: Brad Astrowsky, Michael C. Blair, John Blanchard, Robert Ian Brooks, Sunita A. Cairo, Michelle Carson, Gregory S. Como, Katherine (Kay) Margaret Cooper, Max-Henri Covil, Kristin R. Culbertson, Marvin L. Davis, Monica N.B. Edelstein, Geoffrey H. Fish, Dewain Fox, Jillian Francis, Marischa Gilla, Jennifer E. Green, Lauren R. Guyton, Melody G. Harmon, Michael J. Herrod, Charlene D. Jackson, Melissa I. Julian, Amy Michelle Kalman, Joseph Kiefer, Ronee Korbin Steiner, Joseph C. Kreamer, Kerstin LeMaire, Daniel G. Martin, Julie Mata, Steven Warren McCarthy, Frank William Moskowitz, Sam J. Myers, Suzanne M. Nicholls, Colleen O'Donnell-Smith, Jay M. Polk, Michael Z. Rassas, Joshua D. Rogers, Jeffrey Rueter, Jennifer Ryan-Touhill, Aryeh D. Schwartz, Danielle J. Viola, Randall H. Warner, Joseph C. Welty, Roy "Chuck" Whitehead, Paula Williams, William R. Wingard, Cassie Bray Woo and Melissa Zabor. We haven't profiled judges yet. The state's Judicial Performance Review commission rates each one at azjudges.info.

School boards

School board races are nonpartisan. We cover five of the largest districts with contested races; dozens of other districts also have board seats or bond and override questions on the ballot. Chandler Unified has no board race this year because only two people filed for two seats.

Mesa Public Schools Governing Board

Vote for two

Two seats. Echols and Chilton are both backed by the teachers' association and Save Our Schools Arizona.

Jennifer Echols

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Retired after 35 years in Mesa schools as teacher, coach and administrator; ASU program manager

Says "every decision should begin and end with student success" and wants to protect classroom programs in budget cuts. Endorsed by the Mesa Education Association, Save Our Schools Arizona and the Mesa Chamber.

Sources: ASU, Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Mesa Chamber

Joshua Chilton

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Works at the Center for the Future of Arizona; ran for this board in 2024

Wants a district plan to cut teacher workloads and expand help for students with disabilities. Endorsed by the Mesa Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: Your Valley, Your Valley, Vote411

Rachel Walden

Compromised Republican

Board member since 2023; elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission as a Republican in 2024

Holds two elected offices at once. In September 2026 she turned off comments and deleted criticism on her official social media page. Endorsed by the Mesa Chamber.

Sources: Arizona Corporation Commission, Ballotpedia, Facebook, Mesa Chamber

Jason Smithson

Not enough info Unknown

First run for this board

Says he would focus on "restoring financial stability," more parent involvement, and less classroom technology in favor of "books, papers, and pen." Little else is public.

Sources: Ballotpedia

Deer Valley Unified Governing Board

Vote for two

Two seats. We picked only Stockwell. Cooper and Carver took Republican Party endorsements in this nonpartisan race, and we don't know enough about Alvarado.

Julie Stockwell

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Teacher and instructional coach for 40 years; ran for this board in 2024

Volunteered to pass the district's 15% budget override and says her priorities are school funding, reading gaps and keeping teachers. Endorsed by the Deer Valley Education Association, Save Our Schools Arizona and Equality Arizona.

Sources: DVUSD, Campaign site, Arizona List, Vote411, Ballotpedia

David Alvarado

Not enough info Conservative

Educator for 40 years and business owner

Son of Mexican immigrants who says schools should teach kids "how to think, not what to think." Runs on the slogan "The Power Back to the Parents."

Sources: DVUSD, AZ Voter Guide

Kristi Cooper

Not good people Republican

Taught in Deer Valley schools for 32 years

Wants smaller classes and opposes building new schools while 13 run below capacity. Endorsed by the LD28 Republicans and AZGOP Legislative District 3 in this nonpartisan race.

Sources: DVUSD, Campaign site, LD28 Republicans, AZ Votes Red

Paul Carver

Not good people Republican

Board president, on the board since 2023; Marine Corps veteran; also on the ballot for state House in LD2

Endorsed by the LD28 Republican Party and the NRA. Voted to put police resource officers in schools and against a McGraw Hill social studies curriculum.

Sources: iVoterGuide, Tennessee Star, Ballotpedia

Peoria Unified Governing Board

Vote for two

Two seats, but we picked only Ewing. Rooks and Byrne are both on Turning Point Action's slate and the LD28 Republicans' "Golden Ticket."

Melissa Ewing

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Board member since 2023; former educator, counselor and Peoria substitute teacher

Said the district should follow Arizona standards and use peer-reviewed materials when federal orders targeted school curricula. Endorsed by Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Ballotpedia, Your Valley, Ballotpedia

Heather Rooks

Not good people Republican

Board member since 2023

Sued her own district in 2023 after being warned against reading Bible verses at board meetings. Endorsed by Turning Point Action and listed on the LD28 Republicans' "Golden Ticket."

Sources: FFRF, Arizona Daily Independent, Your Valley, LD28 Republicans

Desiree Byrne

Not good people Republican

Mortgage loan officer; owns an event production company

Says she would focus on reading, math and science scores and tight budgets. Endorsed by Turning Point Action, Moms for Liberty and the LD28 Republicans' "Golden Ticket."

Sources: Your Valley, AZ Voter Guide, Your Valley, LD28 Republicans

Paradise Valley Unified Governing Board

Vote for two

Two seats in north Phoenix and Scottsdale. Carota and Ross have the teachers' association behind them.

Kea Carota

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

District parent council president 2021 to 2023

A parent leader running on public schools, teacher pay and safe campuses. Endorsed by the Paradise Valley Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: Campaign site, Your Valley, Campaign site

Richard Ross

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Career educator

Runs on "Students First Always." Endorsed by the Paradise Valley Education Association, the Arizona Education Association, Save Our Schools Arizona and the LD3 Democrats.

Sources: Campaign site, Campaign site, iVoterGuide

Catherine Barrett

Compromised Conservative

Associate superintendent at the Arizona Department of Education; 20 years in classrooms

Wants "meaningful educational choices" for parents. Endorsed by state superintendent Tom Horne and Stand for Health Freedom.

Sources: AZ Voter Guide, iVoterGuide

Scottsdale Unified Governing Board

Vote for two

Two seats, but we picked only Johnson. Beasley and Carney run as a conservative ticket; neither earns a pick.

Jennifer Johnson

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Center-left

Former teacher, principal and superintendent in Glendale Union; former deputy state superintendent

Supports the district's $375 million bond for security, technology and repairs. Endorsed by the Scottsdale Education Association.

Sources: Your Valley, Your Valley, Parents Pay Attention

Amy Carney

Compromised Conservative

Board member since 2023; author and freelance journalist

Voted against closing Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon in December 2025. Has gone on conservative broadcasts to criticize the superintendent and the district's gender policies.

Sources: Ballotpedia, KTAR, AZ Digital Free Press

Jeanne Beasley

Compromised Conservative

Litigation paralegal; on the district audit committee

Ran in 2024 on the conservative "Just Be Honest" slate. Wants neighborhood schools kept open and a police officer on every campus, and pulled out of a Chamber candidate forum in September with Carney.

Sources: Your Valley, Copper Courier, Campaign site, Your Valley

City of Phoenix elections

Council races are nonpartisan, and only Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 vote this year. If no one gets a majority, the top two meet in a runoff on March 9, 2027. Phoenix has no city propositions on this ballot. Chandler elected its mayor in July.

City Council, District 2

Vote for one

North Phoenix. All three lean right; Read is the only one without Turning Point Action's backing.

Julie Read

Compromised (best choice in this race) Conservative

Former special education teacher; Deer Valley school board 2019 to 2023; Phoenix Planning Commission

Co-founded BlockWatch Phoenix North and says roads, water and fire protection must keep up with growth. Endorsed by the firefighters' union, the police sergeants' and lieutenants' PAC and Republican Rep. Justin Wilmeth.

Sources: Ballotpedia, PlayPOTUS, Campaign site, Civoren

Danny Mazza

Compromised Conservative

Estate planning attorney; village planning committee member for 12 years

Wants to fill 600 police vacancies and bring back quarterly bulk-trash pickup. Endorsed by Turning Point Action and County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

Sources: PlayPOTUS, Turning Point Action

Matt Evans

Not good people Conservative

Software engineer; ran for this seat in 2022 and for mayor in 2024

Founded "Take Back Phoenix" to recruit conservative council candidates and is endorsed by Turning Point Action. Wrote in December 2025 that "most of these homeless belong in jail."

Sources: State Press, Ballotpedia, Turning Point Action, Phoenix New Times

City Council, District 4

Vote for one

Open seat in central Phoenix, with eight candidates. Several are decent; Hermes has the deepest record of standing up for tenants and civil rights.

Ed Hermes

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Progressive

Attorney; Osborn Elementary school board since 2021

Has represented tenants facing eviction for free and worked on the civil rights case against former Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO, LUCHA and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Campaign site, Arizona AFL-CIO, Ballotpedia, Planned Parenthood Advocates

Megan Schmitz

Seems like good people Progressive

Former chief of staff in the District 4 council office; board chair of One n Ten

Worked eight years for council members Laura Pastor and Tom Simplot and chaired One n Ten, which supports LGBTQ+ youth. Endorsed by Democratic Municipal Officials.

Sources: PlayPOTUS, Arizona List, Ballotpedia

Patricia Jimenez

Seems like good people Center-left

Isaac Elementary school board since 2003; Maryvale resident for 40 years

Has served 23 years on her neighborhood school board. Endorsed by Arizona List.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Arizona List

Michael Mazzocco

Seems like good people Center-left

Events business owner; chair of the Phoenix Human Relations Commission

A citizen of the Delaware Nation who would be the first Native American elected to the council. Endorsed by the Advance Native Political Leadership Action Fund.

Sources: PlayPOTUS, Ballotpedia, Ballotpedia

Robb Olivieri

Not enough info Unknown

Associate director of ASU's Luminosity Lab; former Melrose Community Alliance president

Helped build real-time shelter bed tracking with the city's homeless office. Little public record on city issues.

Sources: Campaign site, AZ Italian Chamber

Ashley Harder

Compromised Center-left

Commercial real estate developer, founder of Harder Development

A developer who wants zoning changes to allow more condos, duplexes and infill. Endorsed by former Mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona List.

Sources: Arizona List, PlayPOTUS, Campaign site

Zachary Lauer

Not enough info Conservative

Small business owner; Arizona America250 commissioner

Runs on "Back the Blue" and a crackdown on encampments, paired with mental health support. No record to judge.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Vote411

Cassandra Hernandez

Compromised Unknown

Cartwright school board January 2025 to July 2026; gym manager

In 2025 she and her mother, Rep. Lydia Hernandez, brought a box cutter into Maryvale High to test its weapon detectors, drawing calls to resign. Both were sued that year over serving on the same school board.

Sources: Ballotpedia, FOX 10, Arizona Capitol Times

City Council, District 6

Vote for one

Kevin Robinson

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Center

Council member since 2023; Phoenix police for 36 years, 13 as assistant chief; ASU lecturer

Voted for the city's prevailing wage rule in 2024 and the Community Transparency Initiative on policing and immigration enforcement in 2026. Endorsed by Mayor Kate Gallego.

Sources: City of Phoenix, Campaign site, City of Phoenix, UA Local 469, State Press

Michael Del Prete

Compromised Conservative

Real estate investor; director of the Arizona Real Estate Investors Association

Says city housing and benefits should go to lawful residents before undocumented migrants. Endorsed by Turning Point Action, Doug Ducey and Senate President Warren Petersen.

Sources: PlayPOTUS, AZ Voter Guide, Campaign site, Turning Point Action

City Council, District 8

Vote for one

Hodge Washington has business and landlord-group backing, but she is the best choice here.

Kesha Hodge Washington

Compromised (best choice in this race) Center-left

Council member since 2023; former assistant state attorney general

The first Black woman on the Phoenix council. Endorsed by Arizona List, the Greater Phoenix Chamber PAC and the apartment owners' Multihousing Association PAC.

Sources: Arizona PBS, Ballotpedia, AZ Multihousing Assn., Ballotpedia, Scottsdale Signal

Jarrett Barton Maupin Jr.

Not good people Conservative

South Phoenix minister and activist; former Phoenix Union board member

Pleaded guilty in 2009 to lying to the FBI and was indicted in 2026 on nine felony counts tied to alleged check fraud. Blames "woke nonprofits" and wants 5,000 police officers.

Sources: PlayPOTUS, AZ Voter Guide

Frank Abasciano Jr.

Not enough info Unknown

First run for council

We found no public record on him.

State and federal

Maricopa County is split among seven congressional districts and many legislative districts. Check your sample ballot to see yours. We cover the five most competitive legislative districts in the county (2, 4, 9, 13 and 23); each elects one senator and two House members.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Vote for one

Arizona elects its first lieutenant governor this year, on a joint ticket with the governor. Two write-in Republicans, Gertritrude Gonzalez and Alice Novoa, are also running for governor.

Katie Hobbs / John Giles

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Governor since 2023; Secretary of State 2019 to 2023. Running mate: Mesa mayor 2014 to 2025

Picked Giles, a longtime Republican who became an independent in May 2026 and spoke at the 2024 Democratic convention against what he called "the cult of Donald Trump." Says she works "across the aisle to get things done," and is endorsed by Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.

Sources: PBS NewsHour, KJZZ, Campaign site, Wikipedia

Andy Biggs / Sine Kerr

Not good people Republican

U.S. representative since 2017; former Arizona Senate president. Running mate: state senator 2018 to 2025 and Buckeye dairy farmer

Helped lead the push to keep Trump in office after he lost in 2020, and Trump endorsed him ("He is GREAT!!!"). Wants to make Arizona the "Florida of the West" and end the state income tax. Kerr sponsored a 2021 bill to ban nearly all abortions with criminal penalties for doctors.

Sources: Cronkite News, Wikipedia, Wikipedia (Kerr)

Risa Lombardo / Lisa Castillo

Compromised Green

Former Republican precinct committeewoman; won the Green primary in July

The Arizona Green Party disowned both as "sham candidates" meant to pull votes from Hobbs and asked to have them removed from the ballot. The state Clean Elections Commission is investigating whether her campaign faked donor records to collect $2.8 million in public money; a judge threw out her suit to stop it.

Sources: Hoodline, Arizona Green Party, Wikipedia

Teri Hourihan / Angela Harrolle Mohan

Not enough info No Labels

Licensed counselor with a PhD in psychology. Running mate: real estate broker; longtime CEO of The 100 Club of Arizona

Running on cleaning up state agencies, saying "what's happening in Arizona is a level of corruption that is hurting a lot of people." Faults Hobbs on the cost of living and Biggs for his partisan record. No record in office to judge.

Sources: KTAR, Your Valley

Secretary of State

Vote for one

The secretary of state runs Arizona elections.

Adrian Fontes

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Secretary of State since 2023; Maricopa County Recorder 2017 to 2021

Says his job is to "call balls and strikes, political outcomes be darned" and that voters deserve officials who aren't "relitigating the past."

Sources: FOX 10, Wikipedia

Alexander Kolodin

Not good people Republican

State representative since 2023; election lawyer

The State Bar put him on probation in 2023 for bad-faith lawsuits trying to overturn the 2020 election. Asked this May whether 2020 was stolen, he said "it was stolen fair and square."

Sources: KJZZ, Democracy Docket, Wikipedia

Duwayne Collier

Compromised Green

Has worked in construction, sales and labor

The Arizona Green Party disowned him as a "sham candidate" meant to pull votes from Fontes. The Clean Elections Commission is investigating whether his campaign faked donor records to get nearly $740,000 in public money.

Sources: Hoodline, KJZZ

Attorney General

Vote for one

Kris Mayes

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Attorney General since 2023; Corporation Commission member 2003 to 2010

Refused to enforce Arizona's 1864 abortion ban and has sued the federal government many times, including over immigration enforcement. Republican lawmakers and police groups called for her to resign over remarks about self-defense law and federal immigration agents. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO.

Sources: Arizona Capitol Times, Campaign site, AZPBS, Arizona AFL-CIO

Warren Petersen

Not good people Republican

Arizona Senate President since 2023

Signed the 2020 Senate subpoenas for Maricopa County's ballots and machines that led to the Cyber Ninjas audit, which ended up confirming Biden's win. Later drew an FBI subpoena over how the review's materials were handled.

Sources: Wikipedia, States United

State Treasurer

Vote for one

Open seat.

Nick Mansour

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Businessman; former chairman and CEO of the Arizona College of Nursing

Wants to put more of the state land trust fund in stock index funds to earn more for schools, and to watch the voucher program more closely.

Sources: KJZZ, KAWC

Elijah Norton

Not good people Republican

Founder of vehicle warranty companies; former Arizona Republican Party treasurer

At a September debate he flatly denied saying he would fire everyone tied to the current treasurer, though he said exactly that on a radio show in May. His warranty companies have faced more than 100 lawsuits and complaints over robocalls and denied claims. Endorsed by Turning Point Action.

Sources: KJZZ, Arizona Daily Star, Turning Point Action

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Vote for one

Write-in candidates Gerard Davis (Green) and Stephen Neal Jr. (No Labels) are also running.

Teresa Leyba Ruiz

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Former math teacher; president of Glendale Community College until 2023

Calls herself "the only educator in this race." Wants school letter grades to count student growth and wants higher teacher pay to keep teachers. Endorsed by Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: State Press, ACCT, Arizona List

Kimberly Yee

Seems like good people Republican

State Treasurer since 2019; former Arizona Senate majority leader

Beat Superintendent Tom Horne in the July primary, promising to "end the current chaos" at the Department of Education. Supports school choice and the universal voucher program.

Sources: Campaign video, Wikipedia

State Mine Inspector

Vote for one

Two decent people who both say this is a safety job, not a political one.

Brian Matlock

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Mechanical engineer; Marine Corps Reserve veteran; holds six mining-related patents

Wants to update the mine safety code and seal off abandoned backcountry and uranium mines. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO and Teamsters Local 104.

Sources: Clean Elections guide, AZPBS, Arizona AFL-CIO

Les Presmyk

Seems like good people Republican

Mine Inspector since 2025, appointed by Gov. Hobbs; 30 years as a mining engineer at SRP; Gilbert Town Council 1999 to 2011

Says the job is about making sure every miner "return[s] home at the end of every shift." Endorsed by the Center for Arizona Policy Action.

Sources: Governor's office, Wikipedia, iVoterGuide

Corporation Commission

Vote for two

The commission sets utility rates. Two seats are open and you can vote for two.

Jonathon Hill

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Engineer and scientist at ASU's Mars Space Flight Facility

Wants closer scrutiny of rate hikes and an end to energy and water breaks for big data centers, saying regular customers can't fight utilities on their own. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO.

Sources: Campaign site, AZPBS, Arizona AFL-CIO

Clara Pratte

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Co-founder of the solar company Navajo Power; served under three presidential administrations

Says solar is "the cheapest form of energy on the market" and that the commission should hold down rates while utilities post record profits. Would be the first Native American elected statewide in Arizona.

Sources: Arizona Capitol Times, The 19th, Campaign site

Kevin Thompson

Compromised Republican

Commissioner since 2023; former Mesa City Council member

Voted this year to repeal the state's energy efficiency rules. Also runs a consulting firm that works for data center developer EdgeCore while he regulates the utilities that serve data centers, though he says he does no EdgeCore work in Arizona.

Sources: Energy and Policy Institute, ACC

Ralph Heap

Not good people Republican

State representative; retired orthopedic surgeon

Wants to move the commission onto President Trump's energy agenda and away from green energy. Backed by the Freedom Caucus and Turning Point Action, and under a Clean Elections inquiry over how his campaign reported spending on signs.

Sources: AZ Free News, Arizona Capitol Times, Turning Point Action

Mike Cease

Not enough info Green

Chemical engineer; past chair of the Arizona Green Party

A longtime Green organizer who has run for this commission, Tucson mayor and Pima County recorder. No record in office to judge.

Sources: KAWC

Propositions and Supreme Court retention

Yes or no

We describe what each proposition does and don't make recommendations. All eight were put on the ballot by the Republican-led Legislature, so the governor could not veto them. Props 141, 142 and 144 amend the state constitution; the rest change state law.

  • Prop 141, mileage taxes: Bars state and local governments from taxing or charging fees by the miles you drive, and from tracking or limiting how far you drive without your consent. Government vehicles and interstate commercial trucks are exempt. Arizona has no such tax today.
  • Prop 142, race in public institutions: Bars the state, including public schools and universities, from requiring anyone to endorse preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity, from funding offices or trainings that promote it, from treating people differently by race in discipline, and from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion courses. State and federal anti-discrimination law still applies.
  • Prop 144, voter ID and citizenship: Writes into the constitution that only citizens may register and vote, and requires government-issued ID to vote, including by mail (today mail voters don't show ID). Bans foreign nationals from giving money to influence Arizona elections, and starting in 2028 lets voters have their ballots counted at their polling place on Election Day.
  • Prop 316, grocery taxes: Caps city and local sales taxes on groceries at 2% and requires voter approval to raise them. Places already above 2% keep their rate but can't raise it. The state doesn't tax groceries.
  • Prop 317, drug cartels: Declares drug cartels terrorist organizations and tells the state Department of Homeland Security to do everything it can to address them. That department hands out grants and is not a police agency. Gov. Hobbs vetoed a similar bill in 2023.
  • Prop 318, restrooms and sports: Requires all schools and athletic associations to limit restrooms, locker rooms and showers by sex as listed on a person's original birth certificate, for students, athletes and employees. It also bars girls from boys' teams; state law already bars boys from girls' teams.
  • Prop 319, traffic cameras: Bans new red-light and speed cameras. Cities that already have them must win voter approval in November 2027 to keep them, and again every ten years. Gov. Hobbs vetoed a similar bill in 2023.
  • Prop 320, classroom spending: Requires school districts with more than 7,500 students, or in counties over 500,000 people, to spend at least 60% of their budgets on direct instruction, with the state auditor general defining what counts.
  • Supreme Court: Justice John Lopez IV, appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey in 2016, is up for a yes-or-no retention vote. We haven't profiled him.

U.S. House, District 1

Vote for one

Open seat (Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, north Phoenix). Rep. David Schweikert is running for governor.

Amish Shah

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Emergency room doctor; state representative 2019 to 2024

Had a 100% rating from reproductive rights groups and filed bills to protect contraception and ban conversion therapy for minors. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO and the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona.

Sources: Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, Guides.vote, Arizona AFL-CIO, Phoenix New Times

Jay Feely

Not good people Republican

Former NFL kicker; CBS Sports analyst

Trump endorsed him in the primary and the general, and he switched here from District 5 after Trump backed Mark Lamb there. Backs the SAVE Act's proof-of-citizenship rule.

Sources: Ballotpedia, KTAR, KJZZ, Arizona PBS

Monica Alponte

Not enough info Libertarian

Retired business writer; never held office

Signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge. Endorsed by the Anti-Zionist America PAC.

Sources: Libertarian Party, iVoterGuide

U.S. House, District 3

Vote for one

Central and west Phoenix. Republican Jacob Parkman is running as a write-in.

Yassamin Ansari

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

In Congress since 2025; former Phoenix vice mayor

Filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in April 2026 and a bill to stop officials from holding several federal jobs at once. Endorsed by Sen. Mark Kelly and the federal workers' union AFGE.

Sources: LegiStorm, Hindustan Times, House website, Facebook, AFGE

Alan Aversa

Compromised Conservative

Physics and programming teacher; Green nominee for this seat in 2024

Running for the Arizona Independent Party. Wants a total ban on abortion and opposes teaching gender identity in schools; endorsed by anti-abortion activist Randall Terry.

Sources: Campaign site, iVoterGuide, iVoterGuide

David Redkey

Not good people Green

Teacher and small business owner

Arrested in September 2026 on felony charges of threatening a judge and an attorney. The Arizona Green Party now asks voters not to vote for him.

Sources: AZ Voter Guide, FOX 10

U.S. House, District 4

Vote for one

Tempe, Chandler, west Mesa and south Phoenix.

Greg Stanton

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

In Congress since 2019; Phoenix mayor 2012 to 2018

Named the Arizona AFL-CIO's 2025 elected leader of the year. Broke with most Democrats to vote for the Laken Riley Act, which requires detention of immigrants charged with theft.

Sources: Wikipedia, House website, The 19th

Zuhdi Jasser

Compromised Republican

Internal medicine doctor; Navy veteran; founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy

Wants a balanced budget amendment and more money for immigration enforcement. Endorsed by Turning Point Action and former Gov. Jan Brewer.

Sources: Wikipedia, Arizona Daily Independent, Ballotpedia, Turning Point Action

Tisha Benoit

Not enough info Independent

Acupuncturist and small business owner

Won the No Labels (now Arizona Independent) primary. Runs on a "Make Arizona Healthy Again" platform and a ban on stock trading by members of Congress.

Sources: Ballotpedia, KTAR, Campaign site

U.S. House, District 5

Vote for one

Open seat (Gilbert, Queen Creek, east Mesa). Rep. Andy Biggs is running for governor.

Elizabeth Lee

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Registered nurse in infertility care; first run for office

Says she ran after seeing "too many patients ration their insulin." Turns down corporate PAC money; endorsed by IBEW Local 640 and Reproductive Freedom for All.

Sources: Ballotpedia, CT Public, Campaign site

Mark Lamb

Not good people Republican

Pinal County sheriff 2017 to 2024; ran for U.S. Senate in 2024

Endorsed by Trump and the Club for Growth. The Arizona Republic reported allegations that he used his badge to threaten a woman over explicit photos; his campaign calls them "baseless."

Sources: Wikipedia, Your Valley, Club for Growth, States Newsroom

U.S. House, District 7

Vote for one

West Phoenix, Avondale and Tolleson, plus Tucson and the border.

Adelita Grijalva

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

In Congress since November 2025; Pima County supervisor 2021 to 2025; Tucson school board 2002 to 2022

Says ICE is "using inhumane tactics" and "targeting anyone who looks like me." House Republican leaders held off swearing her in for seven weeks after she won the 2025 special election.

Sources: Wikipedia, AZ Luminaria

Daniel Butierez

Compromised Republican

Tucson painting contractor; Republican nominee here in 2024 and 2025

Backed Trump's federal law enforcement response to protests in California and called the protests "a temper tantrum."

Sources: Ballotpedia, Your Valley

U.S. House, District 8

Vote for one

Peoria, Surprise, Sun City and the northwest Valley.

Bernadette Greene-Placentia

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Long-haul truck driver for 27 years; small business owner

Runs on lower costs, reproductive health care, Social Security and "securing the border without sacrificing humanity." Signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge.

Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Campaign site

Abraham Hamadeh

Not good people Republican

In Congress since 2025; former county prosecutor and Army Reserve intelligence officer

Lost the 2022 attorney general race by 280 votes and fought the result in court without success. Runs as an "America First" Trump ally.

Sources: Wikipedia, Legis1

U.S. House, District 9

Vote for one

West Valley, including Buckeye, and western Arizona.

Danielle Sterbinsky

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Navy veteran; human resources professional; first run for office

Wants lower housing, health care and child care costs and congressional term limits. Endorsed by State Sen. Catherine Miranda and Rep. Mariana Sandoval.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Ballotpedia, Campaign site

Paul Gosar

Not good people Republican

In Congress since 2011; former dentist

Voted against certifying the 2020 election results and called the election stolen. The House censured him in 2021 for an animated video showing violence against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Sources: Wikipedia, PBS NewsHour

State Senate, District 2

Vote for one

North Phoenix.

Amelia Gallitano

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Physician and neuroscientist at the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix; treated veterans at the Phoenix VA for nine years

Running on health care and utility costs, housing and water. Endorsed by Attorney General Kris Mayes, the Arizona AFL-CIO and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.

Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Arizona AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Advocates

Shawnna Bolick

Not good people Republican

State senator since 2023; state representative 2019 to 2023

Voted in 2024 to repeal the 1864 abortion ban. But in 2021 she filed a bill letting the Legislature revoke the state's certification of presidential electors.

Sources: Wikipedia, The 19th, Business Insider

State House, District 2

Vote for two

Two seats, but we picked only Simacek. Carver qualified as a write-in in the Republican primary.

Stephanie Simacek

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State representative since 2025; former elementary teacher; Deer Valley school board

Running on reproductive rights, school funding, water and housing. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO, EMILYs List and the Arizona Nurses Association.

Sources: Ballotpedia, DVUSD, NextGen America, Arizona AFL-CIO

Justin Wilmeth

Compromised Republican

State representative since 2021; chairs the House Commerce Committee

Passed bills creating a state space commission and barring state contracts that use Uyghur forced labor. Endorsed by Americans for Prosperity and the Arizona Chamber.

Sources: Wikipedia, Campaign site, RSLC

Paul Carver

Not good people Republican

Deer Valley school board president; Marine Corps veteran

Endorsed by the NRA and Reps. Justin Wilmeth and Joseph Chaplik. Wants "fiscal discipline" and more school choice for parents.

Sources: AZ Voter Guide, Arizona Globe, iVoterGuide

State Senate, District 4

Vote for one

North-central Phoenix and Paradise Valley. Trump won this district by 3.5 points in 2024.

Aaron Lieberman

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State representative 2019 to 2021; founded the early-learning company Acelero Learning

Wants more money for K-12 and early childhood education and for water. Has campaigned against election denial and Trump's push to overturn 2020; endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO.

Sources: Your Valley, Wikipedia, AZ Advocacy Hub, Arizona AFL-CIO

Carine Werner

Compromised Republican

State senator since 2025; former Scottsdale school board member

Runs on "reducing crime, securing the border" and more school choice. While on the Scottsdale school board, she apologized after a hot mic caught her making personal remarks about a district staff member.

Sources: Wikipedia, Campaign site, Your Valley

State House, District 4

Vote for two

Two seats. Gress voted to repeal the 1864 abortion ban; Carter helped run Trump's 2020 campaign outreach.

Karen Gresham

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Madison Elementary school board since 2020; former CPA

Running on public school funding and reproductive rights. Endorsed by Arizona List and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Arizona List, LD4 Democrats

Tammy Caputi

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Scottsdale City Council 2021 to 2025; president of Yale Electric West

Running on small business, infrastructure and public safety funding. Endorsed by Arizona List and the state medical association's PAC.

Sources: Ballotpedia, LD4 Democrats, iVoterGuide

Matt Gress

Compromised Republican

State representative since 2023; state budget director under Gov. Ducey

Broke with his party in 2024 to repeal the 1864 abortion ban and lost his Appropriations Committee seat for it. Endorsed by police and firefighter groups.

Sources: Arizona Capitol Times, Arizona Capitol Times, Clean Elections guide

Pamela Carter

Not good people Republican

State representative since 2025; former TBN fitness host

Was deputy strategic initiatives director for 2020 Trump Victory and built the campaign's faith ambassadors program. Supports arming teachers.

Sources: Your Valley, ADLCC

State Senate, District 9

Vote for one

West Mesa. Harris won it by 3 points in 2024.

Kiana Sears

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State senator since 2025 (appointed); Mesa school board for eight years

Running on price gouging, health care and public school funding. Endorsed by EMILYs List, AFSCME and the Arizona Nurses Association.

Sources: Maricopa County, Vote411, DLCC, EMILYs List

Bridget Fitzgibbons

Compromised Republican

Naturopathic doctor; Republican precinct committeeman

Running on border enforcement and trafficking. Endorsed by Turning Point Action, the Mesa Chamber and the home builders' association.

Sources: Turning Point Action, AZ Voter Guide, Mesa Chamber

State House, District 9

Vote for two

Lorena Austin

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State representative since 2023

Helped pass the casita (accessory dwelling) law and a three-year pause on data center tax breaks. Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.

Sources: DLCC, Campaign site, Arizona AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood Advocates

Jacob Martinez

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Navy Reserve; community development specialist

Running on school funding, housing, water and gun safety. Once organized for Ted Cruz and Kelli Ward; now endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Giffords and the Arizona AFL-CIO.

Sources: Ballotpedia, Arizona Daily Independent, Arizona AFL-CIO

Bradley Bettencourt

Compromised Republican

Banker; president of the Dobson Ranch homeowners' association

Blames zoning and permit delays for high housing costs. Endorsed by Turning Point Action and Rep. Walt Blackman.

Sources: AZ Free News, Turning Point Action

State Senate, District 13

Vote for one

Open seat in Chandler, the closest district in the county (Trump by 1.2 points in 2024).

Kristie O'Brien

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Attorney and mediator; former Capitol Hill staffer; worked at the International Criminal Court

Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO, EMILYs List and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.

Sources: LD13 Democrats, Planned Parenthood Advocates

Julie Willoughby

Compromised Republican

State representative since 2023; House majority whip; ER nurse

Helped negotiate the 2025 deal that kept services for people with developmental disabilities funded. Appeared in a 2024 PAC ad attacking federal border policy; backed by the state and Chandler chambers.

Sources: Campaign site, Wikipedia, KJZZ, Chandler Chamber, Arizona Chamber

State House, District 13

Vote for two

Two open seats. Rep. Jeff Weninger left to run for Chandler mayor and lost.

Racquel Armstrong

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

ASU assistant professor; former K-12 teacher and administrator

Says she is running to "break cycles of poverty through learning and opportunity." Endorsed by EMILYs List and United Campus Workers of Arizona.

Sources: New Politics, ActBlue, EMILYs List, United Campus Workers

Jacob Weinberg

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Army combat veteran of 20 years; financial auditor

Running on responsible development, schools and veterans' rights. Endorsed by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Sources: Campaign site, DLCC

Janet Weninger

Compromised Republican

Restaurant owner (Floridino's, Dilly's Deli); wife of Rep. Jeff Weninger

Endorsed by Americans for Prosperity Action, the Arizona Police Association and the Arizona Freedom Club PAC.

Sources: BallotReady, AZ Voter Guide, AFP Action, Arizona Police Association, Arizona Chamber

Kevin Hartke

Not good people Republican

Chandler mayor 2019 to 2026; pastor for 40 years

As mayor, paid off the city's police and fire pension debt. His campaign says the "Trump Administration has delivered one of the most secure borders in history."

Sources: Campaign site, Campaign site, Campaign site

State Senate, District 23

Vote for one

Southwest Valley (Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye area) and Yuma County. Harris won it by under 2 points.

Brian Fernandez

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State senator since 2023; state representative 2021 to 2023; tech founder

Helped negotiate a $1 billion boost in school funding and money for west Valley roads. Endorsed by Save Our Schools Arizona and the DLCC.

Sources: Wikipedia, Clean Elections guide, DLCC

Michelle Altherr

Not good people Republican

Air Force veteran; LD23 Republican chair; county GOP secretary

Started in politics with Latinos for Trump and was an adjudicator and observer in the audit of Maricopa County's 2020 election. Endorsed by the NRA.

Sources: Turning Point Action, KJZZ, NRA-PVF

State House, District 23

Vote for two

Mariana Sandoval

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

State representative since 2023; former paralegal in the attorney general's office; Agua Fria school board 2016 to 2020

Says working families should "come first, not corporations." Endorsed by the Arizona AFL-CIO and Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: Campaign site, States Newsroom, Ballotpedia, Arizona AFL-CIO

Emilia Cortez

Seems like good people (best choice in this race) Democrat

Economic development specialist for the Quechan Indian Tribe; Yuma County library board

Supports a higher minimum wage. Endorsed by the DLCC, Run for Something and Save Our Schools Arizona.

Sources: Campaign site, iVoterGuide, DLCC

Michele Peña

Compromised Republican

State representative since 2023; works for ALCO Harvesting, a farm labor contractor

Vice chair of the House agriculture committee. Endorsed by the NFIB, the Arizona Chamber and the Greater Phoenix Chamber.

Sources: Wikipedia, Arizona Chamber

Gary Snyder

Not good people Republican

Runs a winter baseball league; Republican state committeeman

Put a hidden camera on a San Luis ballot drop box in 2020; the footage later appeared in the film "2000 Mules." Runs on "election integrity."

Sources: Arizona Daily Independent, Arizona Daily Independent, Clean Elections guide

County proposition

We describe what each proposition does and don't make recommendations. Statewide propositions 141 to 320 are in the State and federal section. Many school districts also have bond or override questions; check your sample ballot.

Maricopa County, Proposition 413

Yes or no

  • Asks voters to extend the county's jail sales tax, which pays for running and maintaining adult and juvenile jails. The county pamphlet has the rate and how long it would last.
  • The county estimates it would raise about $313 million in its first full year, July 2027 to June 2028. County page and pamphlet.

When and where to vote

Register by
Monday, October 5. Register or check your registration at BeBallotReady.Vote.
Early voting
Vote centers start opening Wednesday, October 7, 27 days before the election, and any Maricopa County voter can use any vote center. Some open only in the last week, and hours vary by site. There are about 270 vote centers and drop-box locations in all. Find one near you.
Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., at any vote center in the county. Find the closest one and its wait time.
Mail ballot
Voters on the Active Early Voting List get a ballot in the mail starting October 7. If you're not on the list, request one at BeBallotReady.Vote or 602-506-1511 by 5 p.m. Friday, October 23. Sign the envelope. The county says to mail it back by Tuesday, October 27; it has to arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Track your ballot.
Drop boxes
You can drop a sealed, signed mail ballot at any vote center or county drop box until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Drop box map.
Bring
To vote in person you need ID. One photo ID with your name and registered address works: an Arizona driver's license or ID card, a tribal enrollment card, or another government photo ID. Without one, bring two items showing your name and address, such as a utility bill or bank statement from the last 90 days, your voter registration card, or vehicle registration. A passport or military ID counts if you pair it with one of those. Full ID lists.
Your ballot
See your own sample ballot by signing in at BeBallotReady.Vote. The county's list of county candidates and judges (PDF) and the What's on My Ballot page cover the rest.

Keep it free and independent

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Last updated October 4, 2026.