Democratic candidates are competing for legislative seats in Arizona Legislative District 22, with races for one state Senate seat and multiple House positions on the July 21 primary ballot.
The district includes parts of Avondale, Tolleson, Litchfield Park, Laveen, Cashion, Glendale and Phoenix. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
As of the latest candidate filings, only Democrats are listed for these contests.
State Senate Candidates
Eva Diaz
Eva Diaz runs for reelection in Legislative District 22.
Submitted photo/Secretary of State's office
State Sen. Eva Diaz is seeking reelection to represent Legislative District 22. A longtime educator, Diaz has emphasized public education, healthcare access and support for working families during her time in office.
Diaz said she has worked to build relationships at the state Capitol and supported increased funding for schools and universities. She also sponsored Senate Bill 1315, which established planning requirements for special needs students during emergency situations.
Her policy priorities include education, women’s rights, environmental issues and access to healthcare. Diaz has also cited her background as a teacher and school administrator as shaping her legislative focus.
She is the only candidate listed for the Senate race in the district.
State House of Representatives Candidates
Veronica Bejarano-Malone
Veronica Bejarano-Malone runs for a house seat in Legislative District 22.
Submitted photo/Secretary of State's office
Veronica Bejarano-Malone is a former member of the Avondale City Council, where she served two terms beginning in 2017 and was vice mayor from 2021 to 2022.
During her tenure, she represented the city on regional and national committees, including organizations focused on economic development, education and municipal policy. She has also participated in statewide policy groups addressing public safety, sustainability and quality of life.
Bejarano-Malone works in education and has more than 19 years of experience in the field. She remains active in community and civic organizations, including local political groups that promote voter engagement.
Steven Chapman
Steven Chapman runs for a house seat in Legislative District 22.
Submitted photo/Secretary of State's office
Steven Chapman is a member of the Tolleson Union High School District governing board, first elected in 2010. A West Valley native, he attended local public schools and has focused his work on education policy and community engagement.
During his time on the board, Chapman has supported initiatives related to employee compensation and family leave policies. He has also emphasized collaboration in developing local education policies.
Chapman’s campaign centers on public education, workforce issues and support for families in the district.
Gwendalyn “Gwen” Johnston Gwendalyn Johnston is listed as a candidate for the state House in Legislative District 22. Additional biographical and policy information from the Secretary of State’s office, Arizona Democratic Party or Johnston was not available at the time of publication.
Elda Luna-Nájera
Elda Luna-Nájera runs for reelection in Legislative District 22.
Submitted photo/Secretary of State's office
Rep. Elda Luna-Nájera currently serves in the Arizona House of Representatives. She previously served on the Tolleson Union High School District governing board after being appointed in 2020.
A licensed master social worker, Luna-Nájera has worked extensively with children and families in nonprofit and educational settings. She also serves as a liaison for foster care and homeless student programs within the school district.
Luna-Nájera holds degrees from Arizona State University and a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California. She has lived in the district for more than 18 years.
Betsy Muñoz
Betsy Muñoz runs for a house seat in Legislative District 22.
Submitted photo/Secretary of State's office
Betsy Muñoz is a candidate for the state House and a West Valley resident focused on education, housing and workforce issues.
Her professional background includes work in immigration services and education-focused nonprofit organizations, where she supported college access initiatives and student advising programs. She has also been involved in community outreach and campaign organizing.
Muñoz has emphasized public school funding, affordable housing and economic development in her campaign. She has also highlighted the relationship between education systems and long-term economic opportunities for communities.
The primary election will determine which candidates advance to the general election, though the absence of Republican candidates could result in some races being decided in July.
More information is available at elections.maricopa.gov. Check Independent Newsmedia in print and online yourvalley.net for continuing elections coverage.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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