OPINION — We are at a critical moment in Arizona. We face reduced water allocations, rising costs, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence. How we respond to these challenges will shape the future of our state and the opportunities available to our children. We can’t continue to kick those cans down the road.
With our busy lives, it's easy to tune out elections. I've heard the questions: Aren’t all candidates the same? Do I just vote by party? Does my vote really matter? The truth is that local elections matter tremendously. The decisions that most affect our daily lives are often made close to home. And this year, voters in our district have an important choice to make.
I chose to run for the State Senate seat in Legislative District 14, which includes most of Gilbert and portions of Queen Creek and Chandler, not because politics has appealed to me (it hasn’t!), but because I believe we all have a responsibility to use our talents and experience to serve our communities.
I am an engineer, former owner and CEO of an engineering firm with 100-plus employees, and founder of a nonprofit advancing energy solutions. I’ve received a national Congressional Small Business Award and am proud to be endorsed by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. I bring a lifetime of experience in leadership, teamwork, finance, and developing smart solutions to difficult problems. I am also the mother of two young adults, and I care deeply about the future of their generation.
Choosing to serve my community by running for the Legislature came in an unexpected way. Last fall, I heard on national news that our district had only one choice for the State Senate — Mylie Biggs, the 25-year-old daughter of Congressman Andy Biggs. Although Ms. Biggs has limited qualifications, she has name recognition. What caught my attention more was that her announcement to run came just months after she stated on a podcast, "I don't think women should hold office in general. That's my position. That's my stance." Referring to women’s right to vote, she also remarked, "Repeal the 19th Amendment."
Those statements deeply concerned me and should concern us all.
My opponent’s viewpoint didn’t come out of the blue. There is a growing movement that society’s ills will be solved by eliminating women’s right to vote. That extreme message is being aimed at our young women and men and Ms. Biggs’ stated views are part of that broader movement.
Removing voting rights is a strange solution if your goal is to improve lives.
Ballots for the 2026 election are being prepared now. The choices we make will have lasting consequences for our state's future. I am asking for your support to strengthen Arizona's economy, strengthen our education system, secure our long-term water future, and tackle the rising costs of energy, housing, and everyday living.
Vote for a future built on practical solutions, economic opportunity, and a government that represents everyone. Arizonans deserve integrity and experience, not a family name.
Stephanie Walsh is the Democratic candidate for the Arizona Senate from Legislative District 14.
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