Two Democratic candidates are vying for Legislative District 14’s three seats in the Arizona Legislature.
The district is primarily anchored in Gilbert, but also has small portions of Chandler and Queen Creek.
Mary Rose is the lone Democrat running for a House nomination and will advance to the November General Election against the two Republicans who emerge from the GOP primary.
The two parties have one candidate each for the Senate, meaning the primary will be formality with Republican Mylie Biggs and Democrat Stephanie Walsh advancing to the General.
Independent Newsmedia invited the candidates to answer a questionnaire. Here are the Democrats' responses.
Mary Rose
Primary: House Democratic Party
Age: 67
Hometown: Phoenix
Occupation: Retired
Community involvement: I volunteer at various Town of Gilbert events, also at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts and Chandler Center for the Arts. I spend time volunteering for Feed My Starving Children and United Food Bank.
Stephanie Walsh
Primary: Senate Democratic Party
Age: 60
Hometown: Gilbert
Occupation: Engineer
Community involvement: Chamber of Commerce. Nonprofit leader supporting economically and environmentally sustainable energy solutions
Why did you choose to run?
Rose: I'm tired of being angry about the current state of our country and our state. I feel it is time for a change and to put the power back in the people's hands, not the governments.
Walsh: I chose to run because Arizona is facing growing challenges around energy and water security that will shape our economy and our future. Water and electricity are intrinsically linked and form the foundation of our quality of life and long-term growth. I’m also running to help address critical issues like education, housing, and the impacts of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centers. I believe that when you have the ability to contribute, you have a responsibility to give back through public service. With a background in engineering, business, and nonprofit leadership, I bring a practical, data-driven approach to solving complex problems and will work to ensure Arizona makes smart, long-term decisions.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the state heading into the next legislative session?
Rose: There is more than one, but water conservation and housing affordability top the list.
Walsh: Getting back to a civil and productive environment in the legislature where we are working toward solutions that impact all of us. This would allow us to pass a state budget in a more reasonable timeframe, and to effectively deal with water and energy issues that will drive our economy and quality of life.
What bills do you plan to introduce to deal with this issue?
Rose: Concerning water conservation, I would introduce bills that regulate the usage of irrigation of crops by companies that ship their goods to other countries. We also need legislation that will ensure the protection of our Colorado River allocations. I would try to push through legislation for state rental assistance as well as the proposal of rent control policies. Housing affordability would become more manageable if people made higher wages. The current wages are not enough to sustain most households. I would propose legislation for an increase in the minimum wage.
Walsh: Arizona doesn’t lack for ideas. We’ve seen many water and energy bills introduced, but too often they are fragmented and don’t lead to lasting solutions. I will work to build a bipartisan coalition to address water and energy issues in Arizona. I intend to introduce bills based on a more comprehensive approach to groundwater management, including practical incentives for water conservation across communities, agriculture, and industry. I will also support improved statewide water data so decisions are based on clear, consistent information. On energy, I plan to introduce bills that prioritize planning for growing demand while incentivizing energy efficiency, clean energy, and storage to maintain reliability and affordability. In addition, I would support targeted reforms to the legislative process, such as earlier budget timelines and bipartisan collaboration, to ensure we can pass budgets on time and focus on solving Arizona’s most important challenges.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position?
Rose: I will fight for the things that will help the majority of people live their lives without struggling just to put a meal on the table or to have to choose between gas and groceries. I will fight against the rich getting richer. It's time to bring the power back to the people, by the people, and for the people. We need to leave our younger generation a better world in which they can thrive.
Walsh: My experience in engineering, business, and nonprofit leadership gives me a practical, results-drive approach to public service. I understand how decisions impact real people, businesses, communities, and our economy. I care deeply about Arizona and the people who live here, and I am committed to bringing thoughtful, solutions-focused leadership to the Legislature. I'm a problem-solver who works well with people of different opinions, and I'm dedicated to building a stronger future for our state.
What are issues you believe could be common ground between the political parties during the next session?
Rose: Everything should be common ground between the parties. That is how things get done for the betterment of the people of the state of Arizona. We can have our differences, and we can debate them, but the bottom line is we are elected by the people to make the best decisions for today and the future. Legislators need to start voting according to their conscience instead of how their parties tell them to vote. Working together across the aisle will produce better outcomes in the long run.
Walsh: Energy, water, and the local economy are common ground issues that we can solve for Arizona by working together.
Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him on X at @sp_blodgett.
Meet Tom Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.
Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.
Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism.
Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.
Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).
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