The majority of Arizona Legislative District 2 candidates have replied to Independent Newsmedia’s questionnaire regarding their candidacy for the 2024 election.

LD2 encompasses a large swath of north Phoenix and Cave Creek including several neighborhoods along the I-17 and AZ-51 including Deer Valley, Norterra and Moon Valley, with a total of 123,622 voters, according to the State of Arizona Registration Report compiled in April of this year by the Arizona Secretary of State.

LD2 is represented by two House members and with Democratic House Candidate Judy Schwiebert not running for re-election and instead running for senate in the same district, there may be two new representatives in LD2 with House Candidate Justin Wilmeth running for re-election.

LD2 has one senate seat filled by Republican Shawnna Bolick who was appointed to fill the vacancy following Republican Senator Steve Kaiser’s resignation last year. Bolick is running for re-election along with three candidates vying for the open seat.

LD2 House candidates include Ari Daniel Bradshaw (R), Justin Wilmeth (incumbent, R), write-in candidate Danielle Hagen (R), Stephanie Simacek (D) and Tom Simes (I).

LD2 Senate candidates include Josh Barnett (R), Shawnna Bolick (R), Judy Schwiebert (D) and Dennis Pugsley (Green).

House Candidate Neil DeSanti (R) recently withdrew from the race and House Candidate Justin Wilmeth (R Incumbent) and Senate Candidate Dennis Pugsley (Green) did not respond for comment.

House

Ari Daniel Bradshaw (R)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

I don’t want to wake up in 20 years and have to tell my children or future grandchildren that we have to move. Our First and Second Amendment rights are at risk of being limited, and Jews in particular are increasingly targeted by radical activists on both sides of the aisle.

I believe we must usher in a new generation of GOP politicians to bring our values to a new generation by focusing on the issues which matter most to Arizonans - the economy, homeownership, education, the environment and safety. School choice is the civil rights issue of our generation, and I believe that the scholarships I received were key parts of my upbringing, helping me to avoid falling into abject poverty.

As a small business owner whose primary business relies upon the success of other small businesses in our local community, I have a vested interest in seeing Arizona as the best place in the world to raise a family, run a business and receive an education.

I lost my father and cousin to opioid-related issues and believe we must have people in office who are going to address the issue while offering sincere solutions and options to victims afflicted.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

I believe that the economy and education are the two top issues facing our district from the countless doors that I’ve knocked across LD2.

The economy can be broken down into a number of issues: we must increase homeownership rates (incentivize starter home development, equalize water guarantees on rental and for-sale builds, help first time homebuyers, etc.), we must balance our budget and we must have the most small business and family-friendly tax code in the nation.

With education, we must pay our teachers more by utilizing state land trust funds, ensure excellent options for families regardless of income or ZIP code, incentivize the adoption of open source curricula and unify disunified school districts to reduce bureaucracy and enhance cohesion between our district schools.

Constituents also have identified crime, homelessness the environment, and border security as top issues when I am out knocking on doors. At the end of the day, the people of LD2 want a government that works for the people and addresses their issues - not one that uses them as talking points.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

I believe that in Arizona, the two primary topics turning out voters are issues concerning the southern border and the Abortion Access referendum which will be on the ballot.

The voters, especially those who lean right, want to elect candidates who will address the southern border and difficult immigration topics with maturity and an actual plan.

I support non-discriminatory policies which seek to reduce illegal border crossings, encourage asylum seekers to cross at legitimate points of entry and protect Arizonans from cartel-related crime. I also believe we should write a Concurrent Memorial demanding serious federal immigration reform.

As for the abortion referendum, I have personally met many young people who are registering to vote just to support the referendum and many grassroots activists on the right whose #1 issue is defeating the referendum.

I believe the voters have been clear that they want the politicians to stay out of the abortion issue and that they want to decide the topic on the ballot. I am pro-life, but I won’t overturn the will of the people and I encourage the legislature to give Arizonans options so they can make the choice which best reflects the will of the voters.

Danielle Hagen (R)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

As a hardworking single mom that works in the office as a Notary Public, I also work doing deliveries at night. I see everyone around me struggle. I am tired of seeing our citizens be ignored and our veterans, elderly and children being hurt by policies that make no common sense to us.

I am running for the Arizona House in District 2 because I am not a politician, but because I am committed to serving my community and upholding justice. I believe in secure borders and the importance of vetting immigrants to ensure the safety of our citizens.

I am deeply concerned about government overreach and corruption, and will work tirelessly to address these issues. I support parental choice in education and holding those who take advantage of the program accountable and make them pay it back.

I advocate for small businesses and job creation, which are vital for our economic growth. I am also committed to upholding the First and Second Amendments and protecting our Constitution.

I am “We The People,” a blue collared conservative that wants to be the voice for our district. This isn’t a career move; I am a concerned citizen who is tired of corruption.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

As a citizen, and as a candidate I foresee two major challenges for District 2, Arizona in the next five years.

1. My Economic Outlook: The state’s economy is a concern. Factors such as inflation and increased interest rates could potentially impede the growth rate of our economy. I will work towards policies that support economic stability and growth. With creating new small businesses and keeping Arizona citizens working first.
2. Homelessness and Immigration: The issues of homelessness and immigration are pressing concerns in our district. The increasing number of homeless individuals and the challenges posed by immigration require immediate attention.

Additionally, the rise in fentanyl-related issues is a serious concern that needs to be addressed that coincide with homelessness and a wide-open border. As a candidate I am committed to finding effective solutions, and as a representative implementing those solutions on both sides of the aisle.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

Our state has been put at risk by the un-vetting of people that have come here illegally. I want our families to feel safe again. To not worry that they can lose their homes from squatters and that our children can’t be killed by fentanyl.

Arizona citizens should receive help and be taken off the streets before anyone else. They should have security in their employment and not fear losing their jobs for cheaper wages.

The middle class is being erased. Our schools are failing, our streets are dirty and people in office tell us what we want to hear when it’s election time, by the end of the session nothing changes. People question our elections; they question those who are supposed to lead us, but they get no real answers.

It’s time for everyday Arizonans to stand up and take part in our local government. We can’t control what happens in Washington D.C., but we can control what happens in our own legislative districts. People are tired, they want accountability. They want to have hope when they vote. That’s why they will be going to the polls.

Stephanie Simacek (D)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

As a mom of two and a former teacher, I was honored to be elected to the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board in 2022. I have loved serving our community on the school board, but I know I can do more to bring real change to the lives of our community.

I am running for the LD2 House seat in 2024 because this seat represents our chance to tie the state House and accomplish something vitally important in Arizona. This district is our chance to finally stop the dangerous legislation that is harming our public schools, restricting access to abortion, and ignoring the affordable housing crisis. When I win, we will have the opportunity to finally deal with the issues at the top of voters’ minds and help our communities.

I decided to run for this House seat because I want the opportunity to work hard and make a difference for our community. We can bring change so ALL voices are heard.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

Education is at the top of the list. Arizona’s public schools are 49th in the nation in per-pupil funding. They’re facing a teacher shortage crisis, leaving 1 in 3 students without a permanent qualified teacher and leading to some of the largest class sizes in the nation. These factors are leaving our children without the education they need and deserve. We must reprioritize investing in public schools chosen by 90% of Arizonans by reducing class sizes and increasing educator pay to address the teacher shortage crisis.

The second issue that will prove crucial to our north Phoenix community over the next five years is the lack of affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing here hurts recent graduates who are trying to move out, it hurts the people who are moving here to work in one of the dozens of new offices and factories being built in Phoenix, and it hurts seniors and others who are looking to downsize. We must find ways, including building more housing and placing common-sense regulations on short-term rentals to address this issue.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

Voters are going to be motivated this November to reject extremism and elect legislators who will work together to solve the important issues facing our community daily. This includes investing in affordable housing and our public schools, fostering a safe and secure water future, protecting access to abortion and ending the culture war attacks.

Tom Simes (I)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

Like most Arizonans, I find myself increasingly disillusioned by the constant partisan bickering, division and the inability to solve problems. I made a choice: either continue lamenting the situation or try to be part of the solution.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

Inflation and housing affordability.

While not exclusive to LD2, inflation and housing affordability are two major challenges for all Arizonans.

Rising prices aren’t just affecting discretionary spending, which as a small business owner, I am seeing the effects of firsthand. Having to spend more on everyday items like groceries, gas and housing are especially hard-hitting on families and those on fixed incomes.

Inflation, high interest rates and lack of inventory are major contributors to the cost of housing which is forcing families into substandard or overcrowded living conditions and is a significant contributing factor to the high rate of homelessness we see in the Valley.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

Abortion and immigration.

Regarding abortion, it’s crucial to honor individual freedoms and religious liberties. People hold diverse religious or moral viewpoints on this matter, and they should have the autonomy to make decisions aligned with their beliefs. Protecting abortion rights is about ensuring individuals can live according to their own convictions.

Addressing immigration, maintaining order and security at our borders is paramount to upholding the rule of law. Strengthening border security helps deter illegal entry and curtails the flow of illicit substances, weapons and human trafficking. This, in turn, safeguards our communities and national security interests. Simultaneously, we must acknowledge the humanitarian imperative of addressing the circumstances of undocumented immigrants already contributing to our communities.

Senate

Josh Barnett (R)

Why are you running for LD2 State Senate?

I am running to protect and maintain the people’s individual rights; this is the number one job of any legislator. The problem I have seen the last four years is they do not even know what the people’s rights are, let alone know how to protect them. I know how to protect them, and this is what I intend to do for LD 2.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

The security of our border is a top priority. Not only does it cost Arizona over $3.2 billion and the United States over $150 billion, but also each illegal or U.S.-born child of illegal aliens costs the U.S. $8,766 annually. Even more disturbing is the high number of women and children being sex trafficked across our porous border, which must be stopped. 2) Protecting school choice/ESA programs is essential to keeping the government out of the people’s business, and the Democrats are hell-bent on abolishing it. Democrats, such as Judy Schwiebert, believe the government should dictate where your kids go to school. I will never allow that to happen. Parents should be the decision-makers, and the money should go with the student.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

Border - Illegal immigration is costing Arizona over $3.2 billion per year (according to fairus.org), and it is becoming unsustainable not only for AZ but the entire nation. We must secure our border, stop illegal immigration, and follow the laws that are already on the books for legal immigration. Arizona should adopt what Texas has done. 2a) Economy - We need to eliminate taxes such as the gas tax, food tax, etc., to give people the necessary breathing room needed during this Biden-induced recession. 2b) School choice/ESA - Parents should decide where their children are educated and how, not the government or teacher unions. The money should travel with the student so parents are in control. Parents should determine what school best fits their children.

Shawnna Bolick (R.)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

I was recruited back to the legislature to be a check on Hobbs’ radical agenda. I have supported common sense economic policies so everyday Arizonans can keep a roof over their heads, fuel in their car’s gas tank and food on the table amidst failed top-down government policies coming out of DC.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

1.) District 2 is adjacent to TSMC. Housing is being built in our district to accommodate future TSMC employees. The area is already gripped with limited, affordable housing options.

2.) With an open border, more families will continue to be challenged with the rise in fentanyl. Teens continue to buy drugs on social media that are sometimes laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

1.) Bidenflation is up nearly 20% since Biden took office. Our families are weary of our current economy and can’t afford this pay cut. I led the charge to get rid of the municipal food tax levy in 2019 and then, in 2022, to get rid of the residential rental tax. We’re all getting less for our money than we got before Biden came into office.

2.) The state legislature will refer the Secure the Border Act to the ballot to give voters the ability to safeguard Arizona’s communities since the Feds have failed to secure our wide-open border.

Judy Schwiebert (D)

Why are you running for LD2 State House of Representatives?

After four years in the Arizona State House of Representatives, I made the decision to run for the Senate because it’s crucial to have a majority that will prioritize the real issues facing our community. As a longtime teacher at Greenway and Cactus high schools, I was always able to keep a roof over the heads of my family and food on the table. However, within a few years of my retirement, that was no longer the case for educators.

Since then, the legislature has kept Arizona near the bottom of the nation in the funding of our public schools. Now, Arizona is in the midst of a teacher shortage crisis and 1 in 3 students lack a permanent qualified teacher. That’s a disaster for all of us who want a safe, strong community.

But, it’s not just education. Too many of our elected officials would rather attack the freedom to vote, strip away access to reproductive healthcare and push extremism instead of wage a way to address the water, climate, affordable housing, healthcare and cost of living crises. We need a legislature that will put working families first, move Arizona forward and give everyone their chance to thrive.

What do you think are the top two challenges facing the district in the next five years?

When I talk to voters, education is frequently at the top of the list. Public schools are the choice of 90% of Arizona families. Increasing funding and raising educator salaries to attract and retain great teachers and staff is vital to giving every child a world-class education. At the same time, the universal ESA voucher program is draining resources and is partially responsible for three public schools closing in the Paradise Valley school district which covers the eastern portion of Legislative District 2.

I will continue the work to bring accountability and transparency to this program. I am also proud to sponsor Governor Hobbs’ bill in the House to extend Prop 123 to provide raises to teachers and all public school staff.

Another top issue in my district is housing affordability and supporting our unhoused community. Families and seniors cannot afford to purchase a home or pay rent. In fact, seniors are the fastest-growing segment of people experiencing homelessness. I have introduced legislation to cap rent increases, protect condo owners from being forced out at below-market prices, and regulate short-term rentals.

In your opinion, what are the two key issues driving voters to the polls this election and where do you stand on those issues?

People are very concerned about the cost of living. So, I’ve been working to reduce those costs; last year I voted to invest $150 million to help build more affordable housing. We also need to make healthcare more affordable.

Last year, I sponsored a bill to cap prescription drug costs for everyone at the federal Medicare rate, and was proud to help cover 10,000 more children under KidsCare. Finally, we must also prioritize more affordable childcare. It’s vital that we have access to dependable, quality care that will not only help employers maintain a strong, reliable workforce, but also give children a lifelong foundation for success.

Also, I believe that the ballot initiative to protect abortion rights in the Arizona constitution will also drive younger voters, Independents, and Democrats to the polls.

I believe that we should have the right to control our own bodies according to our own beliefs, and that it’s the job of the government to protect that right, not to violate it. Pregnancy can have many complications, and it is cruel for politicians to use our most personal abortion decisions to divide us.

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