Only two candidates are running for the Senate seat in Legislative District 12.
Democrat Patricia Patty Contreras and No Labels candidate Anthony Jason Ramirez will be on the ballot. Because neither has an opponent, both will advance to the November general election.
Contreras retuned an requested question-and-answer form to the Tempe Independent. Here are her answers.
Name: Patricia "Patty" Contreras
Age: N/A
District: 12
Hometown: Phoenix (Ahwatukee) since 1991. Born in Yuma Arizona. Third-generation Arizonan
Employment: Retired, State Representative
Community involvement: Democratic Precinct committee person LD12 and Democratic State Committee person LD12 since 2014
What did you choose to run?
I retired from the city of Phoenix after over 31 years of service to Phoenix residents. When I retired, I committed to continuing my public service as an elected official. At the state capital, I work to make policy that will benefit constituents and all Arizonans. I have experience working with many diverse groups to provide services and programs. These groups include faith-based groups, low-income residents, the LGBTQ community, residents in urban, suburban, and rural communities, and residents without legal status. I am empathetic and care about our communities and have experience working across the aisle to achieve positive change for all Arizonans.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the state heading into the next legislative session?
Water is an issue for the state. Current Republican leadership, especially in the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water committee, has not made any realistic efforts to combat water challenges in rural Arizona. We need to protect rural groundwater and plan for its sustainability in the future.
What bills do you plan to introduce to deal with this issue?
We need to close the "wildcat" loophole, which allows for subdivision of lots to build houses without needing to show that they have adequate water supplies for this housing. I will introduce legislation to close this loophole.
We need to understand, measure, and limit the use of rural groundwater. This can be accomplished by introducing legislation to designate rural areas as "Rural Groundwater Management Areas" similar to the Active Management Areas in Phoenix, Tucson, and Prescott.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position?
I was first elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives in 2022, reelected in 2024, and am now seeking election to the Arizona Senate in 2026. As a public servant for much of my career, I am passionate about working to provide legislation that will enhance the lives of residents of Arizona. Issues important to me are fully funding public education, helping seniors and veterans, combating climate change, and protecting Arizona’s water supply.
I retired from the city of Phoenix after 31-plus years of service to Phoenix residents. I worked in both the Parks and Recreation and Human Services Departments, primarily providing services, resources, and programs to seniors and people with disabilities. My commitment as a legislator is to advocate for those who do not have a voice at the legislature, including seniors and people with disabilities, and members of marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ community, unhoused families, underemployed and unemployed residents, and immigrants.
I serve on the House Health and Human Services Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee, and the ad hoc Ethics Committee. I am also the secretary of the LGBTQIA+ Legislative Caucus. I am a member of the legislature's Vulnerable Adults Study Committee and an appointed member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. My experience as a two-term Representative in the House of Representatives makes me the best candidate for the Arizona Senate for Legislative District 12.
What are issues you believe could be common ground between the political parties during the next session?
Deed Fraud is a problem in Arizona and across the country. Legislation by Sen. Frank Carroll (SB1479) resulted from years of advocacy by me and my constituent, Debi Gotlieb.
Debi and I have been working on deed fraud for over three years. In December 2023, I hosted a stakeholder meeting with county assessors, county treasurers, the Attorney General’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, Realtors, title companies, victims, and legislators of both parties to understand this problem and develop legislation. Our first bill, which I submitted in 2024, didn’t get very far. However, our efforts encouraged the Republican county assessor to host a aummit last year, and then we met as a task force to discuss the ongoing problem of deed fraud. We brainstormed possible solutions and developed legislation that resulted in Senator Carroll's SB1479 and my Deed Fraud bill House Bill 2842.
While my bill to combat deed fraud passed unanimously through the Government Committee, it got stuck in the House Rules Committee. I supported Sen. Carroll's bill, which made it through the legislative process and was signed by the governor. This legislation will help Arizonans, and I am proud to have been a part of it. More legislation is needed, however, to cover all the loopholes around deed fraud, and I will continue to advocate for these laws. This is one area where we have bipartisan support.
Age: 56 District: LD12 Hometown: El Paso, Texas Employment: Attorney Community involvement: Community outreach, public safety advocacy, youth mentorship and civic engagement throughout the East Valley
Why did you choose to run?
I chose to run because I believe Arizona is ready for a different kind of leadership that focuses on solving problems instead of fueling political division.
As an attorney and former law enforcement officer, I’ve seen firsthand how disconnected politics has become from the everyday concerns of working families, small business owners, and communities trying to feel safe and secure. Most people are not living on the political extremes. They want common sense, accountability, and leaders willing to work together to get results.
I’m running as an independent because I don’t believe either political party has all the answers. I believe in taking the best ideas from both sides and focusing on what actually works for Arizona families.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the state heading into the next legislative session?
One of the biggest issues facing Arizona is restoring trust that government can still effectively handle core responsibilities like public safety, infrastructure, education, water security, and economic growth. People are frustrated because too much time is spent on partisan fights while major long-term challenges continue to grow. Arizona needs leaders who are willing to focus less on political theater and more on practical solutions that improve people’s daily lives.
We also have to ensure Arizona remains affordable and economically competitive while protecting the quality of life that has made our state one of the fastest-growing in the country.
What bills do you plan to introduce to deal with this issue?
I plan to focus on legislation that strengthens public safety, supports workforce development, and increases government accountability. That includes expanding partnerships between schools, trade programs, and local industries so students have more direct pathways into high-paying careers without unnecessary debt. I also want to improve transparency in government spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly.
On public safety, I support policies that give law enforcement the tools they need while also strengthening community relationships and focusing resources on violent crime and border-related trafficking issues.
Most importantly, I want legislation that can actually pass and make a difference, not bills written just to create headlines.
Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position?
I bring real-world experience that goes beyond politics. I’ve worked in law, public safety, and directly with people facing real challenges. That experience has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, solve problems, and make decisions based on facts instead of ideology.
I’m also independent. I’m not running to represent a political party or political machine. I’m running to represent the people of District 12. That means if Republicans have the right solution on an issue, I’ll support it. If Democrats have the right solution, I’ll support that too.
Voters are tired of politicians who spend more time attacking each other than helping the people they were elected to serve. I believe Arizona deserves leadership that is practical, accountable, and focused on results.
What are issues you believe could be common ground between the political parties during the next session?
I believe there is far more common ground than people think. Most Arizonans, regardless of party, want safe communities, strong schools, reliable infrastructure, affordable living, and a growing economy with good-paying jobs.
Workforce development, career and technical education, border security, water planning, support for first responders, and government accountability are all areas where practical cooperation is possible if leaders are willing to put results ahead of party politics.
The majority of voters are not asking for more division. They’re asking for leadership that listens, works together, and delivers solutions.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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