Arizona Technology Council Releases 2026 Legislative Endorsements

Recommendations Highlight Candidates Who Support State’s Innovation Economy, Workforce Development and Technology-Driven Growth

PHOENIX, June 10, 2026 – To provide guidance to voters in the 2026 elections, the Arizona Technology Council has released its endorsements of Arizona Legislature candidates who support the technology industry’s policy agenda. Recommendations are based on several factors, including voting records of incumbents, written responses in candidate surveys and interviews conducted with first-time candidates and incumbents.

“Arizona’s technology sector remains a driving force behind the state’s economic momentum, innovation ecosystem and workforce growth,” said Steven G. Zylstra, the Council’s president and CEO. “The candidates we endorse recognize the critical role technology plays in Arizona’s future and support policies that strengthen innovation, talent development, infrastructure and long-term economic competitiveness.”

The Council’s Public Policy Committee conducted a comprehensive review of candidates for the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives to evaluate their support for the technology community and the state’s innovation economy. Candidates were assessed based on their positions on issues aligned with the Council’s public policy priorities.

Key priorities include strengthening Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pipeline; supporting workforce development and education funding across pre-K, K-12, career and technical education and postsecondary programs; advancing policies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship; supporting infrastructure and economic development initiatives; and promoting sustainable energy and transportation solutions that support the state’s continued growth.

The endorsements focus exclusively on candidates for the Arizona Legislature in the 2026 election cycle. The Council is a non-partisan organization that only endorses candidates who support a technology-focused policy agenda and participated in the endorsement evaluation process or have an established voting record.

The Arizona Technology Council’s 2026 legislative endorsements are:

Legislative District 1

• State Senate: No endorsement
• House of Representatives: Selina Bliss (R)
• House of Representatives: Quang Nguyen (R)

Legislative District 2

• State Senate: Shawnna Bolick (R)
• House of Representatives: Justin Wilmeth (R)
• House of Representatives: Stephanie Simacek (D)

Legislative District 3

• State Senate: John Kavanagh (R)
• House of Representatives: Jay Schlum (R)
• House of Representatives: Julie Gable (D)

Legislative District 4

• State Senate: Carine Werner (R)
• State Senate: Aaron Lieberman (D)
• House of Representatives: Matt Gress (R)
• House of Representatives: Tammy Caputi (D)

Legislative District 5

• State Senate: Christine Marsh (D)
• House of Representatives: Sarah Liguori (D)

Legislative District 6

• State Senate: Myron Tsosie (D)
• House of Representative: No endorsement

Legislative District 7

• State Senate: No endorsement
• House of Representatives: Walt Blackman (R)
• House of Representatives: David Cook (R)

Legislative District 8

• State Senate: No endorsement
• House of Representatives: Janeen Connolly (D)

Legislative District 9

• State Senate: Kiana Sears (D)
• State Senate: Bridget Fitzgibbons (R)
• House of Representatives: No endorsement

Legislative District 10

• State Senate: David Farnsworth (R)
• House of Representatives: Ciara Anderson (R)

Legislative District 11

• State Senate: Catherine Miranda (D)
• House of Representatives: Junelle Cavero (D)

Legislative District 12

• State Senate: Patricia Contreras (D)
• House of Representatives: Anastasia “Stacey” Travers (D)
• House of Representatives: Armando Montero (D)

Legislative District 13

• State Senate: Julie Willoughby (R)
• House of Representatives: Kevin Hartke (R)
• House of Representatives: Janet Weninger (R)

Legislative District 14

• State Senate: No endorsements
• House of Representatives: Laurin Hendrix (R)
• House of Representatives: Tyler Farnsworth (R)

Legislative District 15

• State Senate: No endorsements
• House of Representatives: Neal Carter (R)

Legislative District 16

• State Senate: T.J. Shope (R)
• House of Representatives: Chris Lopez (R)
• House of Representatives: Teresa Martinez (R)

Legislative District 17

• State Senate: Chris King (R)
• House of Representatives: Kevin Volk (D)
• House of Representatives: John Winchester (R)

Legislative District 18

• State Senate: Priya Sundareshan (D)
• House of Representatives: Nancy Gutierrez (D) 

Legislative District 19

• State Senate: ­­ No endorsement
• House of Representatives: Lupe Diaz (R)
• House of Representatives: David Gowan (R)

Legislative District 20

• State Senate: Alma Hernandez (D)
• House of Representatives: Betty Villegas (D)

Legislative District 21

• State Senate: Rosanna Gabaldón (D)
• House of Representatives: Consuelo Hernandez (D)
• House of Representatives: Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D)

Legislative District 22

• State Senate: Eva Diaz (D)
• House of Representatives: Elda Luna-Najera (D)
• House of Representatives: Stephen Chapman (D)

Legislative District 23

• State Senate: Brian Fernandez (D)
• House of Representatives: Michelle Pena (R)
• House of Representatives: Mariana Sandoval (D)

Legislative District 24

• State Senate: Analise Ortiz (D)
• House of Representatives: Lydia Hernandez (D) 

Legislative District 25

• State Senate: Tim Dunn (R)
• House of Representatives: Michael Carbone (R)

Legislative District 26

• State Senate: Flavio Bravo (D)
• House of Representatives: Cesar Aguilar (D)
• House of Representatives: Quanta Crews (D)

Legislative District 27

• State Senate: Kevin Payne (R)
• House of Representatives: Tony Rivero (R)

Legislative District 28

• State Senate: Frank Carroll (R)
• House of Representatives: David Livingston (R)

Legislative District 29

• State Senate: Janae Shamp (R)
• House of Representatives: Steve Montenegro (R)
• House of Representatives: James Taylor (R)

Legislative District 30

• State Senate: Leo Biasiucci (R)
• House of Representatives: No endorsement

To provide additional transparency into the endorsement process, the Council will publish its 2026 Vote TechSmart voter guide in early July, which will outline its official recommendations and public policy priorities. Stay informed on policies and legislative developments impacting Arizona’s technology sector by visiting the Council’s public policy page at https://www.aztechcouncil.org/public-policy/.

About the Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Comprised of a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, visionaries and community members to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.