Denise "Mitzi" Epstein
State Senator - District 12
Democratic
https://www.mitziepstein.com/
Senator Mitzi Epstein represents our community full time, with a caring, collaborative, positive approach. She is a computer systems analyst who has worked for multi-national companies including Olin Brass, and Citicorp. small business owner. Community service Highlights: 1995-2016: Coalition leader for parents, businesses and retirees to advocate for excellent public schools 2000-2009 AYSO Youth Soccer coach and coach trainer 2005-20008 Kyrene School Board 2017-2022 AZ House of Representatives 2023-2024 The Senate Democrats elected Mitzi as Senate Democratic Leader Awards for supporting: local control for cities; high quality public education; access to mental healthcare; afterschool programs...
We need better funding for education, more affordable housing options for seniors and young families, high quality jobs, and sustainable water solutions. As your State Senator and a computer systems analyst, I am a problem-solver with a successful track record. I have led and supported statewide, bipartisan teams to pass legislation to help you get what you paid for in your health insurance policy, and to improve Unemployment Insurance for workers and for employers. Your purchasing power, and your power to choose your own path in life are top of mind for me. Arizona has a large job market now, and our policies should make it affordable to get the education and childcare you need to advance in your career. As a small business owner, I know first-hand that public policies must provide a supportive environment for your business to compete and grow. As Senate Minority Leader I fight for better funding for our public schools and worthy wages for essential workers - caregivers, teachers, firefighters, etcetera. The whole innovation economy thrives when you get the opportunities and respect you deserve. I am working for fiscal responsibility and collaborating to build on Arizona's strengths.
Cara Vicini
State Senator - District 12
Republican
https://vote4vicini.com/
I have lived in Ahwatukee for 20 years and have worked as a Functional Consultant, implementing SAP software in the manufacturing supply chain sector. My forte is solving complex problems, building lasting relationships and delivering solid results. For 13 years I coordinated events with my skateboarding dog, Astro, for the Ronald McDonald House and other charities in the valley. Since 2015 I have operated entrepreneurial businesses making pocket-book purses, artisan soaps and all natural beauty products. I am running for office to bring back the voice of the people and to ensure we restore faith and trust in our elections.
I am determined to be the true voice of the people. As a local grassroots candidate I understand firsthand the challenges we face - like building a healthier economy, improving children's education, having a laser focus on quality job creation and uniting to ensure our local communities are safe and secure. I have the ability to stand up and speak the truth about what really matters, like ensuring parents decide what's best for their children, not the state. Saying no to forced health mandates, saying yes to increase penalties for human trafficking. Bring back small precincts and restore trust in our elections. Our constitution provided us with the foundation to govern ourselves through laws and orders decided upon by we the people, and we will choose how to live our lives as sovereign citizens in a constitutional republic. In pursuit of ideologies and special interests, politicians often forget who they work for. My job day one is to be the liaison, not the boss, to deliver the will of the people with true grit, fortitude and relentless perseverance in order to ensure the voices of the people maintain the power of the pen.
Patricia "Patty" Contreras
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
https://www.contrerasforaz.net
Patty Contreras is a 3rd generation Arizonan originally from the Yuma valley. She has lived in the Phoenix area over 40 years and in Ahwatukee since 1991. Patty is passionate about helping seniors, ensuring Arizona has clean air and water, and advocating for public education. She has three sisters, all of whom are public school educators, and three brothers. She is married and has three grandchildren. Patty has a bachelor's degree from ASU and a Master's degree from NAU. Ms. Contreras is serving her first term as LD12 State Representative.
As a proud Democrat and your State Representative for Legislative District 12, I've championed crucial causes such as restoring women's rights, protecting our environment, advocating for public education funding, and opposing discriminatory bills targeting our LGBTQ+ community. I currently sit on the AZ House Transportation and Infrastructure and Health and Human Services Committees. Prior to being elected I served the public for over 30 years with the City of Phoenix in the Parks and Recreation and Human Services Departments. I oversaw the management of eight of the 15 senior centers in Phoenix which provided social and recreational opportunities for active older adults and people with disabilities. I have dedicated my life to improving our communities. I am running for re-election and hope to earn your support. You can learn more about my campaign and where I stand on the issues at ContrerasforAZ.net.
Lawrence Hudson
State Representative - District 12
Republican
https://southtempecivics.com
Lawrence Hudson was born in 1954. He and his wife Catherine Hayden have 3 grown children and - so far - 2 grandchildren, none of whom live in Arizona. Lawrence was a banker, living and working in New York, London, and Tokyo. In 2008, he and Catherine chose Tempe for retirement because it is where Catherine grew up and had family. Catherine produces a five-concert-per-year classical music performance series at the Tempe City for the Arts. Lawrence became a Republican precinct committeeman in 2018 and was elected treasurer for the county Republican committee in 2023. He has never before sought public office.
I no longer believe in our elections. The 2020 general election results should not have been certified. The Legislature has responsibility for elections and they have wrongly delegated that authority to agencies like the secretary of state and the county recorders. I want the Legislature to take responsibility and to eliminate the obvious weaknesses, the reliance on mail-in voting and the use of counting machines. Of course, I am concerned about the border, the state of our schools, and our reckless government spending, but until we restore integrity to our elections, we will lose on these issues and on everything else. I do this for my grandchildren.
Anastasia "Stacey" Travers
State Representative - District 12
Democratic
http://www.traversforaz.com
I was born in the birthplace of democracy, Athens, Greece, to a U.S. military father and Greek mother. A family with a history of military service, I served our country proudly as a Russian Intel Op in the U.S. Army. I earned my BS in Geology from U of A. I met my husband John, a small business owner in the UK. Back in the U.S., I became an advocate for homeless and disabled veterans, a cause I am still deeply committed to. I have two girls and love raising them in AZ a state that prides itself on fierce independence, love of country, and strong sense of community.
Two years ago, I wrote that we need a common-sense approach to governing, to focus more on issues that bring us together, less on what divides us, and to meet the needs of all Arizonans by coming together. I have kept my word. In my first term, I've had three bills get to the Gov.'s office passed almost unanimously by both chambers, more than any Freshman in the minority party since 1990. I'm proof that you can work in a bi-partisan manner and still hold on to your values. I believe I have represented the will of our community with trust, honesty, integrity and transparency. I'm committed to keeping our children's legacy at the center of all I strive for on behalf of my fellow Arizonans. I still see their world of opportunity getting smaller: their access to quality education, making their own family planning and healthcare decisions, the environment they will inherit, and whether they will have a voice in their democracy. However, we're making progress where we can, and stopping bad bills so we don't go backwards. I'm still in this fight for their future, and I'm still in it for yours, too.