J.D. Mesnard
State Senator - District 13
Republican
https://JDMesnard.com
J.D. Mesnard is in his third term as state senator from District 13 (Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes). He previously served in the State House of Representatives for eight years, including as Speaker of the House. J.D. is a husband, father, small business owner, investor, and consultant, and has always sought to be an active participant at all levels of the community. He works with charities, churches and non-profits, and is adjunct faculty at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College, where he has taught courses in political science for nearly two decades. J.D. and his wife, Holly, a family nurse practitioner, reside with their three young children in Chandler.
As your legislator, I have written some of the most consequential laws on the books. They include: Reforming Arizona's tax code into a flat tax (which was the biggest tax cut ever), increasing the state's rainy day fund savings, balancing the budget, improving election integrity (I authored the 2022 voter ID proposal), protecting health coverage for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions, raising teacher pay by 20% (the largest education investment in state history), protecting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, reducing taxes on small businesses, boosting private property rights, confronting the opioid epidemic, shielding seniors from financial exploitation, and creating veteran-friendly college campuses. That's why I have received awards like Guardian of Small Business, Champion of the Taxpayer, Friend of the Family, Open Government Leader, and many others. There are those who want to undo all the progress we've made and turn us into their version of today's California. We can't let that happen. That's why I need your vote. Let me continue using my diverse background, which includes husband (to a nurse practitioner), father to three adorable little kiddos, professor and small business owner, with master's degrees in business and public administration, to keep delivering results for you.
Sharon Lee Winters
State Senator - District 13
Democratic
Sharon Lee Winters is running for the state senate in LD13. She has a BS in education with a major in psychology, and an MA in humanities. She taught special education in several public schools, third grade in the Bernalillo Pueblo School in New Mexico, and English at Brookhaven College. Sharon is a former small business owner and published author of four books, one of which was an Amazon bestseller. Thirteen years ago she came to Arizona to be close to family.
I was raised in the Chicago area and was one of five children. I attended Illinois State University where I graduated with a degree in Psychology and a teacher's license. I later earned an MA in humanities. I taught special education in several public schools, taught in the Bernalillo Pueblo School in New Mexico, and taught English at Brookhaven College. My desire to change students lives for the better inspired me to become a teacher. My life experience and knowledge in the classroom has led me to run for the state senate. Whatever legislation I approve in the Senate must improve the quality of life for all of us. Such legislation must be inclusive and address equality as well as reproductive rights, voters rights, and access to an excellent public education. Our Democracy is under attack. It's in times like these that we have the responsibility to step up, lead, and protect our freedoms now.
Nicholas Gonzales
State Representative - District 13
Democratic
Nicholas is an entrepreneur, a community planner, and a father, now running for State Legislature in his home district of LD13. Raised in Chandler and educated in the Chandler Unified School District and ASU, Nicholas is deeply connected to the Chandler community. Nicholas is firmly committed to restoring reproductive freedom in Arizona. As a business owner, Nicholas is passionate about economic development, housing affordability, and knows the importance of education so that Arizona's economy can continue to thrive.
I was raised in Chandler by two hard working parents who instilled in me the importance of education. I graduated from ASU and attended law school at the University of San Francisco. I opened my small business, Estas Manos Coffee Roasters, and it was hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, I began a new path in Arizona with my family, ready to face new challenges. Shortly after, I began working as a community planner for Chicanos Por La Causa, demonstrating my resilience and commitment to community service. As a Latino, a father, and a business owner, I have personally experienced the challenges and obstacles that can hinder success. The struggles I faced are not unique, and I am determined to mitigate barriers for future generations so that our children can grow up in safe communities and schools. That's why I am eager to represent this district in the state legislature, to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and their needs are met.
Brandy Reese
State Representative - District 13
Democratic
https://www.reeseforaz.com/
Brandy Reese is a forensic scientist, retired law enforcement officer, education advocate and mom. Brandy earned her Chemistry degree then analyzed physical evidence from crime scenes as a Criminalist with State Police for 14 years. She provided expert testimony - always ensuring the facts of the case were told accurately so justice was served. Brandy lives in the East Valley and first got involved in politics during the "Red for Ed " movement when educators were advocating for better pay and work conditions. She was then proud to stand with educators during the "Invest In Ed" initiative to support our neighborhood schools.
I'm Brandy Reese and I am excited to be running to be your Representative in the Arizona State House. I'm running because I am passionate about investing in our neighborhood schools, restoring our freedom to make our own healthcare decisions, making our community affordable for everyone, and securing our water and climate future. Tackling these issues requires more than passion and energy. After earning my degree in chemistry, I spent 14 years as a forensic scientist. I embrace facts and numbers. As your representative, I will bring my evidence-based problem-solving skills to the legislature to tackle some of our most complex and difficult problems I have advocated for local Arizonans' needs at our Capitol, worked with education groups to better serve our students, and rallied against gun violence and being stripped of our freedoms. With the extreme MAGA candidates now running in Arizona, there are significant implications for what happens in our state. As someone who has spent summers out in the Arizona heat collecting signatures to fight bad legislation, I say it is time to instead elect people who will create good legislation. I humbly ask for your vote because I know I can make a difference.
Jeff Weninger
State Representative - District 13
Republican
https://www.jeffweninger.com/
Originally from Kansas, Jeff Weninger moved to Arizona to start his small business. Jeff has lived in Chandler with his wife and three kids for 25 years. His commitment to public service led Jeff to serve on Chandler City Council before being elected as State Representative. Jeff and his wife volunteer with charities benefiting children in crisis and young adults who have aged out of foster care. Jeff is a champion for small businesses, schools, and first responders. He is fighting to keep our communities safe and encouraging economic growth by keeping taxes low and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
As a small business owner and your former State Representative, I know what it means to balance a budget at the capitol and at my company. When I was at the Capitol, I led on critical issues like regulatory reform, attracting and growing local businesses, and protecting Arizona values, all without raising your taxes. I understand the issues facing small businesses firsthand, so I've fought to create a business-friendly economy, provide access to capital for small businesses, and invest in our education system while expanding school choice. Job creators need a 21st-century workforce and strong schools in order to keep our economy competitive and growing. Since opening the doors to my first restaurant over 30 years ago, I've employed hundreds of Arizonans, fed thousands, and contributed to the local economy as a small business owner. I am fighting for Arizona values and to protect your tax dollars as your next State Representative. I have the most experience as a job creator and legislator - and I hope to earn your vote. Read more about me and my record at JeffWeninger.com.
Julie Willoughby
State Representative - District 13
Republican
https://juliewilloughby.org
Julie is a registered nurse with experience in various areas of healthcare and healthcare leadership, with a large portion of her career dedicated to trauma emergency medicine. A graduate of both Arizona's community college program through Gateway Community College and university program through Arizona State University, Julie holds her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Leadership and Management and holds multiple professional certifications. Julie and her husband Brice have two children.
I'm serving my first term and earning a reputation for "getting things done. " You won't see me spending my days posting on social media, but I am helping to make steady progress on issues that matter. We've overcome Governor Katie Hobbs' veto pen to get some good things done, so we've made progress on improving our elections process, fighting the drug cartels and their human and child trafficking, reforming and improving how insurance companies have to process and honor claims, and more. We're having real battles over parental rights and school choice I'll work to protect students and their families to be able to decide what type of education is most beneficial to them and their access to every possible education option. Some days get pretty intense, but my background as a trauma nurse means legislating is actually pretty calm compared to the real life and death situations I face at my other "day job. " I'll keep working hard and thank you for the opportunity to serve. And please reach out if I can ever be of help or if you want to comment on an issue.