Article Summary –
Democratic newcomers Brandy Reese and Nicholas Gonzales aim to shift Arizona’s 13th Legislative District, focusing on affordable housing, reproductive rights, and education, against Republican incumbents. The district, a mix of Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes, is crucial for legislative control in Arizona.
In Arizona’s 13th Legislative District, covering Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes, two political newcomers, Brandy Reese and Nicholas Gonzales, aim to sway traditionally split-ticket voters. The district’s current seats are occupied by Democratic Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, who isn’t running again, and Republican Rep. Julie Willoughby, appointed in 2023 after Liz Harris was expelled for conspiracy theories.
Brandy Reese (left) and Nicholas Gonzales (right). Photos courtesy Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
Who’s running
Willoughby seeks retention with Republican ally Jeff Weninger, a former legislator and Chandler councilmember. Reese and Gonzales, neither having held office, bring diverse backgrounds: Reese, a retired criminologist, and Gonzales, an urban planner with Chicanos Por La Causa. Gonzales faced scrutiny following a custody incident resulting in a set-aside conviction for false police reporting, as reported by Arizona Republic. Weninger, a veteran politician, previously ran for state treasurer.
Voting for solutions, not party politics
Reese and Gonzales aim to appeal to East Valley voters seeking practical solutions over partisan extremes. Reese emphasizes evidence-based problem-solving over cultural controversies. Though historically Republican, the district’s demographics are shifting left due to population growth, with independent voters matching registered Republicans.
Gonzales stresses community-focused representation, drawing from his Chandler upbringing. Neither Willoughby nor Weninger responded to comment requests.
Addressing affordability
Gonzales prioritizes affordable housing, highlighting challenges in Arizona’s development landscape. He advocates for legislative support, such as tax credits, but differs from Reese on local housing regulation control. Reese supports repealing state laws limiting local governance, citing Chandler as distinct from other areas.
With local insight, Gonzales suggests empowering local governments for sustainable solutions, like the contentious legalization of casitas. Education also features prominently, with a focus on robust, funded public education systems.
Abortion
Reese and Gonzales advocate for reproductive rights, opposing Republican abortion bans without exceptions. State Supreme Court rulings motivated Reese’s candidacy, while Gonzales prioritizes women’s rights in his platform. Reese criticizes Weninger and Willoughby’s out-of-touch stance with state sentiment.
Education
Reese, aligned with Save Our Schools Arizona, champions public education funding over unregulated private voucher expansion. Gonzales critiques Arizona’s shift towards privatized education, advocating for equitable resource distribution.
Brandy Reese volunteering with Save Our Schools Arizona. Photo courtesy Brandy Reese campaign.
Gonzales, a Chandler native and public school graduate, links education to workforce development, arguing against resource diversion from public schools.
Reese and Gonzales aim to flip the legislature for a Democratic majority, promoting broad policy discussions for Arizonans’ benefit.
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