"Recall I've told you - I have met some very bad people, none as bad as Trump.

Not one decent cell in his body. So yes - dangerous."

-Jeffrey Epstein, 2017

This Week At The Legislature

Interrupting your sports watching with this rundown but don’t worry, it’s a quick one to make sure you’re back in time for the Bad Bunny & Friends halftime spectacular.

The legislature took an important vote this week to adjust Arizona’s election calendar. This change moves our primary earlier so our state stays aligned with federal election requirements and gives counties the time they need to prepare ballots and count votes accurately. It’s a practical update, and one that we had to adjust last cycle as well, to avoid confusion and protecting the integrity of our elections.

What’s changing:

• Primary Election: July 21 (moved up from August)

• Candidate Signature Deadline: March 23 (moved up to align with the earlier primary)

Bills On The Move

Tomorrow is House deadline for introducing bills. I have two more meaningful policies I’ve been working on that I’m ready to drop.

• Automatic restoration of voting rights for Arizonans who have served their time and fulfilled all court-ordered obligations, because civic participation should be part of reentry, not another barrier. Arizona still lags behind much of the country as many states now restore voting rights upon release or completion of supervision, recognizing that democracy is stronger when more voices are included.

  
  

• Protecting historic homes from demolition by strengthening penalties for improper demolition without approval through a city’s historic preservation process, and directing those funds to the State Historic Preservation Fund to support preservation efforts statewide.

My HB 2641 PFAS bill is still on the move, awaiting a vote on the House floor.

A judicial foreclosure bill (HB 2780) I have been working on with constituent for the past two years will be heard in the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

Campaign Kickoff!

Last Sunday, I had the absolute joy of kicking off my re-election campaign surrounded by LD 5 neighbors and friends at the beautifully revitalized Park Central. The energy was electric. From families and community leaders to student organizers with Keep AZ Blue and Maricopa County Young Democrats, it was a powerful reminder that this is not a spectator election — people are ready to stand up and take charge to change the direction of our politics.

I was honored to share the stage with Dr. Terry Ruiz, who we must elect as our next Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Nathan Smith, CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services. Both of these individuals embody the kind of community leadership this moment calls for.

Huge thanks to the team at Green Woodpecker Bar & Grill for hosting us and helping create such a welcoming and fun space to come together.

As I said that day, action is the cure to hopelessness. I show up every day believing that policy can, and should, uplift people. I’m so grateful for the chance to continue representing you, and deeply honored by the support that will carry us through this important election ahead.

With kindness,

Community Corner

Yesterday was the LD 5 Meet the Candidates Luncheon, where democrats running for state, federal, and local seats got to introduce themselves to Arizonans and layout the “why” for running and plans for governing. Over 100 people showed up to meet candidates running for seats in races up and down the ballot -> from Justice of the Peace, School Board, City Council, Statewide, to two Congressional seats.

Special thanks to my fellow candidates, including Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, for showing up to meet voters and address issues from ICE to healthcare to water. It was impactful to meet you all and hear your concerns and suggestions.

As a wise John David Herman always says, people are fired up and ready to go!

Local Eats

If you’re craving something fun and flavorful check out Tikka N Taco in North Phoenix. It’s a perfect mash-up of Indian and Mexican cuisines that’s quickly turning heads, think Chino Bandido but with vibrant Indian spices wrapped up in familiar Mexican-style favorites.

They have tandoori-spiced burritos, masala nachos, delicious chewy soft naan, and lamb and paneer tacos, nestled between a soft roti-like tortilla.

The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, making it a casual, and affordable, lunch or dinner spot. Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate or just want something deliciously different, Tikka N Taco is worth adding to your Phoenix eats list.

Upcoming Events

Join Borderlands Resource Initiative and Puente for a powerful training that equips you to stand in solidarity with migrant communities under threat. This collaborative training combines key trainings for community defense—Migra Watch, Solidarity Accompaniment, and Rapid Response—to prepare volunteers to monitor ICE activity, support individuals at risk of detention, and help keep families together.

February 11th and 25th

6:00pm