PRESS RELEASE: Educators Stephanie Simacek and Representative Judy Schwiebert launch campaigns for Legislative District 2
LD2 Key to Flipping the Legislature in 2024
PHOENIX, AZ – In Legislative District 2, educators Stephanie Simacek and Representative Judy Schwiebert have announced their candidacy for the legislature, solidifying the Democratic slate in this critical battleground district. This week, Stephanie Simacek has announced her candidacy for the State House in Legislative District 2 for 2024, and Representative Judy Schwiebert announced earlier this summer that she will be running for the State Senate, switching chambers.
“There is nothing more important to the future of Arizona than a strong headstart for our students, said Democratic candidate for Legislative District 2, Stephanie Simacek. “When we shortchange our students, we do a disservice to the strength of our economy and the growth of our region. As a school board member, a mother, and an educator, I’m running to be an advocate for strong schools in the legislature.”
“The state of education here in Arizona calls for change in our legislature,” said Representative Judy Schwiebert. “For years, the one-seat Republican majority has drastically underfunded public schools to the point where teachers can no longer afford to teach. As a result, 1 in 3 students no longer has a permanent, qualified teacher in their classroom. That's just wrong. By investing in our young people, we're investing in our economy. We must raise teacher salaries and prioritize everyday families. That's why I'm running for the Senate in 2024, and why we need to flip the legislature.”
“Far-right Republicans in the legislature have clawed back progress for Arizona for decades using hyper partisan rhetoric and divisiveness. The buck stops here,” said Executive Director of the ADLCC, Elsa O’Callaghan. “The path to the majority will be won by talking with voters about the issues they care about like investing in technical and career training and raising teacher pay. That’s what Democratic legislative candidates plan to do.”
Representative Judy Schwiebert has been a state legislator in Arizona since her election in 2020. She was a teacher in Arizona for over two decades, teaching in the North Valley at Greenway High School and Cactus High School.
Stephanie Simacek is a parent, volunteer, former Deer Valley Unified School District teacher, and current Deer Valley Unified School District governing board member since her election in 2022.
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