Legislative District 9
Sen. Kiana Maria Sears is looking to be elected back to the State Senate after being appointed to her seat. Rep. Lorena Austin is running for re-election to the State House alongside Jacob Martinez in the nested district of LD 9, which comprises the cities and neighborhoods of Mesa, Tempe, and Dobson Ranch. Zip codes included in LD: 85201, 85202, 85203, 85204, 85210, 85213, 85281,85282, 85283.
Sen. Kiana Maria Mears
kee-AH-nuh muh-REE-uh SEERS
Kiana Maria Sears has dedicated her career to serving the Mesa community and fighting for opportunities that help Arizona families thrive. As a State Senator, former Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member, public policy professional and Professor of Practice, Kiana Maria brings a deep understanding of the challenges Arizona families face and a proven record of delivering results.
At the Arizona Legislature, Kiana Maria has worked across the aisle to secure meaningful investments for Arizona communities. She helped deliver funding for career and technical education programs, community college workforce training, arts and culture initiatives, services for older adults, and nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.
Her focus has always been on expanding opportunity, strengthening public education, and making government work for everyday Arizonans.
As a State Senator, Kiana Maria secured $3M to expand United Food Bank services across Arizona and is committed to making Arizona more affordable, protecting public education, expanding access to quality healthcare, and creating pathways to good-paying jobs.
Kiana’s Top Message: Democratic Senator Kiana Sears has spent years overseeing Arizona's utility companies. At the Arizona Corporation Commission, Sears held utility companies accountable for power outages and rate hikes and fought to keep electricity costs low. As a State Senator, Kiana funded nutrition programs to help families put food on the table, worked to increase affordable housing, and fought to protect our public schools. She knows Arizona's economy should work for everyone, so she is fighting to expand access to career and technical training and apprenticeship programs, make it easier to own and grow small businesses, and bring down costs for Arizona families.
Top Hits On Fitzgibbons: Bridget Fitzgibbons is bankrolled by the same politicians and special interests that tried to increase healthcare costs for 200,000 Arizonans, cut funding for Arizona public schools, and lower the minimum wage for some workers. Fitzgibbons would support these policies even at a time when Arizona families are struggling to make ends meet
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Rep. Lorena Austin
loh-REN-uh AW-stin
Lorena Austin has spent their life advocating for the communities too often left out of the political process. A 5th-generation Arizonan, Lorena’s family has lived in their district for over 100 years. The grandchild of farmworkers and the child of a civil rights attorney and social worker, Lorena brings a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every Arizonan has a voice in government.
Since being elected to the Arizona House of Representatives, Lorena has worked to deliver meaningful results for Arizona communities.
They have successfully secured funding for affordable housing initiatives, workforce development programs, community resources, local infrastructure projects and lowering tuition costs, while fighting to protect public education and expand access to critical services.
Lorena has also been a leading voice on issues of affordability, education, healthcare, and government accountability, building coalitions to advance policies that make Arizona more inclusive and equitable for all.
Lorena’s Top Message: Democrat Lorena Austin is a State Representative who worked to expand educational and learning opportunities for working families in Mesa before joining the legislature. In the State House, Lorena has written bills to expand retirement options for working-class Arizonans and make housing less expensive. She also secured $40 million in scholarship funds for Arizona students.
Top Hit On Bettencourt: Bradley Bettencourt has a history of extremism. He was a witness for Kari Lake in her trial to overturn the 2022 election; he has spread false chemtrail conspiracy theories and even uses consultants with ties to the white nationalist Proud Boys organization. He cannot be trusted to represent working families in the state legislature.
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Jacob Martinez
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Jacob Martinez is a lifelong Mesa resident, a graduate of ASU Law, and a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve who has dedicated his life to serving his community and country. Growing up in Mesa, Jacob has seen the challenges facing Arizona families and is committed to fighting for solutions that help working people get ahead.
Throughout his career, Jacob has been a strong advocate for public education, economic opportunity, and accountable government. His experiences in public service and the military have reinforced the importance of leadership, integrity, and putting people before politics.
Jacob’s Top Message: Jacob Martinez is a reservist in the US Navy and community lawyer fighting to protect Mesa families. In the legislature, Lorena and Jacob will work to lower grocery costs, stop utility companies from jacking up electricity and water rates, and take on the corporate investors driving up our housing prices.
Top Hit On Bettencourt: Bradley Bettencourt has a history of extremism. He was a witness for Kari Lake in her trial to overturn the 2022 election; he has spread false chemtrail conspiracy theories and even uses consultants with ties to the white nationalist Proud Boys organization. He cannot be trusted to represent working families in the state legislature.