The November election will be crucial in determining control of the Arizona State Legislature, and three Democrat candidates — Reps. Judy Schwiebert, Lorena Austin, and Seth Blattman — are running in highly competitive battleground districts with a shared goal: to flip the one-seat Republican majority in the Arizona legislature.
Each candidate is deeply rooted in Arizona and are all Arizona State University alumni, which they said is an asset in connecting with voters and pushing for change.
Judy Schwiebert
Rep. Judy Schwiebert’s devotion to education and community advocacy began during her time at ASU, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in education, according to her website. Schwiebert is now running for senator in Legislative District 2, which encompasses the northern area of Phoenix.
"I've run multiple bills to provide greater support for teachers, greater support for students, to have a school mental health professionals academy ... to try and attract more counselors and social workers and school psychologists," Schwiebert said.
A longtime educator and former high school teacher, Schwiebert said she has spent her four years as a state representative working to improve public schools in Arizona.
"What I realized is so many teachers could no longer afford to teach in Arizona," Schwiebert said. "One in three students no longer has a permanent, qualified teacher. That horrified me, and I thought somebody should do something about that."
While education remains at the heart of her platform, Schwiebert said she is also focused on addressing economic concerns, reproductive rights and the environment.
"I'm running for the Senate because we have an opportunity to win this seat, and with this seat, we can achieve a new majority that will work for the everyday people across Arizona," said Schwiebert. "It's time to be done with this extremism and work on the very real issues and freedoms that Arizonans deserve."
Lorena Austin
Rep. Lorena Austin’s connection to ASU runs deep. As an ASU student, they were heavily involved in student organizations and community outreach — experiences that shaped their commitment to advocacy and public service.
"In my two years, wildly enough, I was a PULSE Scholar, I was able to be a Congressman Ed Pastor Scholar, which is an amazing scholarship, and I ended up being the Dean medalist," Austin said. "It was the best time ever. I loved my time at ASU."
Austin, now running for re-election in Legislative District 9, which is located two miles away from the Tempe campus, said they are focused on representing a district that reflects Arizona’s growing diversity.
Austin said as the "first Chicane non-binary legislator" in the United States, they are passionate about ensuring that every resident of their district feels represented.
"I ran because there was no one from our community running," Austin said. "Someone who looked like us, who understood our community, who had lived here, who had volunteered here. This place means everything to me."
Their platform emphasizes education, healthcare access and economic opportunity, especially for "historically underserved communities," according to their website.
"I'm going to do as much as I can to get back there to make sure that I represent people," Austin said.
Seth Blattman
Seth Blattman’s love for politics began at the University, where he said he studied political science and philosophy.
"My time at ASU was fantastic," Blattman said. "I remember having great professors and going to great football games."
He said these formative years sparked his interest in politics, but getting involved wasn’t always easy.
"I remember being in college wanting to get involved in politics and having no idea how to do it," said Blattman. "I remember wanting to volunteer for Obama, but I was just too nervous."
Today, Blattman is running alongside Austin for re-election in Legislative District 9. He said his decision to run is driven by his love for Arizona and a desire to address issues he feels are holding the state back.
"I grew up in Arizona, and I love Arizona," Blattman said. "I think we’re doing great in many ways, but there are ways we’re falling short. Being 49th in the nation in education spending is not acceptable. Taking away abortion rights is not acceptable."
As a business owner, Blattman said he focuses strongly on the importance of economic policy and affordability and in building an economy where everyone can succeed.
READ MORE: What's on the ballot: A guide to Arizona's propositions for the November election
With the support of the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, all three said they recognize the significance of this election in Arizona. Austin and Schwiebert said Legislative District 2 and Legislative District 9 are key battlegrounds, where the outcome could shift the balance of power in the state legislature.
"We represent you," said Blattman. "We serve you. Go Sun Devils."
Edited by George Headley, Sophia Ramirez, Tiya Talwar and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at emuslim@asu.edu.
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Emra is a junior studying political science with a minor in Spanish. This is her first semester with The State Press. She has also worked at the League of Women Voters of Arizona, USG-WV, Honors College Council at Barrett and the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict.
