Willoughby Sets Sights on Arizona House to Champion Parental Rights and Secure Safe Communities

By Staff Reporter |

In Arizona’s political arena, a Phoenix-area nurse is emerging as a pivotal figure for the Republican Party’s strategy to retain control of the state House of Representatives. Julie Willoughby, who recently stepped into the spotlight as a candidate for Legislative District 13, is leveraging her experience and family values as key elements of her campaign. Willoughby became an appointee in May 2023, making her debut in public office.

Willoughby’s background as an emergency room trauma nurse and her active role in community service resonate with many voters. In a heartfelt message on her campaign website, she stated, “By asking for your vote, I am asking you to believe in me; to put your faith in me.” Drawing upon her family’s experience, she highlighted the importance of safety, education, and the future for her children, emphasizing her commitment to serving her community.

After settling in Chandler over five years ago, Willoughby and her husband Brice confronted significant societal questions. Their journey led to a realization: engaging deeper in governance was necessary to influence change, prompting them to run for legislature. “This is the path God had planned for us all along,” she asserted, enthusiastic about her commitment to public service.

Since her appointment, Willoughby has aggressively sought solutions to local issues. Notably, she announced her role in expanding the Arizona Resource Equity & Access Coordination Hub (AZ REACH), a program that improves the patient transfer process between hospitals. Her efforts facilitated over 4,000 patient transfers, boasting a remarkable acceptance rate exceeding 90 percent. “As a nurse, I know that the AZ REACH program helps save practitioners time and patients’ lives,” she remarked, underscoring its importance in improving patient care.

In addition to healthcare initiatives, Willoughby has championed community safety. She secured $2.25 million in state budget allocations for the Chandler Police Department to combat Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). This funding aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities, enabling them to address vital safety concerns more effectively. “This funding will equip the Chandler Police Department with advanced technology and resources,” she noted, reaffirming her dedication to community protection.

Earlier this year, Willoughby sponsored HB 2183, a bill intended to bolster parental rights regarding health information access for their minor children. Unfortunately, this legislation met with veto from Governor Katie Hobbs, who expressed concerns over its potential implications. Willoughby expressed her disappointment, stating, “The governor’s veto means that families will continue to face unnecessary hurdles in obtaining the critical information they need.”

Legislative District 13 stands as one of Arizona’s most competitive electoral battlegrounds, with a narrow 1.6% vote difference between Republicans and Democrats in recent elections. Willoughby is competing alongside former legislator Jeff Weninger. They face Democrat candidates Nicholas Gonzales and Brandy Reese in the upcoming General Election, a race expected to draw significant attention from local voters.