Republicans Aim to Reclaim North Phoenix Seat to Block Democrats’ Majority Plans

The upcoming elections in north Phoenix’s Legislative District 2 are poised to determine which party takes control of the Arizona legislature. This district is home to a diverse slate of candidates, competing for two critical seats in the House of Representatives.

Legislative District 2 stands out as a battleground, contrasting with many other districts dominated by either Republicans or Democrats. The political landscape features nearly equal numbers of registered unaffiliated voters, at approximately 46,830, compared to 48,211 Republicans and 36,779 Democrats, making LD2 one of the state’s most competitive districts.

Though historically leaning conservative, recent elections have tightened the race, resulting in split representation since 2020. Both Democratic incumbent Judy Schwiebert, who is now eyeing a Senate seat, and Republican Justin Wilmeth, seeking reelection, have faced stiff competition.

This election season, Democrats are targeting a legislative majority, hoping to end the Republican dominance that has lasted for nearly six decades in Arizona. Newcomer Stephanie Simacek aims to retain a seat for her party.

Simacek, an elementary school teacher who moved to Arizona ten years ago, became involved in education policy after witnessing funding issues firsthand. Her experience on the Deer Valley Unified School District’s Governing Board, following a confrontation regarding student welfare, has shaped her approach to school governance.

In an interview with the Arizona Mirror, Simacek expressed frustration with the current GOP focus on criticizing teachers. She advocates for legislation that supports public schools, aiming to eliminate politically motivated regulations and unfunded mandates. “Teachers put their students first every single day, and to attack them publicly is unacceptable,” she stated.

Her priorities include implementing full-day kindergarten and regulating private school vouchers, which she believes should have income-based caps to prevent further funding shifts from public to private schools. The Arizona education landscape has seen significant funding funneled towards private institutions, prompting discussions on oversight, particularly amid conservative resistance to change.

Simacek’s campaign has garnered significant support, raising over $384,000, making her the most funded candidate in the race. Her main opponent, conservative activist Ari Bradshaw, reports just under $206,000 in campaign funding.

Bradshaw, founder of Young Conservatives of Arizona, is also running for his first legislative seat but attempts to portray himself as moderate despite past associations with far-right figures. While he criticized extreme factions within the GOP, he has participated actively in culture war discussions, notably in support of anti-drag legislation.

Simacek has utilized Bradshaw’s affiliations to question his suitability for the district. Their contest is significant, especially since neither benefits from incumbency as does Wilmeth, who has raised about $158,000 for his reelection bid.

Wilmeth has positioned himself as a pro-business candidate, advocating for reduced regulations to empower local entrepreneurs, although his proposals have drawn criticism. Notably, he sponsored Proposition 138, which has been contested for its impact on tipped workers’ wages.

Voters in LD2 face a choice, with the option to back a registered Independent candidate, Tom Simes, who has pledged to address issues like abortion rights and immigration reform—although these areas largely fall outside the state legislature’s purview. Despite acknowledging a slim chance of victory, Simes aims to raise the profile of Independent candidates in Arizona’s political landscape.

The upcoming election encapsulates the ongoing battle between opposing factions within Arizona’s political arena. With heightened stakes, the outcomes may reshape legislative priorities for years to come.