Candidates from Az Corp Comm Spread Misinformation Targeting LGBTQ+ Community

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) elections are often overlooked amid the lengthy 2024 ballot; however, these races hold immense economic implications for residents, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Three of the five commission seats are up for grabs, currently held by a Republican supermajority, with just one Democratic member.

The candidates vying for these critical positions include Rachel Walden and Rene Lopez, both with histories of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Walden’s attempt to sue the Mesa Unified School District over its trans-affirming policies and Lopez’s opposition to statewide LGBTQ+ protections raise concerns about their potential regulatory impact on LGBTQ+ businesses. “The ACC impacts every single Arizonan,” states candidate Ylenia Aguilar, who aims to enhance renewable energy initiatives and safeguard consumer rights.

The commission’s primary responsibility involves setting utility rates for water, electricity, and gas statewide. Aguilar criticizes the current ACC for approving significant rate hikes that disproportionately affect low-income families. National data indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher poverty rates compared to their heterosexual counterparts, amplifying the urgency for an equitable commission.

Although there is no Arizona-specific study on LGBTQ+ poverty, Aguilar emphasizes that current commission policies perpetuate financial hardship. “The substantial increases in utility rates simply cannot be absorbed by many residents,” she asserts. The ACC’s decisions extend beyond cost; they reflect the representation—or lack thereof—of Arizona’s diverse population.

Recently, Walden’s legal challenge against the Mesa Public Schools highlighted her antagonism toward trans rights, supported by conservative legal groups. The district defended its guidelines, designed to create a safe environment for all students. Meanwhile, Lopez’s position against expanding nondiscrimination laws indicates potential hostility towards marginalized groups, raising alarms about the commission’s future direction.

Even though the ACC doesn’t have direct authority to legislate LGBTQ+ rights, it plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment for all businesses. Candidate Joshua Polachek warns of possible repercussions for LGBTQ+-affirming businesses if the commission adopts restrictive policies regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The ACC’s recent move to draft rules that would diminish renewable energy regulations further complicates the situation.

Resting on the shoulders of commission candidates is the responsibility to ensure all citizens are represented. “The actions and statements of candidates like Walden and Lopez are counterproductive to American values,” Polachek argues. He contends that their election could pave the way for further marginalization of underrepresented communities.

Awareness about the ACC’s power is essential for voters, especially regarding rising utility costs. Polachek warns, “With the current Republican majority, utilities could justify yearly rate increases without accountability.” Understanding this connection between the ACC and Arizona’s economic landscape is vital as the electorate prepares for the upcoming elections.