Rep. Peña Aims for Re-Election with Deep Community Ties and Passionate Advocacy

By Staff Reporter |

Michele Peña, a Republican representative, aims to secure her re-election in Arizona’s Legislative District 23, a district that typically leans Democratic. In the November 2022 General Election, Peña defied expectations by winning a seat in the state House of Representatives, and she hopes to replicate that success in the upcoming election.

Currently, Peña holds the position of Vice Chairman on the Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, in addition to serving on the Education and Regulatory Affairs Committees. Her role has been pivotal, particularly in addressing issues pertinent to her district.

In the recent primary election held on July 30, Peña emerged as the sole Republican in her race. She garnered significant support, receiving 9,597 votes—more than her two Democratic opponents. Expressing gratitude for the backing she received, Peña remarked, “This accomplishment is a testament to the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and I am deeply honored.”

Peña emphasizes that her electoral success is not just personal but also crucial for her party’s ability to maintain a majority. She stated, “If this trend continues, we will help maintain our majority, ensuring that our values and priorities are well represented.”

Her commitment to the community stems from her upbringing; as the daughter of an immigrant from Yuma, Peña is motivated by a desire to serve the families in her district. She outlines her priorities, focusing on economic concerns, education, and the needs of rural communities. “I will always advocate for choice and access in education,” she asserts on her campaign platform.

Peña’s advocacy extends to the veterans’ community as well. Sharing a recent encounter during her campaign, she described meeting a veteran who expressed strong support. She pledged to continue her efforts on behalf of veterans if re-elected.

The Arizona Police Association also endorsed Peña in June, underscoring her commitment to law enforcement and public safety. Her campaign priorities include fiscal responsibility and securing resources for law enforcement while promoting economic growth.

As Peña prepares for the November General Election, she faces off against Democrats Mariana Sandoval and Matias Rosales, both of whom advanced from the primary. The competition promises to be fierce in a district where Democrats have historically dominated, winning all nine previous elections since the redistricting.

In the 2022 elections, Peña successfully outperformed her opponents, securing 12,850 votes compared to Sandoval’s 10,101 and Rosales’s 8,030. Employing a focused campaign strategy, she aims to retain her seat and continue representing her constituents in Arizona’s Legislature.