Wadsack Aims for Senate Comeback to Champion Border Security

By Staff Reporter |

Former State Senator Justine Wadsack aims to secure her second term in the Arizona Legislature. Representing Legislative District 17, which includes parts of Pima County, Marana, and Catalina, Wadsack has been a resident in this region for over 40 years.

Wadsack, a Republican, holds several key positions in the Senate. She is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and also serves on the Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, and Senate Ethics Committees. A vocal advocate for border security, she has made this issue the cornerstone of her campaign.

On her campaign website, Wadsack describes border security as an urgent crisis. “Pima County is on the front lines of America’s immigration crisis. Arizona’s border is the largest crime scene in the United States,” she asserts.

Wadsack sponsored SB 1608, a bill making the use of electronic devices for human smuggling a class 2 felony. It passed with a 16-13 vote, with all Republicans in favor. The bill aims to tackle the growing use of apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp for illegal smuggling activities.

Following the vote, Wadsack stated, “Human smuggling is at an all-time high. Cartels are recruiting people, often our children, via social media. This will not be tolerated.”

Last year, she introduced a similar bill that passed both chambers but was vetoed by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Hobbs argued the legislation targeted organizations supporting immigrants and refugees.

Law enforcement officials, including Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and former Attorney General Mark Brnovich, have warned of the dangers posed by social media platforms in recruiting teenagers for smuggling. In a 2022 op-ed, they emphasized the severity of the crisis.

Wadsack, who also voted for the Arizona Secure the Border Act, has been recognized for her legislative efforts. The Arizona Republican Party named her its “Freshman Senator of the Year,” citing her bipartisan collaboration and effective lawmaking.

Additionally, the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members selected her as “Elected Official of the Year,” praising her focus on parental rights in education despite gubernatorial vetoes.

Arizona Legislative District 17 has a Republican leaning, with the GOP winning nine consecutive statewide elections. In the upcoming July 30 primary, Wadsack faces a challenge from former legislator Vince Leach. The winner will compete against Democrat John McLean in the general election.