Brian Fernandez
Candidate for Arizona State Senate – District 23
Arizona · Legislative District 23
Brian Fernandez won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary. Faces Republican nominee Michelle Altherr in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: ballotpedia.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
As a sixth-generation Yuman, my roots in Southwestern Arizona run deep. When I first ran for the State Senate to represent District 23, I committed to bringing practical, forward-looking leadership to the legislature to ensure our community thrives. Drawing on my background in technology and healthcare, I am incredibly proud of our historic work to bring a medical school to Yuma. This generational milestone will expand healthcare access, address physician shortages, and allow local students to train and serve at home. Because a thriving state requires strong infrastructure, I spearheaded the push for dedicated funding to expand the I-10 corridor. This essential project will relieve congestion, improve safety, and keep Arizona's economy moving forward. Furthermore, progress requires a rock-solid commitment to students. I have been an unwavering champion for education at every level—fighting for reliable support for K-12 classrooms and expanding resources for higher education to build tomorrow's skilled workforce. Now, as I seek my third term, our work is not done. I am ready to build on these successes, fight to lower the cost of living, and keep delivering real results for District 23.
Biography
Brian Fernandez is a sixth-generation Yuman and the incumbent Democratic state senator for Legislative District 23, seeking a third term. His professional background spans technology and healthcare. He cites work to bring a medical school to Yuma, a push for dedicated funding to expand the I-10 corridor, and support for K-12 and higher education funding as accomplishments. His campaign focuses on expanding access to health care, lowering the cost of living, and supporting schools. Fernandez ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary and faces Republican nominee Michelle Altherr in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsHis record includes water related legislation on irrigation procedures; campaign emphasizes rural Arizona families and opportunity.
Education Funding
SupportsDLCC describes Fernandez as focused on strengthening public schools; State Affairs reported education bills prioritizing teacher professional development and early childhood education.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsDLCC describes Fernandez as focused on expanding affordable housing for Arizona families.
Election Integrity
SupportsIntroduced legislation on early voting weekend hours, voting centers, registration procedures, and campaign finance items, suggesting support for voting access and election procedure reforms.
Healthcare Access
SupportsLegislative record includes bills on CHIP eligibility and healthcare related coverage; public role centers heavily on access for rural communities.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsCampaign says he wants every family, regardless of zip code, to have opportunity to thrive; DLCC frames his focus around working families.
Reproductive Rights
SupportsIntroduced legislation on abortion regulation benefits and comprehensive medically accurate sex education, indicating support for reproductive healthcare access.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsIntroduced legislation including vehicle finance transaction items and tribal economic development measures.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsBill list includes municipal tax exemption on food and development subsidy recapture, indicating support for targeted tax and subsidy reforms.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
No voting record on file.
If this candidate holds a legislative seat, visit the Arizona Legislature at azleg.gov for voting records.
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
Coverage