Deborah Howard
Candidate for Arizona State House – District 27
Arizona · Legislative District 27
Deborah Howard won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary for two LD27 House seats. Faces Republican Reps. Lisa Fink and Tony Rivero in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: deborahhowardaz.com · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
I'm Deborah Howard, and I've spent more than forty years advocating for families and communities. My experience spans federal, state, and local public policy, where I've seen firsthand what it takes to deliver real results. I believe government should serve the people—not special interests—but for too long in Arizona, that hasn't been the case. Our legislature has too often prioritized politics and outside influence over the needs of everyday Arizonans. I'm running to lower the cost of living by addressing housing, healthcare, utilities, and other essential expenses facing families today. I will defend voting rights and support strong public education, which are fundamental to thriving communities. While these urgent issues persist, the legislature remains stuck in partisan gridlock, leaving Arizonans to bear the burden. Throughout my career, I've worked across party lines— from serving as a Department of Labor appointee under President Reagan, to leadership roles at AARP, to grassroots advocacy in public education. I bring a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to listening. As your state house representative, I will work with anyone willing to solve problems and ensure the government is accountable to the people of LD27 and all Arizonans.
Biography
Deborah Howard has worked in public policy at the federal, state and local levels for more than 40 years, including at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she says she worked on retirement security and on enforcing worker safety and employment rights. Before moving to Arizona, she led the Read California campaign to promote reading among youth. She is a cancer survivor. Her platform focuses on lowering housing, healthcare and utility costs, protecting Medicaid, public education, voting rights, long-term water planning including community input on new data center projects, and an immigration system that secures the border while respecting immigrants' civil liberties. Howard ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary and is the only Democrat on the general election ballot for the district's two House seats. She faces Republican Reps. Lisa Fink and Tony Rivero in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsSupports a long-term state plan to secure the water supply and community consultation before new data centers are built.
"We should manage our own water and power needs before we approve new data centers"
Education Funding
SupportsStrongly supports public education and opposes what she calls a decades-long assault on it in Arizona.
"I am outraged by the decades-long assault on public education in Arizona, and I am committed to putting an end to it."
Border Security & Immigration
SupportsSupports securing the border alongside a fair immigration system that respects immigrants' civil liberties.
"We must secure our border and respect the humanity and civil liberties of immigrants."
Housing Affordability
SupportsCampaigns on making groceries, housing, and essential living expenses affordable for working people.
"Working people deserve to afford groceries, housing, and essential living expenses."
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports protecting Arizona's Medicaid program and access to care.
"Arizonans, Republicans and Democrats, for decades have supported this premise through the expansion of Medicaid."
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
SupportsOpposes ratepayers subsidizing data center projects through higher water and electricity bills.
"we should not have to pay higher water and electricity bills to subsidize these projects."
Economic Development & Jobs
No official stance on record.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
No official stance on record.
Government Spending & Taxation
No official stance on record.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
No voting record on file.
Voting records are only available for candidates who have held legislative office.
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
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