Emilia Cortez
Candidate for Arizona State House – District 23
Arizona · Legislative District 23
Emilia Cortez won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Finished second of four in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary for two LD23 House seats with 25.5% of the vote. She and Rep. Mariana Sandoval face Republicans Michele Pena and Gary Garcia Snyder in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: emiliaforazld23.com · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
I am running for the Arizona House of Representatives to bring a strong, local voice to Legislative District 23. Our community deserves leadership that understands our challenges and works toward real, practical solutions. As an Economic Development Specialist, I have worked directly with communities to improve infrastructure, support small businesses, and create opportunities for growth. I have seen how state decisions impact families, workers, and local economies, and I believe those decisions should be guided by the people who live here. My priorities include strengthening our local economy, investing in infrastructure, supporting education, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I am committed to working across communities to find solutions that benefit everyone, not just a few. I believe in transparency, accountability, and showing up for the people I serve. This campaign is about making sure our district has a seat at the table and a voice that will advocate for our future. Together, we can build stronger communities and create opportunities that allow families in District 23 to thrive.
Biography
Emilia Cortez is a Yuma County native and an economic development specialist with the Quechan Indian Tribe, working on infrastructure, investment and workforce projects. She holds a bachelor's degree in public administration and an MBA with a focus on leadership, and has worked in education, nonprofit leadership and tribal government. She has served on several community boards and cites involvement with youth programs, Girl Scouts and Rotary. Her campaign priorities include affordable childcare, public schools, higher teacher pay and smaller class sizes, rural healthcare access and economic opportunity in rural and border communities. Endorsements listed in her Ballotpedia survey include AFSCME, Equality Arizona and Run for Something. Cortez finished second in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary for two LD23 House seats with 25.5% of the vote. She and Rep. Mariana Sandoval face Republicans Michele Pena and Gary Garcia Snyder in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
No official stance on record.
Education Funding
SupportsCampaign platform calls for increasing teacher salaries, reducing class sizes, and expanding vocational training and early childhood education.
"We are committed to increasing teacher salaries, reducing class sizes, and ensuring every child has access to high-quality vocational training and early childhood education."
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
No official stance on record.
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports expanding rural health access, lowering prescription drug costs, and protecting people with pre-existing conditions.
"Our focus is on expanding rural health access, lowering prescription drug costs, and protecting those with pre-existing conditions through common-sense, state-level initiatives."
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsSupports small businesses and diversifying local industries, including tax incentives for innovators and streamlining regulations that hinder local growth.
"We will implement tax incentives for innovators and streamline regulations that hinder local growth"
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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