John Kavanagh
Candidate for Arizona State Senate – District 3
Arizona · Legislative District 3
John Kavanagh won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Won the July 21, 2026 Republican primary for LD3 State Senate with about 85% of the vote over Robert Wallace. Faces Democratic nominee Jeff Fortney in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: en.wikipedia.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
Next steps
Keep exploring
Statement
I am running for re-election because Arizona deserves experienced, steady leadership that delivers results. Throughout my legislative service, I have worked to protect our communities, strengthen public safety, and ensure government remains accountable to the people. With a background in law enforcement and years of legislative experience, I understand the challenges facing our state and the practical solutions needed to address them. I have fought to secure Arizona's borders, support law enforcement, and keep our neighborhoods safe. I believe in responsible government, keeping taxes low, controlling spending, and reducing unnecessary regulations so families and businesses can thrive. Arizona's continued success depends on affordability and economic growth that protects taxpayers. I am also committed to defending Arizona's water resources, defending school choice, and keeping "woke" ideologies out of our schools - classrooms should focus on academics, not politics. Additionally, I have supported improvements in transportation infrastructure and investments in education. There is still important work to be done. I ask for your support to continue delivering commonsense leadership to keep Arizona safe, prosperous, and free.
Biography
John Kavanagh is the Republican incumbent State Senator for Legislative District 3 and has served in the Legislature since first being elected in 2006, including as Senate Majority Leader and Appropriations Committee chair. He served 20 years as a police officer and detective sergeant with the Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, holds degrees from New York University, St. John's University and Rutgers University, and has taught criminal justice and government as a college professor for 25 years. His legislative focus has included public safety, border security, tax relief and election law. He won the July 21, 2026 Republican primary with about 85% of the vote and faces Democratic nominee Jeff Fortney in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsBallotpedia candidate material says he supports action on Arizona's water crisis, including conservation and pumping restrictions in depleted aquifers.
Education Funding
SupportsCandidate material says schools could use additional funding and also supports school choice.
Border Security & Immigration
SupportsCandidate material says he co-authored SB1070 and supports major border security and border wall expenditures.
Housing Affordability
No official stance on record.
Election Integrity
SupportsBallotpedia lists election committee roles; candidate is engaged on election policy.
Healthcare Access
OpposesBallotpedia notes Kavanagh joined a lawsuit challenging Arizona Medicaid expansion, indicating opposition to that healthcare access expansion.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsSponsored SB 1635 to ban real time arrest alerts to protect law enforcement operations and public safety.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsBallotpedia candidate material says he supported individual and business tax cuts and incentives to stimulate the economy and jobs.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
No official stance on record.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsBallotpedia candidate material describes him as a fiscal conservative who cut spending and opposed tax increases.
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