Kevin Payne
Candidate for Arizona State Senate – District 27
Arizona · Legislative District 27
Kevin Payne won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Won the July 21, 2026 Republican primary over former Sen. Anthony Kern, 50.9% to 49.1% (8,536 to 8,240 votes). Faces Democratic nominee Kyle Clayton in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: ballotpedia.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
After years of endorsing and supporting me, Anthony Kern decided to run against me because he misses being in elected office. That's a terrible reason to run. Now we're wasting resources on this race instead of taking the fight to Democrats. Unlike Anthony, I've made a successful living in the private sector, in fact I still operate a successful food truck business when I'm not working at the Capitol. While Anthony campaigns on an old Trump quote, I'm actually doing the work to support President Trump, put America and Arizona First, finish the border wall, enforce our immigration laws, secure our elections, protect school choice, fight inflation and high prices, put Term Limits on Congress, end DEI, and ensure our water future. As Chairman of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, I've led efforts to Back the Blue, support first responders, and look after our military bases and veterans. And my voting record is 100% pro-gun, pro-Constitution, and pro-life. I'm a Navy veteran who isn't afraid of a fight. I'm proven, I'm effective, and I'm running for the right reasons. No more career politicians! Please support your America First team of Payne, Rivero & Fink! Thank you!
Biography
Kevin Payne is the incumbent Republican state senator for Legislative District 27. A U.S. Navy veteran, he worked four years as an electrical engineer, three years as an aerospace technical consultant and 22 years in information technology, and operates a food truck business. He is a former GOP district chairman. He previously served in the Arizona House, where he chaired the Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee. He has received recognition from taxpayer, family and law enforcement groups, including Legislator of the Year from the Arizona Police Association. He has been married more than 35 years and has four children and eight grandchildren. Payne won the July 21, 2026 Republican primary over former Sen. Anthony Kern, 50.9% to 49.1%, a margin of 296 votes, and faces Democratic nominee Kyle Clayton in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsSays Arizona growth needs long term water planning as part of economic and infrastructure policy.
Education Funding
SupportsSays Arizona spends more than half its budget on education, raised teacher pay, increased school capacity, and expanded school choice.
Border Security & Immigration
SupportsSupports secure borders, interior enforcement, deportations for violent offenders, and law enforcement efforts against fentanyl.
Housing Affordability
SupportsSays he is pushing bills to improve housing affordability as part of lowering costs.
Election Integrity
SupportsSupports paper ballots, audits, transparency, accurate results, and independently verifiable vote counts.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports medical freedom, more doctor and patient choice, and broader access to treatment options.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsEmphasizes safe neighborhoods, law enforcement support, and public safety committee work.
Energy Policy
SupportsSays he is pushing lower utility prices and less regulation in a pro-growth policy agenda.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsSupports a pro-growth environment, less bureaucracy, easier business formation, job growth, and infrastructure for commerce.
Reproductive Rights
OpposesCampaign lists Arizona Right to Life and Center for Arizona Policy Action endorsements; Senate profile describes a strong voting record on life.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsIdentifies highways and rail systems as needed infrastructure for Arizona growth and commerce.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsSupports balanced budgets, low taxes, protecting the rainy day fund, and stopping higher taxes.
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