Statement
One office that shouldn't be political is the regulators who oversee utilities and our grid. My focus is protecting ratepayers and grid stability. I've championed an all-of-the above energy approach to manage Arizona's energy grid, focusing on eliminating Green New Deal policies that have cost customers billions of dollars in extra surcharges, while pushing for greater ratepayer protections and holding utilities accountable for wasteful and frivolous spending. I championed the elimination of previously enacted Commission mandates that forced utilities to fund energy projects and programs costing ratepayers nearly $4Billion since their inception. I led the charge in eliminating over $50Million in ratepayer surcharges from the state's largest electric utility in incentives for things like electric golf carts, EV charging stations, and payments to homebuilders to install appliances. I've worked tirelessly to remove regulatory barriers and mandates to unleash energy innovation, while ensuring grid stability and maintaining reliable energy supply. Under my watch, Arizona's grid is now ranked the 7th most reliable in the country. I recently led the charge to prevent ratepayers from being saddled with $1.9Billion in extra costs to open a shuttered power plant and have worked on federal permitting reform for natural gas and nuclear power.
Biography
I've served as a Commissioner since 2024 and was previously selected by my peers as Chair. I have over 30 years of professional public service, including serving as a combat veteran during Operation Desert Storm for the US Air Force and a twice-elected Mesa Councilmember. I'm a co-founder of the Mesa Veterans Resource Center, was awarded the Mesa Veteran Appreciation Award, and was recognized as the 2025 Champion of the Year by the Arizona Manufacturers Council. I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and have been married to my wife, Donna, for 37 years. They have two adult children.
Past offices held
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsThompson says Arizona is in a water crisis and that the Commission must take a proactive approach, including reducing water losses from aging utility pipelines.
Education Funding
No official stance on record.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
No official stance on record.
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
SupportsThompson opposes energy mandates and subsidies, argues against Green New Deal-style policies, and supports reliable baseload generation including micro-nuclear and market-driven approaches.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsThompson argues that an affordable, reliable electrical grid is essential to attract businesses and maintain Arizona's competitive economic edge.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsThompson's infrastructure priorities are utility-focused: grid capacity expansion, long-range demand planning, and reducing water-pipe losses across the state.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsThompson says he has fought mandates, subsidies, and cost shifts and wants to prevent utility costs from being passed onto Arizona families and businesses.
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.
Coverage