Kiana Sears
Candidate for Arizona State Senate – District 9
Arizona · Legislative District 9
Kiana Sears won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary. Faces Republican nominee Bridget Fitzgibbons in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: kjzz.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
My faith directs me to lead with love and drives my ability to work with all members of the Legislature. My life's ethos is, "To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48). This ethos reminds me that the freedoms we enjoy were paid for by service members like my dad; serving my constituents is the least I can do to say thank you. My record of service demonstrates that I listen to my community and take action. This session, I secured $60 million for education, more services for homeless youth, $2 million in fresh produce for needy families, $2 million for meals and essential services for the elderly, and $2 million for the Arts Commission, which benefits all Arizonans. Lastly, I am championing bipartisan legislation for traditional and charter schools to inform students of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for post-secondary learning opportunities including trade and vocational schools, certifications, community colleges and universities. Less than half of Arizona's high school graduates have applied for FAFSA funds in the last two years. This legislation seeks to increase the number of Arizona youth accessing career and academic opportunities after high school.
Biography
Kiana Maria Sears is a Democratic member of the Arizona State Senate representing Legislative District 9 in Mesa and part of Tempe. She was appointed to the seat by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2025 after Sen. Eva Burch resigned from the Legislature, and 2026 is her first campaign for a legislative seat. Sears served eight years on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board and works at Arizona State University as a Professor of Practice. She was a consultant to the Arizona Corporation Commission from 2008 to 2014 and previously ran unsuccessfully for the Corporation Commission and for justice of the peace. The daughter of a Vietnam veteran and municipal water and wastewater worker, she is the mother of two adult children. She lists healthcare, public safety, jobs, and public school funding among her priorities. She ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary and faces Republican Bridget Fitzgibbons in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsIntroduced bills on groundwater pumping measurement and reporting and state land lease groundwater use, indicating support for groundwater oversight.
Education Funding
SupportsCampaign says Arizona must pay special attention to education for all children; her background includes service on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsIntroduced antidiscrimination legislation covering housing and an emergency shelter appropriation bill.
Election Integrity
SupportsIntroduced bills on a state voting rights act, permanent early voting list, voting centers, early voting security, and the National Popular Vote compact.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports affordable, high quality healthcare, lower costs, prescription drug price reductions, rural and underserved access, and protection from medical debt.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsSupports first responders, prevention, accountability, community policing partnerships, mental health crisis response, and victim protection.
Energy Policy
SupportsCampaign supports clean energy jobs; bill list includes measures on greenhouse gas programs and large load customer energy costs.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsSupports high wage jobs, workforce training, small businesses, community colleges, trades programs, healthcare, clean energy, and tech job pathways.
Reproductive Rights
SupportsSupports protecting reproductive freedom and introduced bills on abortion repeals, contraception rights, and fertility treatment access.
Transportation & Infrastructure
No official stance on record.
Government Spending & Taxation
No official stance on record.
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.
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