Lorena Austin
Candidate for Arizona State House – District 9
Arizona · Legislative District 9
Lorena Austin won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Finished first of two in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary for two LD9 House seats with about 55% of the vote; both Democrats advanced. Faces fellow Democrat Jacob Martinez and Republican Bradley Bettencourt for the two seats in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: kjzz.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
As a fifth-generation Arizonan, Mesa native, and former educator, my connection to this community is personal. My Nana and Tata, who owned a local grocery store in the Washington/Escobedo Park neighborhood, were community advocates who exemplified the importance of community service. My father's work as a civil rights attorney and my mother's work as a teacher and social worker taught me to value diverse perspectives and inspired me to run for office. I proudly graduated from Mesa Community College with an AA in Sociology, and Arizona State University with a degree in U.S. and Mexico Regional Immigration Policy and Economy. As your Representative, I'm proud to have secured $40 million in tuition assistance through the Arizona Promise Program and funding for childcare assistance. I sit on the Appropriations and Public Safety committees and am the Ranking Member on the International Trade committee. When re-elected, I will continue to champion public education, affordable housing, and water conservation. Amidst ongoing challenges from the Federal Government, my dedication to serving and safeguarding our community remains steadfast, and I am eager to continue working for all Arizonans.
Biography
Lorena Austin is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives from Legislative District 9 and a fifth-generation Arizonan. First elected in 2022, Austin is among the first openly nonbinary members of the Arizona Legislature. Before the Legislature, Austin worked at Maricopa Community Colleges and in the nonprofit and private sectors, and is a graduate of MCC and ASU. Austin's priorities include public education funding, healthcare and housing costs, and water and clean energy. Austin reports securing more than $46 million for college tuition, workforce development, and childcare assistance. In 2026 Austin was depicted in an AI-generated video appearing to support Andy Biggs for governor; Austin stated they do not support Biggs. Austin finished first in the July 21, 2026 Democratic primary and faces Democrat Jacob Martinez and Republican Bradley Bettencourt for two seats in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsDescribes clean water as a climate justice issue and calls for sustainable water management over developer and utility profit priorities.
Education Funding
SupportsSupports investment in public schools, higher education affordability, teacher and staff support, and opposes diverting public funds to private schools.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsSupports middle housing, ADUs, stopping landlord price gouging, and affordability for families, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and working-class Arizonans.
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports expanded access to low-cost care through AHCCCS and programs such as Parents as Paid Caregivers.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
SupportsEnvironmental platform supports climate justice and public interest water and environmental policy.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsLinks public school investment, higher education, fair wages, and union rights to workforce and economic prosperity.
Reproductive Rights
SupportsCampaign page says Austin champions reproductive autonomy.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsSupports ADU and middle housing legislation that affects local land use and infrastructure planning.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsSupports public investment in public resources and education, including Arizona Promise Program funding.
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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