Michele Pena
Candidate for Arizona State House – District 23
Arizona · Legislative District 23
Michele Pena won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Advanced from the July 21, 2026 Republican primary for two LD23 House seats, where she and Gary Garcia Snyder were the only candidates; she led with 53.1% of the vote. Faces Democrats Mariana Sandoval and Emilia Cortez in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: ballotpedia.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
As a lifelong resident of Yuma and the daughter of a mother who immigrated from Mexico seeking a better life, I understand the values that bind our community: faith, family, hard work, and service. My father, a Vietnam veteran, instilled a deep respect for our country and the importance of giving back. Since being elected in 2022, I've dedicated myself to addressing the unique needs of our district. From championing agricultural initiatives that support our local farmers to empowering parents and protecting our children's futures, my focus has always been on delivering results that matter. I have championed legislation to support our agricultural economy, update our infrastructure, and improve Arizona's healthcare. I'm a steadfast supporter of parental rights and have worked to increase opportunities for our veterans. As we look toward the future, I will uphold our freedoms, strengthen our economy, and preserve the way of life we cherish in our district. Your trust and support have been the cornerstone of my service, and I would be honored to continue representing you in the Arizona House. As a mother, I reserve the patience and strength to fight these battles through the everlasting example of Love. Learn more at MichelePena.com.
Biography
Michele Pena is the incumbent Republican state representative for Legislative District 23, first elected in 2022. Born and raised in Yuma, she is the daughter of a mother who immigrated from Mexico and a father who served in Vietnam. She describes her priorities as reducing the size of government, balancing the budget, protecting communities and supporting small businesses, and says she has championed legislation supporting agriculture, infrastructure, parental rights in education and veterans' benefits. Pena and Gary Garcia Snyder were the only candidates in the July 21, 2026 Republican primary for two LD23 House seats; Pena led with 53.1% of the vote. They face Democrats Mariana Sandoval and Emilia Cortez in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsSupports statewide water conservation, a statewide water market, desalination, Colorado River Compact renegotiation, and protecting water access for farmers.
Education Funding
SupportsSupports school choice and Arizona ESAs while arguing K-12 funding is at a record level and should give parents more flexibility.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsLists a passed memorial on land acquisition for housing, indicating engagement with housing policy.
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
SupportsSupports transparency and affordability in healthcare markets; says accessible health insurance is crucial.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsLists a passed missing children reporting measure and a police dog emergency care bill.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsEmphasizes agriculture, trade, economic opportunity, and preserving the local farming economy.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsSays she has worked to update infrastructure and lists a ban on converting existing roads to toll roads.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsSupports fiscal responsibility, a balanced budget, a stronger rainy day fund, food tax repeal, and rental tax repeal.
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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