Rocque Perez
Candidate for Arizona State Senate – District 20
Arizona · Legislative District 20
Statement
I'm running for State Senate to put Tucson first: to lower the cost of living, strengthen public education, protect workers' rights, defend civil liberties, safeguard reproductive freedom, and uphold the dignity of our immigrant, LGBTQ+, and working-class communities. I also believe Arizona must do far more to protect our environment. I'm proud to be the candidate endorsed by local leaders, educators, and public workers who know this community and understand what Tucson families are facing. I am the only candidate in this race who will not accept corporate PAC money, because I believe elected officials should answer to the people they represent — not to private or foreign interests. That contrast is clear in this race. While I was protecting Tucson's water against a data center backed by utilities and corporate interests, my opponent was accepting money from them. While I was defending academic freedom and free speech at the University of Arizona, my opponent was pushing bills that restrict protests on campus and leave teachers vulnerable to lawsuits. While I supported student success and school safety funding, my opponent backed voucher expansion and missed votes that keep guns off campuses. Tucson deserves a senator rooted here, accountable here, and willing to fight every day for working families.
Biography
Rocque Perez is a lifelong Tucsonan and the oldest brother of sons raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico. His call to service was shaped by political violence against our most vulnerable communities. Committed to their defense, he was appointed to the Tucson City Council, becoming Arizona's first Gen Z official to serve in city or county government. He has worked across Arizona's public university system and leads regional efforts to help young people pursue college. During his time on Council, Rocque directed more than half a million dollars into small businesses, nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood projects; supported advancements in affordable housing; and preserved investments in early childhood education for Tucson, Flowing Wells, and Sunnyside families.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsSupports stronger water guardrails, more transparency, and leaders willing to reject deals that are not in the public interest.
Education Funding
SupportsOpposes ESA expansion, calls the voucher system a drain on public schools, and supports reinvesting in teachers, counselors, infrastructure, early learning, and college pathways.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsSupports treating housing as essential infrastructure, expanding affordable and workforce housing, supportive housing, tenant protections, and local government authority.
Election Integrity
SupportsFrames his campaign around transparency and accountability, including campaign finance transparency.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
No official stance on record.
Energy Policy
SupportsRaises concerns about energy intensive corporate projects and says local residents should not bear the burden without long term community benefits.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsSays he will not support speculative corporate projects without assurance of long term benefit to the community.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsTreats housing as essential infrastructure and supports more state investment.
Government Spending & Taxation
SupportsSupports transparency and accountability around ESA spending and public dollars flowing to private education.
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