So much is on the line.
As your state senator, I champion and advocate for the following:
Climate solutions
Experience
With a 25-year career at ASU as a Global Futures Scientist, my passion for sustainability compelled me to run for office, beginning in 2014. As a two-term Tempe councilmember and vice mayor, I spearheaded the City’s climate action plan and drove innovation in water, energy, and equity projects. At ASU, I was a champion for building sustainable and healthy communities through local engagement as I led the Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family.
But my proudest work has been mentoring young people in the art and science of activism. My dedication to sustainability is not just a platform but a lifelong commitment — to drive meaningful progress in creating a livable future for present and future generations.
Policy
Clean energy: Central Arizona is ranked in the top 10 most polluted cities in the country, and don’t we all deserve clean air and water? The Legislature needs to seize the day — and the sun — to spark a clean-energy economy, which will have a multitude of beneficial impacts, including creating good union jobs and lower utility bills. We must move beyond our mostly fossil fuel–powered state so we can build healthier and safer communities.
Not only do we need to spark the clean energy transition, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Our Arizona cities were built from the foundations set and resources extracted from our tribal nations and rural communities. In the State Senate, I prioritize a “just transition” to support coal dependent communities and empower them to thrive in a new economy.
Climate adaptation and mitigation: We must mobilize Arizona’s Clean Arizona Plan and Priority Climate Action Plan to reduce pollutants, create high-quality jobs, and enhance the lives of Arizonans. These plans include increasing mass transit options, electrifying our transportation system, and adopting zero-emission vehicle standards.
Water is life: Arizona's water management strategies must be science-based and proactive to protect Arizona families and our beautiful environment. We need to build upon the Groundwater Management Act of 1980, to craft a Rural Groundwater Management Act. With cuts to the Colorado River looming, we must protect our scarce water resources and regulate corporate pumping that disproportionately harms rural areas and vulnerable communities.
Local decision-making: Our cities and counties drive innovation in climate action, and statewide policy should support, not hamper, these efforts.
Abortion access
Experience
As a woman, the mom of two wonderful young women, and a grandma, I’m alarmed at the erosion of reproductive rights for my family and our community. How can it be that my granddaughter Rory was born into a world with fewer rights than my daughters and I had? As a Tempe councilmember, I worked to ensure that Planned Parenthood patients seeking abortions and healthcare were protected and now, in the Senate, I fight Republican bills that would erode Arizona’s right to reproductive health care, enshrined in the Arizona Constitution in 2024. With a Democratic majority gained in November, we will repeal bills that remain on the books and ensure that individuals and families are protected and have equal access to healthcare.
Policy
Thanks to the work of allies in the fight for reproductive justice, the right to an abortion is enshrined in the Arizona Constitution. In November 2024, Arizonans began to reclaim control over our healthcare decisions, placing it where it rightfully belongs: with Arizona patients, their medical providers, and their families. But the struggle is not over, as we battle proposed laws to restrict our rights and undermine the will of the voters. Moreover, women of color face disproportionate health challenges throughout their lives, particularly concerning abortion care and access. By safeguarding healthcare and abortion access, we are supporting and empowering these communities.
I am committed to protecting our bodily autonomy and abortion rights from political interference. We cannot move backward on these critical issues.
Democracy and voting rights
Experience
I have volunteered in nearly every election since I was 15 years old, and voting rights hold profound significance for me. I am committed to fighting for the rights of all Arizonans and their fundamental right to vote and shape our state's future.
Additionally, running for SRP's board provided me with firsthand insight into the outdated and unrepresentative nature of the acreage-based voting system of the state’s second-largest utility.
I serve on the Senate Elections Committee and stand up and speak out about Republican bills that would reduce access to the ballot box and deny citizens their right to vote. We must preserve our popular Vote By Mail system.
Policy
I am an advocate for fair, accessible elections that uphold democratic principles. We must halt the erosion of Arizona’s Voter Protection Act and restore integrity to our state's ballot initiative process. By reversing detrimental legislation, we can reaffirm Arizona as a leader in voting access. Furthermore, we must safeguard election officials across the state who face violent threats in our divisive political climate.
Regarding the Salt River Project, the nation’s largest public power generator, I will address the inequities in its election process, where only property owners are eligible to vote.
Accountability and transparency
Experience
The corrupting influence of money on policy making is undeniable — distorting priorities, weakening accountability, and eroding public trust. I’m an advocate for governance by the people, for the people, steering clear of corporate interests and the wealthy influence that have dominated our political landscape. As a councilmember, I addressed these challenges; we reduced campaign donation limits from over $6,000 to $600 per person and I led a dark-money ballot initiative that won an overwhelming 93% support from Tempe voters. These efforts garnered national recognition, as my efforts to reform campaign finance at the local level were featured in a Jacob Soboroff’s docuseries on MSNBC
Policy
I’m a long-time champion of campaign finance reform and for safeguarding our democracy. We must strive to eliminate obstacles for citizens in the referendum process, combat voter intimidation, and make voter registration easier for our citizens. I serve on the Judiciary/Elections Committee in the State Senate, where I fight to preserve voting rights, remove barriers to citizen initiatives and referendums, and enhance voter participation through measures like automatic voter registration.
In addition, I take no campaign contributions from legislative lobbyists, monopoly utilities or corporate PACs (e.g., real estate industry) . You will notice money flooding into my opponent’s campaign from these special interests
Education
Experience
As a Tempe councilmember, I was an ardent advocate for free Pre-K and accessible higher education. And my background as an ASU Global Futures Scientist deepened my commitment to these causes. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in my community and through my work in higher education, I place immense value on ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. I will continue to champion policies that prioritize public education and expand opportunities for all Arizonans to pursue their educational goals.
Policy
Public schools: Every child in any Arizona school district has the right to accessible, quality public education in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, our public schools, particularly in low-income communities, have been underfunded and lack the necessary support to provide top-tier education to our youth. To ensure a strong foundation for our growing state, our public schools need long-term, reliable funding resources.
ESA vouchers: The expansion of Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program — a deceptive name for school vouchers — is a failed legislative experiment, harming our public schools and draining our state treasury to the tune of $1 billion dollars. Public tax dollars should not be invested in private schools. The voucher program has allowed taxpayer money to fund non-educational expenses, such as water park tickets and at-home rock walls. It’s time to eliminate the expansion of ESA vouchers and reinvest those dollars back into public education. Vouchers should be restricted to students with special needs, students in a failing school system, or homeschooled children. I’ve introduced legislation to reform the ESA voucher scam, prohibiting funds from being used past high school and having funds revert back to the General Fund if not used in the school year. I strongly support the Protect Education Act, up for a vote in November, which rein in the voucher scam.
Teacher attainment and retention: Arizona has no shortage of qualified educators capable of teaching our youth. What we lack are competitive wages, benefit packages, and safe working conditions needed to attract and retain this invaluable workforce. We cannot continue to let our public educators go without the proper pay and support needed to educate the next generation of Arizonans. Our teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and all who keep our public schools going are our future and they deserve respect commensurate with that responsibility. Investments in the workforce and education infrastructure will pay dividends in the societal impacts of a strong public education system.
Childcare Subsidies/Child Tax Credit: Child tax credits and subsidies are essential for working families, reduce child poverty, and build strong communities. The waiting list is underfunded and we must redress this shortfall.
Image: Tempe Micro-Estates
Affordable housing
Experience
As the leader of ASU's Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family, I spearheaded initiatives that connected housing, health, food access, and transportation to develop regional integrated solutions for vibrant, healthy communities. Collaborating with cities, community partners, and housing advocates, I worked to enhance the capacity for affordable and workforce housing in our region.
As a Tempe councilmember, I partnered with organizations like Newtown Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity to pioneer innovative housing solutions. My advocacy led to the implementation of a requirement for all developers in Tempe to submit an Affordable Housing Impact Statement, ensuring that affordable housing remains a priority in our community.
Policy
I champion legislation that prioritizes affordable and workforce housing over market-rate developments. We must enhance Arizona’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which: 1) can provide direct financial assistance to the housing insecure; and 2) enable nonprofit developers to build more affordable options. I advocate for funding community land trusts to create permanently affordable housing and opportunities for generational wealth. Additionally, we need to spark partnerships with nonprofit housing developers to offer diverse, affordable housing choices in sustainable, walkable neighborhoods. I am committed to passing a Tenant’s Bill of Rights to protect renters and provide stability to Arizona’s working families. I will re-introduce (to a Democratic Legislature, I hope) legislation brought forward with Attorney General Kris Mayes to ensure landlords maintain minimum temperatures standards in rental units.
Worker protections
Experience
I am a proud member of United Campus Workers (Communication Workers of America, Local 7065) and an active supporter of the labor movement. As a Tempe councilmember, I spearheaded the earned-sick day movement and advocated for Project Labor Agreements and the adoption of prevailing wage standards. I stood in solidarity with workers, walking the picket line, fasting, and camping out at Tempe City Hall alongside the Mission Palms Housekeepers and their union, UNITE HERE! Local 11, as they successfully fought to form a union. As your senator, I have walked the picket line with food-service and concession workers at Sky Harbor and at ASU> I am dedicated to advocating for and protecting the rights of working-class Arizonans.
Policy
The labor movement is gaining momentum, and I’m inspired as the younger generation is embracing the labor movement. As a Senator, I will advocate for collective bargaining, worker protection, and living wages. I will “stand up, speak up, and show up.” Walking the talk translates into crafting worker-friendly legislation that supports prevailing wages, Project Labor Agreements, and other worker-friendly policies. I will crisscross my district to fight the anti-labor ballot propositions that would kneecap labor unions.
“Lauren is a champion for affordable housing, holding corporations and utilities accountable, and protecting our very democracy. Her passion and advocacy for her community makes her the perfect person to serve her district.”
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes