In Arizona’s 13th Legislative District, a traditionally mixed-voting area, two new Democratic candidates aim to shift the political landscape. Brandy Reese and Nicholas Gonzales are vying for seats in the House of Representatives, focusing their campaigns on local community engagement.
Reese and Gonzales are running in a district that includes parts of Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. The current representatives are Democrat Jennifer Pawlik, who is not seeking reelection, and Republican Julie Willoughby, who was appointed after Liz Harris was expelled for promoting conspiracy theories.
Brandy Reese (left) and Nicholas Gonzales (right). Photos courtesy Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
Candidate Profiles
Julie Willoughby, who hopes to retain her seat, is campaigning alongside Republican Jeff Weninger. They aim to regain Republican influence in the district following Pawlik’s departure. Weninger is a seasoned politician with experience on the Chandler City Council and in the state legislature.
Reese, a retired criminologist and public education advocate, and Gonzales, a community planner and entrepreneur, are both new to public office. Gonzales has faced scrutiny for a past legal issue involving a false police report, a matter that has since been resolved.
Both Reese and Gonzales focus on issues like public safety, education, and housing affordability, aiming to appeal to voters who prioritize practical solutions over party allegiance.
Local Issues and Policies
The Democratic candidates are campaigning on platforms that emphasize collaboration and community-focused governance. Reese highlights her scientific background, stating, “I remind [people] that I’m a retired forensic scientist, so my focus is very much on facts and data.”
Gonzales, who has deep roots in the community, stresses the importance of understanding local needs: “I grew up right here in this community, and I’m going to be focused on the priorities that mean the most to this community that raised me.”
Housing Affordability
Both candidates address the affordability crisis, with Gonzales advocating for more resources to support affordable housing development. He emphasizes the need for legislative action to expand housing tax credits and vouchers.
Reese supports repealing laws that limit local control over housing regulations, believing that local solutions are best. “What is good and right in Chandler, is not necessarily what is going to work for people in Bisbee or people in Mojave County,” she said.
Reproductive Rights
Reese and Gonzales are strong proponents of reproductive freedom, with Reese citing the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a key reason for her candidacy. Both oppose the strict abortion bans supported by their Republican opponents.
Education Reform
Education is another major focus, with Reese advocating for increased funding and oversight in public schools. Gonzales criticizes the current voucher system for its lack of accountability and believes in strengthening public education to support workforce development.
Both candidates argue that diverting resources away from public schools is detrimental to the state’s future. Gonzales, a product of the public school system, sees education reform as essential for community growth and development.
