To view your current elected officials, click here.
Arizona General Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Race for President
Kamala Harris
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Vice President Kamala Harris pledges to federally legalize marijuana, ensuring that access to cannabis is “the law of the land."
If elected, she will "break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back by legalizing marijuana nationally, working with Congress to ensure that the safe cultivation, distribution, and possession of recreational marijuana is the law of the land."
The Democratic presidential nominee’s cannabis plan to "legalize marijuana at the federal level to break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back" is part of what her campaign calls an "opportunity agend." (10/14/24)
As Vice President, Harris has repeatedly stated that Americans should not be incarcerated for marijuana use. She’s championed the Biden administration’s efforts to pardon low-level marijuana offenders and to loosen certain federal cannabis restrictions. And as the Democratic presidential nominee, she’s the first major party candidate to have ever called for the plant’s legalization and regulation.
Donald Trump
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
Following the passage of Congressional amendments limiting the Justice Department from taking prosecutorial actions against those in legal marijuana states, Former President Trump consistently issued signing statements indicating that he believed that he had the power to disregard these amendments because he believed them to be unconstitutional. (Source)
Regarding Florida's 2024 Amendment 3, Trump said, "someone should not be a criminal in Florida, when this is legal in so many other States.” (8/31/24)
Race for Vice President
Tim Walz
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Governor Walz has been an outspoken proponent of adult-use marijuana legalization and in 2019 he ordered state agencies to begin taking steps to prepare for a change in law.
J.D. Vance
(R)
Vance was among the nine members of the Senate Banking Committee who voted in the minority against the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act in September 2023. That bill is still pending floor action, and Democratic leadership has repeatedly described it as a priority without advancing it further, but Vance said he opposed it in part because he believes it would inadvertently make it easier for illicit operators to traffic other drugs such as fentanyl. Asked about his opposition to the legislation in April 2024, the senator argued that it “was crafted in such a way that actually would have opened up access to banking resources for fentanyl traffickers and others.” There’s no clear evidence that that’s the case, but Vance has more generally discussed his concerns with the fentanyl trade on several occasions. (7/15/24)
During a campaign event with the Milwaukee Police Association in Wisconsin, Vance said he spoke to a police officer who told him that "we’ve got fentanyl in our marijuana bags that our teenagers are using," echoing a claim about laced cannabis that’s been routinely contested by advocates and certain state regulators: "Look, I’m the parent of three young kids… A seven-year-old, a four-year-old and a two-year-old. We don’t have to worry about this yet, but I’m certain—because kids are kids—that one day, one of my kids is going to take something or do something that I don’t want them to take. But I don’t want that mistake to ruin their life. I want them to learn from it. I want their parents to be able to punish them. I don’t want our kids to make mistakes on American streets and have it take their lives away from them," he said, suggesting that he recognizes when his children grow up they may experiment with certain substances such as marijuana, but he’s more concerned with potentially lethal contamination. (8/16/24)
Race for U.S. Senate
Ruben Gallego
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 1
Amish Shah
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 2
Race for U.S. House District 3
Race for U.S. House District 4
Greg Stanton
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 5
Andy Biggs
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 6
Kirsten Engel
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 7
Raul Grijalva
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 8
Race for U.S. House District 9
Paul Gosar
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
Race for State Senate District 1
Race for State Senate District 2
Race for State Senate District 3
John Kavanagh
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
Race for State Senate District 4
Race for State Senate District 5
Lela Alston
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for State Senate District 6
Race for State Senate District 7
Race for State Senate District 8
Race for State Senate District 9
Race for State Senate District 10
Race for State Senate District 11
Race for State Senate District 12
Race for State Senate District 13
Race for State Senate District 14
Elizabeth Brown
(D)
Again we get to thank LD9 Representative Pam Powers-Hannley for getting the candidates on record. In her August 6th post on Blog for Arizona, Powers-Hannley notes Brown wants to decriminalize cannabis as a way to address the private prison industry problem.
Warren Petersen
(R)
MEDICAL USE
Though Petersen has claimed to support cannabis reform, his record hasn’t shown it. When he talks about the issue in his caucus he's still speaking reefer madness.
Race for State Senate District 15
Race for State Senate District 16
T.J. Shope
(R)
MEDICAL USE
For years Shope has quietly supported cannabis reforms and shown some leadership on a couple of bills.
Race for State Senate District 17
Vince Leach
(R)
The most active prohibitionist over the last few years. Filed 6 anti-cannabis bills last session.
Race for State Senate District 18
Race for State Senate District 19
Bob Karp
(D)
Easily the longest early response thus far came from Karp after a round of round 2 phone tag: “I think you’re looking for a simple answer to a complex question. The answer you’re looking for is that I support complete decriminalization of cannabis. Sorry I’m not there yet there on this for many reasons:
1. Without federal action this leads to a variety of state laws that may or may not create more problems than they solve. My concern is that there even in states such as California and Colorado, legitimate sellers and growers still do not have proper access to the banking system. Too much cash flowing through the industry allows for graft and corruption.
2. If one of the reasons for decriminalization is to get recreational users out of the black market, there is still a need to have states get real about tax policy. From what I have read, high state taxes have made licensed sellers non-competitive with the black market. So there is still an issue about how states tax and regulate.
3. I am in favor of medical marijuana use and, we of course have a problem here in Arizona regarding the sale of “edibles” (I’m not sure this is the right term) based on a recent course decision. This points out the problem of using the initiative process to write complicated law. This should be done by the legislature with hearings, etc.
4. I’m in a wait and see position on complete decriminalization in Arizona based on the above. Also I want to get another year or so of results from Colorado and particularly California on how this works. If we can get the federal government to decriminalize then I would take a serious look at getting Arizona law updated.
As a Dem in a lopsided red district, I want to empathize with the desire to sound as reasonable and reasoned as possible. And the former English teacher in me makes me want to applaud his effort and give him an … , well you know, but we’re grading folks on cannabis positions here, not essay structure and cogence of thought, so, B
David Gowan
(R)
A returning state legislator who has opposed the issue in the past.
Race for State Senate District 20
Race for State Senate District 21
Rosanna Gabaldón
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Another longtime supporter, Rep Gabaldon has seen personal medical miracles for her family and friends. Gabaldon writes: “Cannabis use is an issue that needs to be addressed in our state, and I would support legalizing recreational use. Arizona suffers from high incarceration rates, where non-violent offenders are jailed alongside violent offenders, which can lead to high recidivism rates. This places a burden on our law enforcement and a financial burden on our state.”
Race for State Senate District 22
Race for State Senate District 23
Race for State Senate District 24
Analise Ortiz
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for State Senate District 25
Tim Dunn
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
New to legislature, no clear track record so far.
Race for State Senate District 26
Race for State Senate District 27
Kevin Payne
(R)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
The real deal, Payne was the driving force in the House behind the testing bill HR1820 and plans an aggressive reform agenda for the 2019 legislative session.
Race for State Senate District 28
Race for State Senate District 29
Race for State Senate District 30
J'aime Morgaine
(D)
A dedicated liberal, Morgaine successfully challenged US Rep. Paul Gosar for blocking her on Twitter. Ms. Morgaine weighed in for the general election survey, “As a veteran living with service-connected PTSD, I have researched medical marijuana extensively, and strongly oppose the federal government's position that cannabis has no redeeming medical value. My personal diagnosis qualifies for medicinal use of cannabis, yet the VA does not prescribe, provide, or pay for the medical marijuana that could potentially be a much more effective treatment (and is certainly less toxic) than the "approved" drugs they WILL prescribe and provide. I fully support Arizona's medical marijuana program, and if elected, will work to reduce the criminal penalties Arizonans currently face for possessing cannabis. I absolutely favor legalizing cannabis for adults at the federal and state levels. Beyond that, I will work to include medical marijuana in the prescription formularies that determine insurance-provided "pharmaceuticals." Senator Borrelli is anything but a reformer. He doesn't support legalization of cannabis. And, he can't even talk about the hemp legalization bill without qualifying his participation by saying (repeatedly), "It's rope, not dope." I am the only LD5 Senate candidate who will actually fight for the right of Arizonans to use cannabis without fear of governmental reprisal and will do so publicly and proudly.”
Race for State House District 1
Race for State House District 2
Ari Bradshaw
(R)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Race for State House District 3
Race for State House District 4
Kelli Butler
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
A former party leader, Butler is a powerhouse in the House and a supporter on reform.
Race for State House District 5
Race for State House District 6
Jamescita Peshlakai
(D)
MEDICAL USE
Signed on several bills over the years, but no leadership on issue.
Race for State House District 7
Walt Blackman
(R)
After repeated attempts to give Blackman a chance to respond, he sent the brief note, “I'm not interested.” Duly noted.
Race for State House District 8
Race for State House District 9
Race for State House District 10
Race for State House District 11
Race for State House District 12
Race for State House District 13
Race for State House District 14
Race for State House District 15
Neal Carter
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
Race for State House District 16
Race for State House District 17
Race for State House District 18
Race for State House District 19
Race for State House District 20
Race for State House District 21
Race for State House District 22
Lupe Contreras
(D)
While never a leader on the issue, Contreras has provided steady support and signed onto reform bills for the past several years.
Race for State House District 23
Race for State House District 24
Race for State House District 25
Race for State House District 26
Race for State House District 27
Tony Rivero
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
A bit more supportive than most in his caucus, especially regarding defelonization, but still shy on leadership.
Race for State House District 28
David Livingston
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
Formerly resistant, has lightened position somewhat, assisted the testing bill this year.
Race for State House District 29
Race for State House District 30
Leo Biasiucci
(R)
A former Green Party candidate, Biasiucci had claimed to support cannabis reform measures in 2016. However, his dramatic party shift and current billing as a “Trump Conservative,” bring all his positions into question.
John Gillette
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
Governor
Katie Hobbs
(D)
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Despite long reputation for reforming agenda, refuses to answer anything on marijuana.
U.S. Senate
Mark Kelly
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
U.S. Senate
Kyrsten Sinema
(I)
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
While avoiding the topic in general, Sinema has issued statements calling for the federal government to allow state programs to operate without interference and for increased access for veterans.
U.S. House District 3
Ruben Gallego
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
U.S. House District 4
Greg Stanton
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
U.S. House District 5
Andy Biggs
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
U.S. House District 7
Raul Grijalva
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
U.S. House District 8
Debbie Lesko
(R)
NO MEDICAL USE
Outspoken against legalization as late as 2018, continues to vote against progressive legislation reform in 2019.
U.S. House District 9
Paul Gosar
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
State Senate District 3
John Kavanagh
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
State Senate District 5
Lela Alston
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
State Senate District 8
Juan Mendez
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
A leader in AZ legislative cannabis reform, Mendez has filed and backed bills for years on reform.
State Senate District 14
Warren Petersen
(R)
MEDICAL USE
Though Petersen has claimed to support cannabis reform, his record hasn’t shown it. When he talks about the issue in his caucus he's still speaking reefer madness.
State Senate District 16
T.J. Shope
(R)
MEDICAL USE
For years Shope has quietly supported cannabis reforms and shown some leadership on a couple of bills.
State Senate District 19
David Gowan
(R)
A returning state legislator who has opposed the issue in the past.
State Senate District 21
Rosanna Gabaldón
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Another longtime supporter, Rep Gabaldon has seen personal medical miracles for her family and friends. Gabaldon writes: “Cannabis use is an issue that needs to be addressed in our state, and I would support legalizing recreational use. Arizona suffers from high incarceration rates, where non-violent offenders are jailed alongside violent offenders, which can lead to high recidivism rates. This places a burden on our law enforcement and a financial burden on our state.”
State Senate District 25
Sine Kerr
(R)
A midterm replacement, Kerr kept under the radar, but did vote for SB1420, the testing bill
State Senate District 30
Sonny Borrelli
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
Despite a strong anti-legalization stance, Borrelli has emerged as a leading GOP reformer on medical cannabis issues, pushing through the 2018 hemp bill and working over a year on an unsuccessful bill that would have established testing standards for the industry.
State House District 5
Jennifer Longdon
(D)
Usually, only incumbents can truly be judged on their past work, but Longdon actually worked in the industry, making her one of the strongest cannabis candidates on record this election. See for yourself: “I was involved in the MMJ movement in its early days in Arizona as a caregiver. I briefly worked for the first collective in the state. I also helped write several dispensary applications for the first lottery and my pro-MMJ article appeared in the Phoenix New Times. Further, I support legalization of cannabis for recreational use. I would like to see cannabis treated and taxed like alcohol.”
State House District 6
Jamescita Peshlakai
(D)
MEDICAL USE
Signed on several bills over the years, but no leadership on issue.
State House District 13
Jennifer Pawlik
(D)
Like Steve Weichert, a returning candidate for LD17 Senate, Pawlik has a track record of challenging the GOP incumbents on a variety of issues … but avoiding this one.
State House District 14
Travis Grantham
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
An urban moderate conservative, Grantham has grown to to a supporter on defelonization, hemp and testing.
State House District 15
Neal Carter
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE
State House District 22
Lupe Contreras
(D)
While never a leader on the issue, Contreras has provided steady support and signed onto reform bills for the past several years.
State House District 24
Analise Ortiz
(D)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
State House District 25
Tim Dunn
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
New to legislature, no clear track record so far.
State House District 27
Kevin Payne
(R)
LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
DECRIMINALIZE
MEDICAL USE
The real deal, Payne was the driving force in the House behind the testing bill HR1820 and plans an aggressive reform agenda for the 2019 legislative session.
State House District 28
David Livingston
(R)
DECRIMINALIZE
Formerly resistant, has lightened position somewhat, assisted the testing bill this year.
State House District 30
Leo Biasiucci
(R)
A former Green Party candidate, Biasiucci had claimed to support cannabis reform measures in 2016. However, his dramatic party shift and current billing as a “Trump Conservative,” bring all his positions into question.
John Gillette
(R)
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
NO MEDICAL USE