Arizona House of Representatives District 17 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Arizona, 2022

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On the ballot: U.S. Senate • U.S. House • Governor • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Supreme court • Appellate courts • Local judges • State ballot measures • Local ballot measures • School boards • Municipal

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Arizona House of Representatives District 17 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Arizona House of Representatives District 17 (2 seats)

Rachel Keshel and Cory McGarr defeated Dana Allmond and Brian Radford in the general election for Arizona House of Representatives District 17 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rachel Keshel (R)	26.2	60,541
✔		Cory McGarr (R)	25.7	59,385
		Dana Allmond (D)	24.8	57,503
		Brian Radford (D)	23.3	54,013

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 231,442
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Dana Allmond (D)

Voter Protection

Reproductive Rights

Funding Public Education

Rachel Keshel (R)

Election Integrity is a key issue in this upcoming election. We must ensure that our elections are free and fair. One day, one vote, voter ID for ALL ballots, no drop boxes, and eliminating the opportunity for fraud needs to happen, so that our sacred right to vote is assured.

Our public education system is broken. CRT, extreme sexuality, and indoctrination is taking over our children's schools. The money must follow the child to ensure success is possible for EVERY child.

Medical Freedom has become extremely important. We must have a say regarding ALL medical decisions and treatments. If we lose our autonomy over our medical decisions, or those of our children, what more is there for the government to take?re truly facing

Cory McGarr (R)

We need to ensure the integrity of our elections.

We need to ensure medical freedom and stop medical discrimination.

We need to stop radical indoctrination of our children in our schools.

Brian Radford (D)

I support fully funded public education.

I support access to quality, affordable Healthcare.

I support access to safe, clean water and energy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dana Allmond (D)

Dana will be an advocate for common sense gun laws, voter protection, a woman's right to choose, and quality public schools among other topics.

Rachel Keshel (R)

The Second Amendment, pro-life, low taxes, medical freedom, small government, school choice, and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all AZ citizens!

Cory McGarr (R)

We need election integrity, medical freedom, school reform and school choice. We need to protect the border, our first and second amendments and the sanctity of life. We need the government to do it's number one job which is to protect the rights and the freedoms of the individual.

Brian Radford (D)

I believe free public education is a foundation for future further education and employment opportunities and that employment and education builds stronger, safer communities. I support the right to access affordable Healthcare and lowering prescription drug prices. I believe seniors, veterans and the disabled communities have the right to dignity and fair treatment in all areas to include accessibility to public buildings and spaces and housing or rental assistance. I believe in small businesses driving our local economy through employment and fair wages. Local businesses deserve our support and it's more ecological to work and buy locally. I believe in a clean environment to include air, water and renewable energy. I believe in conservation of resources while being responsible stewards of current resources and applying reduce, reuse and recycle in all aspects . I support safer communities through public safety and prison reform that reduce violence and abuse while treating mental health and substance abuse as health care.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Brian Radford (D)

I look up to my father. He was very humble and simple in many ways, yet he provided for a family of 6 during a very challenging time. His perseverance and persistence in the face of seemingly constant change while providing a stable family life is encouraging to me.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Brian Radford (D)

The US Constitution 🇺🇸

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Brian Radford (D)

Honesty, integrity and decency.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Brian Radford (D)

Honesty, integrity and decency.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Brian Radford (D)

To ensure you represent all of your constituents even if they didn't vote for you.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Brian Radford (D)

A clean sustainable environment for my children and grandchildren.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Brian Radford (D)

The Space Shuttle Challenger explosion was televised when I was in high school. I remember the images of tuning in to see launches but, was deeply saddened by the explosion and loss of life that day.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Brian Radford (D)

My first job was as a Production Scheduler for a small tool company when I was in high school. I worked part-time after school for 2 years before starting College that Fall.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Brian Radford (D)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. It chronicles real life struggles of work and mental health.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Brian Radford (D)

The Governor is the executive branch and Legislature is the law making branch. They are a check and balance to ensure that the best interests of the people are being met.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Brian Radford (D)

Water scarcity and climate will be the greatest challenge for the future. We must conserve and seek resources to address water, population growth and demand placed on current resources. Future growth and development demands that we address climate in all aspects of planning. We owe our children and grandchildren a sustainable planet with sustainable energy, clean air and water.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Brian Radford (D)

A unicamaral Legislature would encourage more cooperation in working for the public good. It would remove barriers that create decisiveness. The drawback would be those who still would not come to agreement or cause nothing to be achieved through inaction or indecision.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Brian Radford (D)

No. We need fresh ideas and common sense solutions to situations that affect us all. A good strong citizen can represent the greater good for everyone.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Brian Radford (D)

Yes. Consensus grows greater ideas as many solutions have greater outcomes with more input. Brainstorming is common in corporate world and Legislature could benefit from similar process which would lead to healthy debate and development of legislation beneficial to all.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Brian Radford (D)

Competitive districts are the best solution to allow fair elections and outcomes. Partisanship in maps creates a pseudo voter suppression as many underrepresented voters are not being represented fairly.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Brian Radford (D)

Yes. Education, Judiciary or Public Safety and health care or housing.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Brian Radford (D)

No. I am my own person. Fresh eyes and fresh ideas.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Brian Radford (D)

No. Currently state legislatures are the most effective place to be.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Brian Radford (D)

No. Emergency powers rest with the executive or Governor.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Brian Radford (D)

Yes. We need to get back to addressing the needs of the greater good. We meet our needs best when we can find common ground and work towards the best solution for all.

See also

More about these elections:

• Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

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