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Hunter Holt (Arizona)
Hunter Holt (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Arizona State Senate to represent District 17. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on August 4, 2026.[source]
Holt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Hunter Holt was born in Tucson, Arizona. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona. His career experience includes working in hospitality management.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on August 4, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17
Hunter Holt is running in the Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17 on August 4, 2026.
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Hunter Holt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My passion for advocacy began in high school when I noticed systematic failures by school administrators to address inequities amongst students and programs. In response, I stood up and rallied my peers, which allowed us to save two of the school’s most prestigious programs. This experience is what kickstarted my dedication to community organizing, and ultimately led me to run for the Marana School Board at 18, making me the youngest elected official in Arizona in 2020.
Last year, I was re-elected to the Marana Unified School District Governing Board and was named President, where I have continued working to expand opportunities for students, invest in their success, and strengthen our schools. As a grassroots community representative, I have spent years working directly with families, educators, and businesses to achieve results. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who listens, collaborates, and delivers results for the people of Arizona. Now, I’m ready to take that fight to the State Senate, because Arizona deserves real change and a bold, new direction.- Families across Arizona are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, and basic necessities. I will work to lower everyday expenses by addressing housing affordability, reducing costs on essential goods, and supporting policies that provide financial relief to working families. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I will ensure they have the resources to grow and create good-paying jobs. By investing in local businesses, we can strengthen our economy and build a future where families don’t have to choose between rent and food. Arizona deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I will fight for policies that uplift workers, promote economic security, and provide long-term solutions to our affordability crisis.
- Every child deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of where they live. I will fight for stronger school funding, expanded career and technical education, and policies that put students and teachers first. Arizona’s public schools have been underfunded for too long, leaving teachers overworked and students without necessary resources. Investing in education means ensuring smaller class sizes, updated materials, and competitive wages for educators. I will also champion career and technical programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs and strengthen our workforce. By prioritizing education, we create a stronger economy, a more skilled workforce, and brighter futures for Arizona’s children.
- Our fundamental rights are under attack, and I am committed to fighting for every Arizonan’s freedoms. I will work to expand access to healthcare, ensuring that no one is denied essential medical services due to cost or location. Voting rights must be protected so that every voice is heard, and I will push back against any attempt to suppress participation in our democracy. Personal freedoms, including reproductive rights and equal protections under the law, must be defended from government overreach. No one should have to fight for dignity, healthcare, or their right to vote. I will stand firm in protecting these rights, ensuring every Arizonan has the freedom and security they deserve.
Honesty means more than just telling the truth—it requires integrity, consistency, and the courage to stand by one’s principles. Elected officials should not make empty promises or mislead people for political gain. Instead, they must be clear about the challenges their communities face and work toward real solutions. Even when decisions are difficult, honesty ensures that the public knows where their leaders stand. People may not always agree with every choice, but they will respect a leader who is upfront and sincere.
Transparency goes hand in hand with honesty. It ensures that government actions, policies, and spending are clear and accessible to the public. Leaders must actively communicate with constituents, listen to concerns, and be open about both successes and setbacks. Government should not operate behind closed doors—decisions that impact people’s lives should be made with public input and oversight. When leaders engage with the community and provide clear explanations for their actions, they strengthen democracy.
The governor should provide leadership and set priorities on key issues like education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth. The legislature, representing the people, should engage in debate, refine proposals, and ensure policies reflect constituents' needs. A productive relationship means the governor respects the legislative process, and lawmakers work constructively rather than obstructing progress for political reasons. This cooperation ensures that government functions effectively and efficiently.
Accountability and oversight are also essential. The legislature must hold the governor accountable by ensuring executive actions follow the law and serve the public interest. At the same time, the governor has veto power to prevent legislation that is poorly constructed or does not benefit Arizona in the long run. This balance prevents either branch from overstepping and encourages compromise on important issues.
Education remains a major concern. Arizona’s schools have long struggled with underfunding, teacher shortages, and large class sizes. Without meaningful investment, the state risks falling behind in workforce development and economic competitiveness. Expanding career and technical education, increasing teacher pay, and ensuring equal access to quality education will be critical to preparing students for success.
Water security is another urgent challenge. Arizona depends heavily on the Colorado River, but ongoing drought and climate change threaten long-term supply. The state must invest in conservation, modernize water infrastructure, and explore alternative sources such as desalination and wastewater recycling to ensure sustainable growth.
Economic diversification is also key to the state’s future. While Arizona has seen growth in industries like technology, aerospace, and manufacturing, it remains vulnerable to economic downturns due to its reliance on tourism and real estate. Expanding job training programs, supporting small businesses, and attracting high-wage industries will help build a more resilient economy for working families.
Infrastructure and housing are also critical concerns. Rapid population growth has led to congested roads, aging infrastructure, and a shortage of affordable housing. The state must invest in modern transportation systems, repair and expand roads, and implement smart growth policies to ensure sustainable development.
Trust and open communication among legislators lead to more productive discussions and better policy outcomes. When lawmakers understand each other’s perspectives, they can negotiate in good faith and craft legislation that serves the best interests of the people. Even in cases of disagreement, maintaining professional relationships ensures that debates remain constructive rather than divisive.
Relationships also play a key role in moving legislation forward. Bills often require coalition-building and support from both chambers to pass. A legislator who has earned the respect of their peers is more likely to gain backing for initiatives that benefit their constituents. Additionally, learning from experienced legislators can provide valuable insight into policy development, strategy, and the legislative process.
Supporting veterans is also a priority for me. Arizona is home to a large veteran population, and we must ensure they receive the benefits, healthcare, and job opportunities they have earned. Many veterans struggle with accessing VA services, securing stable housing, and transitioning to civilian careers. A veterans affairs committee would provide the platform to address these issues, expand job training programs, and improve mental health services for those who have served our country.
Healthcare is another critical area where I want to make an impact. Too many Arizonans struggle with the rising costs of medical care and lack access to essential services, especially in rural communities. Expanding healthcare access, lowering prescription drug costs, and improving mental health resources are necessary steps toward a healthier Arizona. A healthcare committee would allow me to work on policies that ensure every Arizonan can receive quality, affordable care.
Accountability means ensuring that funds are used effectively and not wasted on unnecessary or politically motivated expenses. Leaders must be responsible stewards of public resources, making financial decisions that prioritize the needs of the people rather than special interests. When governments lack transparency, trust erodes, and confidence in leadership weakens. That’s why I support policies that require clear financial reporting, open budget hearings, and strong oversight to prevent mismanagement.
Transparency also means engaging the public in financial decisions. In Marana, we have made budget reports readily available and ensured that financial planning is open for community input. This should be a model for all levels of government. People should have access to clear, detailed financial information so they can hold their leaders accountable. A transparent government fosters trust, encourages civic engagement, and ensures that resources are used efficiently.
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.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 17, 2025
