Janet Wittenbraker

Janet Wittenbraker (Republican Party) (also known as JL) is running for election to the Tucson City Council to represent Ward 3 in Arizona. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. She advanced from the Republican primary on August 5, 2025.

Biography

Janet Wittenbraker was born in Stockton, California. She earned a high school diploma from Glendora High School, a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 2012, and a law degree from the Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in 2017. Her career experience includes working as an administrator.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2025

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Incumbent Kevin Dahl and Janet Wittenbraker are running in the general election for Tucson City Council Ward 3 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Kevin Dahl (D)
		Janet Wittenbraker (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Incumbent Kevin Dahl defeated Sadie Shaw in the Democratic primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3 on August 5, 2025.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Kevin Dahl	50.1	3,296
	Sadie Shaw	49.9	3,277

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source	Total votes: 6,573
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Janet Wittenbraker advanced from the Republican primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3 on August 5, 2025.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Janet Wittenbraker	97.8	1,415
	Other/Write-in votes	2.2	32

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 1,447
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

General election

General election for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Jennifer Allen defeated Janet Wittenbraker and Iman-Utopia Layjou Bah in the general election for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jennifer Allen (D)	52.5	48,583
	Janet Wittenbraker (R)	43.1	39,888
	Iman-Utopia Layjou Bah (Independent)	4.2	3,896
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	102

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 92,469
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Jennifer Allen defeated Edgar Soto, April Hiosik Ignacio, and Miguel Cuevas in the Democratic primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3 on July 30, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jennifer Allen	53.0	9,767
		Edgar Soto	19.0	3,509
	Submit photo	April Hiosik Ignacio	16.9	3,117
		Miguel Cuevas	10.9	2,006
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	40

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,439
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Janet Wittenbraker advanced from the Republican primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3 on July 30, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Janet Wittenbraker	98.7	12,734
	Other/Write-in votes	1.3	172

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,906
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wittenbraker in this election.

2023

General election

General election for Mayor of Tucson

Incumbent Regina Romero defeated Janet Wittenbraker, Edward Ackerley, and Arthur Kerschen in the general election for Mayor of Tucson on November 7, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Regina Romero (D)	59.9	57,559
	Janet Wittenbraker (R)	32.0	30,740
	Edward Ackerley (Independent)	6.5	6,241
	Arthur Kerschen (L)	1.4	1,326
	Other/Write-in votes	0.2	155

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 96,021
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Zach Yentzer (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mayor of Tucson

Incumbent Regina Romero defeated Francis Saitta in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Tucson on August 1, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Regina Romero	97.1	35,063
	Francis Saitta (Write-in)	0.4	148
	Other/Write-in votes	2.5	908

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 36,119
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Mayor of Tucson

Janet Wittenbraker advanced from the Republican primary for Mayor of Tucson on August 1, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Janet Wittenbraker	97.7	15,726
	Other/Write-in votes	2.3	369

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,095
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Mayor of Tucson

Arthur Kerschen advanced from the Libertarian primary for Mayor of Tucson on August 1, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Arthur Kerschen	92.8	220
	Other/Write-in votes	7.2	17

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 237
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wittenbraker in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Janet Wittenbraker has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Janet Wittenbraker, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

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2024

Janet Wittenbraker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wittenbraker's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a candidate for the Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3, I bring a wide-ranging professional experience accumulated over thirty-five years in various industries and roles. From aerospace defense to executive governmental office (City of Tucson City Manager’s Office), and commercial businesses, my career has been defined by excellence in contract management, executive administration, and regulatory compliance. Serving diverse groups, including the infirmed, elderly, incarcerated individuals, construction workers, and the wider Arizona community, has sharpened my insight into the intricate needs of our society.

Backed by a solid educational foundation with a Master of Legal Studies from Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, I possess the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of governance effectively. My commitment to promoting the protection, economic development, and welfare of Pima County through prudent fiscal management and strategic investment in transportation infrastructure.

Having previously contested for the position of Mayor of Tucson in 2023 and securing 32% of the vote, I am fully aware of the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. Nevertheless, I am prepared and eager to embrace the opportunity to bring positive change and progress to our community.

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?

Fiscal Conservative: Ensuring fiscal responsibility by restoring the budget to pre-2020 expenditure limitations, which includes the firm decision to decline any extra federal funds for the purpose of providing shelter and transportation to unvetted illegal aliens. Additionally, it necessitates the reduction of unnecessary funding and regulation.
Advocate for Public Safety: Safeguarding public safety through crime prevention and addressing the misuse of fentanyl: The Board of Supervisors in Pima County needs to adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat crime and address the fentanyl crisis. This involves collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, judges, and rehabilitation services to ensure our laws are enforced consistently. Additionally, we must focus on creating pathway
Community First: Rebuilding our failing infrastructure: Pima County deserves infrastructure that is both resilient and efficient. As a dedicated representative on the Board of Supervisors, I will be committed to collaborating with the PAG and RTA to prioritize the enhancement and modernization of our roads, bridges, and utilities. Through securing necessary funding, implementing strategic planning, and embracing innovative solutions, I will guarantee that our infrastructure not only functions effectively but also set the stage for economic growth.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The current Federal Administration and Secretary of Homeland Security have failed to secure the US border/Pima County border jeopardizing the safety of our county residents and increasing incidents of child trafficking, human enslavement, the influx of fentanyl and hindering legal migration.

The government should conduct thorough vetting and regulate the immigration process for individuals seeking asylum through legal means. Legal migration plays a crucial role in enhancing our society and boosting the economy.

The Board of Supervisors needs to promptly reject and refund any remaining federal funds designated for shelter and transportation for unvetted illegal aliens. Commit to upholding immigration laws and supporting border agents.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

It is concerning that Pima County has been unable to adequately address the public safety needs of its citizens, visitors, and businesses. Recent data indicates a substantial increase in violent crime and homicide rates, highlighting the urgency for the sheriff’s department to be adequately staffed. The Pima County Board of Supervisors should prioritize allocating sufficient budget to the sheriff department and county attorney’s office to ensure that they have the necessary personnel to enforce and prosecute laws effectively. It's important to remember that the Sheriff and County Attorney are elected officials, and it is up to the residents to decide who will be the next elected officers.

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

My mother played a crucial role in shaping my values and guiding me towards success, serving as my confidant, friend, and mentor. Her sacrifices were instrumental in ensuring that my siblings and I thrived in life.

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

I suggest individuals prioritize gaining a comprehensive understanding of the history of the United States and its participation in international conflicts. This includes familiarizing themselves with the United States Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, as well as the US and Arizona Constitution.

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

The essential qualities for an elected official include fiscal responsibility, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to serving the needs of their constituents.

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

I am dedicated to the mission of safeguarding our community and revitalizing the county. My focus will be on enhancing safety through adequate resources and support for our emergency personnel. By implementing sound financial strategies, I aim to restore our community and direct resources to areas with the greatest need.

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

To uphold the principles outlined in both the US and Arizona State Constitution. I am committed to being governed by the will of the people and ensuring the protection of their rights.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I aspire to leave behind a legacy focused on empowering the community, reducing county spending to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreasing tax burdens for the people.

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

The fall of the Berlin wall was a pivotal moment in my life, serving as a political awakening. As a high school student, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Goslar, Germany. During my time there, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Germany, including East Berlin before the wall came down. This experience left a profound impact on me, as I witnessed firsthand the effects of communism. Crossing from West Berlin to East Berlin felt like transitioning from color to black and white, as if I had traveled back in time 40 years. The buildings still bore the scars of war, with many showing damage from weapons of war.

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

My initial professional experience, aside from babysitting and part-time jobs during my teenage years, was as a bookkeeper at a dairy production company. I dedicated over five years to Driftwood Dairies, where I also took on additional responsibilities including accounts receivable/payable, customer service, and even filling in at the drive-through pick up during short staffing periods.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, because the author provides us with guiding principles for a peaceful and loving life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would just be myself, seriously, I am not so bad.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind by Neil Diamond

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have faced numerous challenges in my life, yet I have always refused to let them hinder my progress. Instead, I see them as chances for personal growth and development.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Pima County's excessive zoning and construction regulations have created unnecessary obstacles for local businesses, making it difficult for them to operate efficiently within the county. I intend to take a comprehensive approach to assess county regulatory requirements. This will involve: 1) conducting an independent review of the regulations and department policies, 2) meeting with the responsible regulatory department management, staff, and the legal counsel, and 3) organizing information sessions to gather input from the business community and constituency. If deemed appropriate and within the bounds of the law, any recommended revisions will be presented at Board of Supervisors meetings for adoption, amendment or repeal.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

While I possess extensive experience in local government, I believe that it may not be necessary for candidates/elected officials to have prior experience in government or politics. Instead, I consider it more crucial for officeholders to possess a strong grasp of financial fundamentals, legal principles, and constitutional rights.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

It is my firm conviction that a person in a position of authority should demonstrate a steadfast dedication to serving the public. Valuing the input of our diligent citizens and addressing their needs is essential. By actively seeking the community's perspectives and suggestions, we can effectively address pressing issues like reducing crime and homelessness.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Knock knock, who's there? Banana. Banana who? knock knock who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn't finish this joke?

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Latinos United for Conservative Action, Tucson Crime Free Coalition

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The Pima County Board of Supervisors is facing a critical budget crisis that requires tough decisions to be made. With limited resources, the county must prioritize essential services mandated by the State, such as public safety, transportation infrastructure, and health department services. These services are crucial for the well-being of the community and cannot be sacrificed. On the other hand, nonessential services like parks, recreation programs, libraries, and cultural events, while valuable, may need to be considered for cuts to address the financial shortfall.

One strategic approach to cost saving is through internal consolidation. By merging similar services and or programs within the county, efficiencies can be optimized, costs reduced, and service delivery improved.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors must proactively explore consolidation opportunities and make tough decisions to navigate the budget crisis effectively while still upholding essential services vital to the community's welfare.

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.

2023

Janet Wittenbraker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wittenbraker's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My candidacy for Mayor of Tucson is supported by my professional and academic experience. My career spans over 35 year serving in a multitude of roles and industries, showcasing my exceptional performance and diverse expertise in aerospace defense, government, healthcare, and commercial businesses. From executive administration to contract management, code compliance to human resources, My unparalleled track record speaks volumes. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Science and a Master of Legal Studies from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

I will be the resounding voice of all Tucsonans. My passion, experience, and commitment to progress make me the perfect candidate to lead us into a brighter future. Join me as we reclaim Tucson's potential and build a city we can all be proud to call home.

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?

Protect: Safeguarding Tucson begins with properly staffing and funding our first responders.
Rebuild: Revitalizing Tucson via fiscal responsibility and the judicious allocation of transportation funds.
Serve: I will work tirelessly to ensure a safer, cleaner, and prosperous Tucson.

Community Question Featured local question

How important is it to involve residents in the government’s decision-making process? What plans do you have regarding resident involvement in this process?

I firmly believe our local government has long imposed misplaced ideologies on its constituency, disregarding those who live, work, and pay taxes in this city. I value the voices of Tucson's constituents and pledges to actively seek their ideas for reducing crime and ending the influx of fentanyl in our community. I will work tirelessly to ensure a safer, cleaner, and prosperous Tucson. My unwavering dedication centers around enhancing the quality of life for all Tucsonans.

Community Question Featured local question

How would you address crime and public safety? Do you have a different stance than current city council policy?

Tucson’s public safety officers are greatly stressed due to insufficient staffing resulting from attrition following the “defund the police movement”, City of Tucson COVID Vaccine requirements, low morale caused by poor leadership, failure to enforce current laws, and a lack of support from Tucson Mayor and Council. I will reallocate funds from non-essential services to increase law enforcement salaries competitive with other Arizona law Enforcement Agencies, provide specialized tactical and conflict resolution training, and acquire much needed equipment, vehicles, and facilities improvements. I will task the City Manager and Chief of Police to formalize an aggressive recruitment effort for experienced, qualified officers throughout the United States, coupled with new recruits screening to ensure, those interested in becoming a law enforcement officer are qualified, meeting the minimum educational and background requirements and are committed to the City of Tucson. I will personally meet with Tucson Police Department, Administration and Officers regularly to receive their feedback and suggestions for police force improvement. I will task the City Attorney with completing a full evaluation of appointed City judges to determine if they are adequately applying the law, statutes and criminal sentencing to the extent of the law. I will trust the judgement of our officers to enforce the law and will support them in their efforts to make Tucson safer.

I will reduce the influx of fentanyl in our community by refusing Federal funding to facilitate illegal migration. I will end “Fair Free Transit” and will direct the City Attorney to revise City ordinances prohibiting any person soliciting or attempting to solicit employment, business, contributions, donations or sales of any kind from the occupant of any vehicle, homeless encampments and trespassing. I will task the Chief of Police with enforcement of the revised ordinance. I will empower City of Tucson law enforcement officers to arrest those responsible for smuggling, dealing, distribution and use of fentanyl.

Also, as a community leader, I will partner with local business owners, educational, healthcare institutions, and charitable organizations to develop programs geared towards providing mental health, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities as a deterrent to drug abuse and homelessness. I will also presser the Arizona State Legislator to reclassify fentanyl as a schedule one narcotic increasing the penalties for fentanyl smugglers and dealers.

Community Question Featured local question

What plans do you have regarding infrastructure?

I will prioritize road construction by adequately funding the City transportation department to rebuild Tucson’s failing infrastructure, focusing on one street at a time strategy to make meaningful improvements. I will reallocate funding from non-essential services such as fare-free transit and audit the taxpayer approved half-cent sales tax increase revenue to ensure proper allocation to public safety capital needs and road repairs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My policy priorities are reducing crime, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and rebuilding the City’s failing infrastructure (roads, streets, bridges, and water systems). My first and second priorities are achieved by enforcing our current laws equally, beginning with our law enforcement officers, judges, and rehabilitation via sentencing ending with creating opportunities for success for the formerly incarcerated. I will partner with local businesses, educational institutions, healthcare, charitable organizations, and the local businesses to develop programs geared towards providing employment opportunities as a deterrent to crime. My third priority is achievable by adequately funding the City transportation department to rebuild Tucson’s failing infrastructure, focusing on one street at a time strategy to make meaningful improvements.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Pima County GOP; Ally Miller Former Pima County Board of Supervisors, Roxanne Ziegler Council Member Town of Marana.

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.

Note: Community Questions were submitted by the public and chosen for inclusion by a volunteer advisory board. The chosen questions were modified by staff to adhere to Ballotpedia’s neutrality standards. To learn more about Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Expansion Project, click here.

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Tucson City Council Ward 3

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 1, 2023
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 4, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 1, 2023

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 4, 2024

[1]

[2]

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Janet Wittenbraker

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Tucson City Council Ward 3

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 3

Endorsements

2023

General election

General election for Mayor of Tucson

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mayor of Tucson

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Mayor of Tucson

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Mayor of Tucson

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

2023

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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