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Justine Wadsack
Justine Wadsack (Republican Party) was a member of the Arizona State Senate, representing District 17. She assumed office on January 9, 2023. She left office on January 13, 2025.
Wadsack (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Arizona State Senate to represent District 17. She lost in the Republican primary on July 30, 2024.
Biography
Justine Wadsack was born in Tucson, Arizona. Wadsack graduated from Catalina High School in 1990. She became a licensed real estate agent, earning her licensure from the Hogan School of Real Estate, in 2012. Her career experience includes working in public relations, advertising, marketing, and owning a small business.[1][2] Wadsack served on the board of directors for the Log Cabin Republicans of Tucson. She was affiliated with Purple for Parents, the Tucson Association of Realtors, the Downtown Tucson Partnership, the Women's Council of Realtors, and was also a board member for the Hearth Foundation.[3]
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023-2024
Wadsack was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Education and Transportation Committee, Vice Chair
- Government Committee
- Senate Health and Human Services Committee
- Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee
- Senate Ethics Committee
Elections
2024
See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for Arizona State Senate District 17
Vince Leach defeated John McLean in the general election for Arizona State Senate District 17 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Vince Leach (R)  | 51.0 | 77,714 |
 | John McLean (D) | 49.0 | 74,669 | |
| Total votes: 152,383 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17
John McLean advanced from the Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17 on July 30, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John McLean | 100.0 | 26,428 |
| Total votes: 26,428 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 17
Vince Leach defeated incumbent Justine Wadsack in the Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 17 on July 30, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Vince Leach | 52.7 | 19,363 |
 | Justine Wadsack | 47.3 | 17,409 | |
| Total votes: 36,772 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wadsack in this election.
2022
See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Arizona State Senate District 17
Justine Wadsack defeated Mike Nickerson in the general election for Arizona State Senate District 17 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Justine Wadsack (R) | 51.2 | 63,501 |
 | Mike Nickerson (D) | 48.8 | 60,420 | |
| Total votes: 123,921 | |||
| = 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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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17
Mike Nickerson advanced from the Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 17 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mike Nickerson | 100.0 | 29,795 |
| Total votes: 29,795 | |||
| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 17
Justine Wadsack defeated incumbent Vince Leach and Robert Barr in the Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 17 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Justine Wadsack | 40.9 | 16,329 |
| Vince Leach | 35.5 | 14,161 | |
 | Robert Barr | 23.6 | 9,407 | |
| Total votes: 39,897 | |||
| = 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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Campaign finance
2020
State Senate
See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2020
General election
General election for Arizona State Senate District 10
Kirsten Engel defeated Justine Wadsack in the general election for Arizona State Senate District 10 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Kirsten Engel (D) | 58.7 | 67,320 |
| Justine Wadsack (R) | 41.3 | 47,394 | |
| Total votes: 114,714 | |||
| = 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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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 10
Kirsten Engel defeated David Moore in the Democratic primary for Arizona State Senate District 10 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kirsten Engel | 100.0 | 32,607 |
| David Moore (Write-in) | 0.0 | 6 | ||
| Total votes: 32,613 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 10
Justine Wadsack advanced from the Republican primary for Arizona State Senate District 10 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Justine Wadsack | 100.0 | 19,891 |
| Total votes: 19,891 | |||
| = 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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Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view Wadsack's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
U.S. House
See also: Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, 2020
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, 2020 (August 4 Republican primary)
Arizona's 2nd Congressional District election, 2020 (August 4 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Arizona District 2
Incumbent Ann Kirkpatrick defeated Brandon Martin, Iman-Utopia Layjou Bah, and Brandon Schlass in the general election for U.S. House Arizona District 2 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ann Kirkpatrick (D) | 55.1 | 209,945 |
 | Brandon Martin (R) | 44.9 | 170,975 | |
 | Iman-Utopia Layjou Bah (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 99 | |
| Brandon Schlass (Common Sense Moderate) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 35 | ||
| Total votes: 381,054 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2
Incumbent Ann Kirkpatrick defeated Peter Quilter in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ann Kirkpatrick | 76.3 | 77,517 |
 | Peter Quilter | 23.7 | 24,035 | |
| Total votes: 101,552 | |||
| = 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Nevin Kohler (D)
- Andres Portela (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2
Brandon Martin defeated Noran Ruden, Joseph Morgan, and Jordan Flayer in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arizona District 2 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brandon Martin | 42.5 | 31,730 |
 | Noran Ruden | 33.6 | 25,049 | |
 | Joseph Morgan | 23.9 | 17,802 | |
| Jordan Flayer (Write-in) | 0.1 | 52 | ||
| Total votes: 74,633 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Mike Boyd (R)
- Justine Wadsack (R)
- Mike Ligon (R)
- Shay Stautz (R)
- Jason Bacon (R)
- James Schmidt (R)
Campaign finance
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Justine Wadsack did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
2022
Justine Wadsack did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Justine Wadsack completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wadsack's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1. National Security / Border Wall / Immigration Reform / Asylum - DACA Reform / CBP Pay Restoration / CDC Disease Deployment 2. Abortion / Right to Life / Take Heartbeat Bill to the SCOTUS 3. Education / School Choice 4 All / ESA 4 All / Stop Political-Sexual Indoctrination / Federal Block Grants to States / End US DoE 4. Healthcare Reform / Open Pharma Regulations to Promote Prescription Competition / Mental Health / VA Reform 5. Constitution
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I believe in personal responsibility, free market capitalism, free enterprise, small business, a strong national defense, small government, deregulation, restrictions on labor unions, socially-conservative policies, and traditional values, usually with a Christian foundation.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). He is in line with my positions on issues, and his style of communication is relatable to the public. He is firm in his beliefs, but truly has a way of helping people see the reasons behind each issue, educating them, not indoctrinating them. It's refreshing to watch a Military approach in Congress, and in my opinion, the Military perspective has been missing and needs to be more prominent.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Erin Brockovich. She was an every day citizen who realized her talents to find solutions, strengths as an advocate and selfless efforts to put her abilities to work for the citizens she helped.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Transparency, Ethics, a Strong Moral Compass, Integrity, Fearlessness, Tenacity, Patience.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I take pride in the work I do, whether it's helping a buyer find the perfect home, or applying the Federal requirements to the bottle label artwork for the new batch of distilled Vodka. People who know me will tell you that I have the tenacity and attention to detail to not only get the job done, but also execute with accuracy. I am also a strong problem solver and negotiator as both a small business owner and Realtor. These combined skilled have translated well during my 10 years as an advocate for Parents Rights, Veterans Rights, and the rights of Disabled children in my district. These skills also allowed me to assist legal teams in our 3 year fight for our disabled daughter's rights to safety, a case we would not have won without my explicit skill set. These are the skills necessary in Congress today.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Yes.
What legacy would you like to leave?
To sponsor / co-sponsor / vote for legislature on the issues presented to me by my future constituents during public and private talks on the campaign trail. Their issues are my issues, and I will fight for them as if they were my own. I intend to uphold full transparency during and after I win the election in 2020.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I was living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with my parents in 1978-1979, as my father was there for business. I remember riding a camel, shopping in souks, and playing with the Arabian children next door to our home. We had a delicious date tree in our front yard, and the electricity would go out almost nightly due to the consistent 120 degree temperature, so we would sleep on the roof. The downstairs bathroom was ridden with cockroaches, the water faucets filled with ants that we would boil and sift out, and I named the lizard on our kitchen window "Habibi", meaning "love". The only television shows were Gilligan's Island, Fritz the Cat and Betty Boop. There was a local grocer who snuck Christmas lights and a rubber tree plant to us so we could hav a Christmas tree. But the most memorable was the Muslim Mosque with their speaker pointing right outside my 2nd story bedroom window, where I was awakened to the sound of "Allah Akbar" over the loud speaker several times each day. One day, we were told to leave Riyadh and flee to London England due to the Iran Hostage Crisis under President Jimmy Carter, and we did. I remember on our first night in the London apartment, I waited in the open window sill for Mary Poppins to visit me, and wound up getting sick. We were there for several months. But once President Ronald Regan was sworn into office, Iran released the Hostages, and we were allowed to return home to America.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked at the AMC movie theater in Tucson, AZ. I was 15 years old, and I would ride my bike there. Goonies was the box office hit when I started, so I'm dating myself a bit. I was there for 1 year before being recruited to work at the new Catalina movie theater, a 2 story building that looked like Xanadu. I was there for 3 years, as it was the perfect job for high school and college. I was awarded the employee of the month 9 out of 12 months one year. I loved that job, and I loved that building. Today, it is in ruins, as it is to be torn down for new development.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I'm very inexperienced with dating, really. I was married to my first husband for nearly 20 years. Then, years later with no dates in between, I married my second husband, and we've been married going on 10 years. Clearly, commitment to long term relationships is a non-issue with me.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
As a Christian of Episcopal faith, my favorite holidays are Christmas and Easter as they celebrate Christ's birth and ascension. As a Tucsonan in Southern Arizona, I always look forward to: Dia De Los Muertos. This is a festival prayer and remembrance of friends and family members who have died. It has stilt walkers, acrobats, a parade at night lit with fire torches that lead to a giant urn. Participants dressed up in sugar skull face paint and ghostly attire carry photos and details of the loved ones - even pets - they wish to honor, and they take the photos to the urn to burn as way to return the spirits to peace. It's something everyone should experience at least once.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Holy Bible. It is "The Book" that has taught me how to interpret, respond to, and learn from the various situations in my life.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Wonder Woman. I am 6' tall, so when I was a child, I was teased and called an "Amazon", which used to bother me. Then Linda Carter's TV show showing Wonder Woman as a tall, fierce, powerful, strong, beautiful, good, hero... who was also an Amazon, and she has been my favorite DC character, and role model to this day.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My bed. I recently splurged on a "Purple 4" mattress, and let me tell you.... it has saved my life. A restful sleep leads to a productive day.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Moby - "The Ceremony of the Innocent"
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
People who have taken advantage of my kindness, and of my trust in them.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
The process of common sense. My district, AZ 02, is a poorly drawn... and is a disservice to the public.
What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
It is a Government body made up of elected officials who represent the people. But "We The People" has become lost, as the elected officials are no longer made up of every day people from each district. It is made up of professional politicians. "The People" want to put the "We" back into Congress, starting with me.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
I must ask "what experience does an American require other than being a US citizen and being of age"? None. That's not what the founders intended. They wanted real, every day citizens representing other every day citizens. I do believe that there are many truly amazing Congressmen and women currently holding office, as they are true patriots. But I also believe there are many of the wrong groups pushing candidates, and the wrong candidates getting elected, who have the wrong intentions, and the agenda is to change our Nation in ways that are un-American. , and more often times they are the ones with the most "experience" in the political arena.
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
It comes down to one word -- -- -- RESPECT. There is a lack of respect for our President, Administration, Government, Military, Border Patrol Agents, Police, Veterans and those who serve. There is a lack of respect for our Rights to Privacy, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights and Freedoms. There is a lack of respect and simple courtesies between Strangers, Neighbors, Friends and Family. There is a lack of respect for our Sovereignty as a Nation, Laws, our Constitution, and the Rules that established America today. This is the time for a new Congress, with new elected perspectives, who are capable of representing our constituents fully, while remaining open to bi-partisan communication and willingness to negotiate for common ground that benefits the many, not the few. Now is the time to bridge the gap between ALL PEOPLE in order to create a more peaceful Nation. This is our most important task yet.
If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Homeland Security, Education
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
No. In my opinion, it's not long enough, as more than a year of it is spent campaigning for the next election. 4 year terms would be more reasonable.
What are your thoughts on term limits?
On the surface, the idea of term limits is a strong one, given the potential to forcibly remove the forces of corruption that so many assume dictate the ways of Washington. However, what is more likely to happen is the successful public policies we rely on, would be compromised as a result of our most effective and seasoned lawmakers being forced out of the institution. I believe, as constituents, we should rely on the most effective mechanism available to remove unresponsive, ineffectual members of Congress -- -- -- Elections.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
The Freedom Caucus is of great interest to me. I highly respect Rep. Meadows and Rep. Jordan, and value their true representation of the voices of their people, as “the House Freedom Caucus gives a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them. We support open, accountable and limited government, the Constitution and the rule of law, and policies that promote the liberty, safety and prosperity of all Americans.”
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). He's ticking all the boxes of a truly great leader, consistently showing his integrity and patriotism. I also admire his approach with the American people he addresses through his social media outreach. He is a man of his word.
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
No... and that's the problem. Those running in my state have run for the wrong reasons.
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.
2019
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
It is time to restore Congress back to a body of every day Americans as intended by our founders. I will consistently represent my constituents the way in which I would expect to be represented. I have spent years fighting for the rights of the underprivileged and those without a voice of their own. I have personally learned of the holes in the system, of which I have overcome successfully. So, I intend to use my earned knowledge to help the greater good so they may fully understand their rights, be free from injustice, and live the American dream. Is there anything you would like to add? I am a philanthropist, an advocate, an empath and creative thinker. I have spent the past 10 years as a public servant, working with the public on a daily basis, while I listen and assist all of those who have no knowledge of their individual rights, much less how to achieve peace within the broken state and federal systems.[4] |
” |
| —Justine Wadsack[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Arizona scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
In 2024, the Arizona State Legislature was in session from January 8 to June 15.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to family issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on animal issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on secular policy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental policy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic policy.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Arizona State Legislature was in session from January 9 to July 31.
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Noteworthy events
2024 speeding case
On March 15, 2024, Wadsack was pulled over for speeding by Tucson, Arizona city police. She was not cited that night due to legislative immunity, which protects state elected officials from being cited or arrested while in legislative session.[5]
In July 2024, she was charged with excessive speeding and failure to provide proof of insurance.[6]
On September 17, 2024, Wadsack pleaded not guilty. Her next court date is set for October 28.[7]
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Justine Wadsack 2022 campaign website, "About Justine Wadsack," accessed January 14, 2023
- ↑ "LinkedIn," "Senator Justine Wadsack," accessed January 14, 2023
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on June 10, 2019
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ AZ Family, “Arizona senator avoids speeding citation due to loophole" accessed September 19, 2024
- ↑ tucson.com, “State Sen. Justine Wadsack pleads not guilty in Tucson speeding case" accessed September 19, 2024
- ↑ AZ Family, “Arizona state Sen. Justine Wadsack pleads not guilty in criminal speeding case" accessed September 19, 2024
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Javan Daniel Mesnard (R) |
Arizona State Senate District 17 2023-2025 |
Succeeded by Vince Leach (R) |
