Justin Wilmeth

Justin Wilmeth was born in Odessa, Texas, and lives in the Deer Valley area of Arizona. Wilmeth earned a B.S. in political science, cum laude, from Arizona State University in 2013 and an M.P.A. from Arizona State University in 2019. His career experience includes working as an actor, a newswriter for KFOR Oklahoma's News 4, a campaign manager and field representative, a communications specialist for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, a deputy state director for Americans for Prosperity - Oklahoma, a communications editor for AH Strategies and a policy advisor to the Arizona House of Representatives. Wilmeth also founded Firebrand Strategic Consulting.[1][2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

In his early life, during the challenges and triumphs of the Reagan era, Justin developed a heart for conservative principles that have produced abundant prosperity. He was born in West Texas, where his family operated farmland and his father worked in the oil industry. He comes from a long line of tough, hardworking folks who instilled in him the importance of commitment, loyalty and understanding. Justin’s time on the family farm taught him the importance of pro-business, low-regulatory policy and what it means for economic prosperity.

Justin got his start in politics when he helped a friend run for office in 2004. Since then, he has served in various grassroots and policy positions in Oklahoma before moving to Phoenix to serve as a policy advisor for the Republican Caucus in the Arizona House of Representatives. Justin is a graduate from Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science as well as a Master’s in Public Administration.

Between his life experiences and education, Justin has proven to be an adept state legislator. He first won election to the House in 2020. In only one term at the Arizona House of Representatives, he was the prime sponsor of 18 bills that were signed into law. He set a record in the 2021 legislative session, seeing a whopping 8 of his sponsored bills signed into law, a first-year freshman record.

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?

Secure the BorderStrong Economic EnvironmentRestoring confidence in elections

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Matters related to commerce drive me the most. To keep Arizona grand, we must continue to be innovative on the economic front. Arizona has a great reputation as a business and economic powerhouse and I aim to keep it that way.

Transportation issues matter to me a bunch. We can't get anywhere without quality roads. Phoenix is a big city but the traffic here is fairly smooth most of the time. We must continue to invest in roads and bridges to keep Arizona moving.

Parental rights and medical freedom are important to me as well. The government doesn't need to coerce us!

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

"Conscience of a Conservative" by Barry Goldwater. Still relevant to this day.

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

Honesty. Stand up for your beliefs and let others know. They might not like what they hear, but at least they'll respect you for it.

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

In order: 1. Listen to your constituents; 2. Consider the wider needs of the state as a whole; 3. Vote your conscience

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

Challenger Explosion. I was 6 years old. I'll never forget that footage or President Reagan's speech.

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

A relationship of constant communication. The governor can only take action on bills passed by we here at the legislature. Holding meetings and conversations leading up to bills potentially getting signed will make the process flow better.

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

Water is the biggest. It's not the sexiest topic, but if we don't get the water situation figured out for the long term, the state will wither away. The investment in water we made this past session is a great step, but we must stay focused on long-term fixes.

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

While not necessary, it's not a bad thing. I was a legislative staffer for 12 years and that experience helped me to have a very solid rookie term as a representative for LD15.

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

Absolutely yes. Much like life, a good relationship at home, or at work, or at the legislature can mean the difference between a bill passing or failing. I have good relationships with many legislators and that has been beneficial.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

It is a political question and should be in the hands of the state legislature.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

This past term I was on the Commerce, Transportation and Health committees.

I enjoyed Commerce because the topics touched on business and economic matters that directly benefited Arizonans.

Transportation was interesting to me because we need to ensure we have solid investments in infrastructure so we can all get around.

Health was an honor to be a part of because topics here addressed matters that are truly life and death.

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

Jeff Weninger. I respect and appreciate his cool, calm and pragmatic nature. He was effective and a force. I hope to match that.

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

Goodness, I still can't believe I hold office now. I guess I'd be open to it, but I truly have my head set on eight years in the Legislature. I would be 49 at that point and then we would see where my life is at.

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

Rarely can one member or party get everything they want all at once. Reasonable and pragmatic compromise is often the route needed to get stuff done.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running to ensure Arizona is friendly to business, commerce, and your individual liberties. I'm a limited government, pro-life, pro-freedom conservative. I was born in West Texas to a family involved in the oil and farming industries. My ancestors instilled in me the importance of commitment, loyalty, and hard work. My family's farms showed me the importance of having a pro-business environment so the economy can thrive. I got my start in politics/government in 2004. I served in state policy and grassroots positions in Oklahoma, immersing myself in how state laws impact us on a daily basis. Because of the amazing career and economic opportunities offered here, I left Oklahoma and decided to make Arizona home. I served at the Arizona House of Representatives as a policy advisor for the Republican caucus where I learned the needs and priorities of Arizonans across the state. I hold a BS in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Arizona State University. I intend to bring principled, conservative, visionary leadership to the Arizona House to protect and extend our bright future!

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?

I want an Arizona friendly to individual libertiesI'm a life member of the NRA and 100 percent pro-2nd AmendmentI want to streamline state government wherever possible and reform the tax code to make it easier on everyday Arizonans

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

-- Commerce

-- Military Affairs and Public Safety

-- Transportation/Infrastructure

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

My three favorite American public servants are Calvin Coolidge, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. I look up to each of them for different reasons. I admire President Coolidge because he walked the walk when it came to keeping government small and unobtrusive. I grew up watching President Reagan on TV and I remember how happy, safe and optimistic he made me feel. As for Sen. Goldwater, I greatly admired his approach to government and his conservative, small government approach.

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

Barry Goldwater's "Conscience of a Conservative." Sen. Goldwater's values and beliefs are still core tenants of conservatism today and they will guide me as I work for the people of LD15.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was always reachable and worked hard for the constituents of LD15. It's important to me I stay open and relatable to the voters. I would want to be remembered as a guy who held office for the right reasons and did all he could for Arizonans.

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

The Challenger explosion. I was six years old at the time and so much had been mentioned about that particular shuttle mission because teacher Christa McAuliffe was on board. That evening, I remember watching President Reagan on TV saying the Challenger 7 had "slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God."

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

It was at a Wendy's in Bethany, Oklahoma. I worked there for nine months until that location closed down. It was the perfect job for a teenager. I worked hard, but I enjoyed running the drive thru - and the discounted Frosty's.

What is your favorite book? Why?

1984. I first read it in high school and it has stuck with me ever since. It's important to me because it is a harrowing warning of what government could become if it were able to control your every waking thought and move. Socialistic totalitarianism is never the answer and Orwell showed that with striking storytelling.

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

While it's not required, yes, I do believe it is beneficial. As with any field, there are certain complexities to government and politics and it's handy to know what you're up against. As a former legislative staffer, I understand entirely what's ahead and have the know-how to be effective for LD15 from day one on the job.

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

-- Keeping up with population growth

-- Water issues

-- Border issues

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

Absolutely! It is vital. I'm blessed to have 12 endorsements from current Arizona state legislators and those relationships will assist LD15 getting the right kind of representation at the state Capitol.