Stephanie Walsh

Stephanie Walsh earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a mechanical engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a businesswoman, engineer, wife, mother, and neighbor.

I’ve spent more than 30 years solving complex, real-world problems in energy, engineering, and business. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to the Arizona Senate.

I live in this community. I care about the same things families across LD14 care about: the cost of living, strong schools, reliable and affordable utilities, Arizona’s water supply, local businesses, good jobs, and attainable homeownership.

This campaign isn’t about party. It’s about people.

Arizona needs leaders who listen. Leaders who are accountable. Leaders who can work across differences and deliver practical, lasting results.

What drives me is simple: future generations deserve a better path forward.

We need experienced problem-solvers who can bring people together, focus on what works, and build stronger communities for our children and grandchildren.

I’d be honored to have your support.

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?

Affordability and economic opportunity are urgent concerns for Arizonans, from groceries and gas to jobs, housing, childcare, and healthcare.

Policies I support focus on:

Housing Affordability - Increase supply of homes, reduce unnecessary barriers, and encourage creative housing options to expand home ownership.

Education - Strengthen Career and Technical Education and stabilize public education funding

Infrastructure - Wise investments in water, energy, grid, and transportation infrastructure

Taxes - Family-friendly and small business-friendly tax environment

State Budget - Improve state budgeting process through earlier planning, bipartisan working groups, and greater transparency. Taxpayer dollars are a public trust.Arizona’s future depends on reliable, affordable energy and responsible water management. I understand these challenges from both technical and business perspectives.

I support practical policies that:

* Expand responsible energy development

Strengthen energy grid reliability, affordability, and security

Ensure industrial energy users are good neighbors that don't shift costs or reliability issues onto Arizona families and businesses

Protect Arizona’s critical water resources from high-volume water users

Increase investments in reclaimed water systems, conservation, and water efficient technologies

Pursue responsible water augmentation, reuse, and regional water solutions

Protect State groundwaterA strong public education system and workforce development are fundamental to Arizona’s future. Great students, great employees, and great citizens come from all walks of life. Every Arizona child deserves access to a high-quality education.

I support policies that address:

Accountability in Arizona’s ESA voucher program and reining in the rapidly growing costs.

Increasing support for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Enhancing workforce training partnerships between high schools, technical and community colleges, universities, and businesses.

Strengthening early-childhood and school-readiness programs by increasing funding through including vaping products in AZ’s tobacco tax.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy, water, ai, the economy, education

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

Those with integrity and character. If I have to pick, I'll list Joe & Steve (no last names), who worked at my engineering firm--they were honest, humble, and cared deeply about the needs of other people. They are examples of strong character in their workplaces, churches, and communities.

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

Honesty, transparency, and careful consideration of the facts and all opinions.

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

To build trust. Listen to constituents. Make decisions based on the best interests of all.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Communities where we trust each other again.

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

Albertson's - bagging groceries then as a checker. ~3 yrs. I also worked on the potato combine every fall on my family's farm, but I don't think for money.

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

Talking too fast at times.

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

Some push and pull between the legislature and the governor is healthy and provides better outcomes for

Arizona. But the relationship should be respectful and based in the desire for positive outcomes for all Arizonans.

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

Water is always an issue, but energy is quickly on the horizon. We need to move quickly and wisely.

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

Usually it's necessary and helpful. But it depends on the impacts of the policy and the intent behind it. Good-faith negotiations should always be the goal.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Chandler-Gilbert Indivisible

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the moon landings--probably Apollo 12. I was very young, but my family watched it together and everyone got very quiet but excited.