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Adrian is a member of the Navajo Nation from Shiprock, NM. He was born in Shiprock and raised in his family’s home on the Navajo Reservation. He attended the Arizona State University at age 16 and studied Sociology and Urban Development. He returned to the Navajo Nation to teach elementary school history and sociology at a school near Gallup. He spent two summers helping his uncle on geological surveys, learning earth-building techniques, and backpacking. His love of beautiful landscapes and the indigenous architecture found across the Navajo Nation—from New Mexico to Arizona to Utah—prompted him to learn more about urban design and development. He attended UC Berkeley to earn his PhD in Urban Development and Planning. After graduating, he took a job at ASU and became the youngest Assistant Professor at the university. In 2018, he settled in Phoenix to begin teaching at ASU. He never imagined himself running for office or getting involved in politics.
However, the 2016 election, the dismemberment of National Monuments in the Southwest, and the bigotry of the Trump Administration reminded him that he has a duty to protect his family, lands, and the earth. He volunteered for the Democratic candidate for AZ SD-02 in 2022, and decided to take the leap with her encouragement.
In Arizona, our communities deserve comprehensive measures to prevent gun violence. If I'm sent to Phoenix, I'll fight to champion legislation that enhances gun safety, protects our residents, and ensures responsible firearm ownership. I'll strike a balance between common sense gun ownership and prioritizing the safety of our communities.
My key issues include:
Universal Background Checks: I supports the implementation of universal background checks for all firearm purchases, closing existing loopholes and ensuring that every individual seeking to buy a gun undergoes a thorough background screening.
Closing the Gun Show and Online Sales Loopholes: To prevent the unchecked flow of firearms, I advocate for closing loopholes in current legislation that allow for the purchase of guns at gun shows and online without proper background checks.
Investment in Mental Health Services: We need to be investing in mental health services to address the underlying factors that contribute to gun violence, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the support and care they need.
I believe in a fair wage for a fair day's work. Right now, too many working families in Arizona are struggling to make ends meet on the current minimum wage. That's not right, and we can do better. That's why, if elected, I'm committed to championing legislation that strengthens the minimum wage, putting more money in the pockets of our workers and boosting our local economy.
Here's what I stand for:
Raise the Minimum Wage too $20/hr: I believe that a full-time job should provide enough income to cover the basics – housing, food, healthcare, and more. It's time to set a living wage that reflects Arizona's true cost of living.
Gender and Racial Pay Equity: Pay should be fair for everyone. I'm committed to closing the gender and racial pay gaps to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, is paid equitably for their work.
Small Business Support: I understand the concerns of our small businesses. That's why I'll work to implement policies that support our local businesses as we strengthen the minimum wage, finding a balance that ensures our economy thrives.
I believe in a woman's right to make her own choices about her body, health, and future. As your representative, I am unwavering in my commitment to protecting and expanding reproductive rights for all Arizonans, especially in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision.
I'll fight for:
Navigating the Post-Dobbs Landscape: The Dobbs case has brought new challenges to reproductive rights, and I am committed to navigating this post-Dobbs landscape to ensure that the rights protected by Roe v. Wade are preserved at the state level.
Access to Comprehensive Healthcare: I believe that every person deserves access to comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive healthcare. I will advocate for policies that ensure affordable and accessible reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, prenatal care, and abortion services.
Supporting Planned Parenthood and Women's Health Clinics: I will advocate for continued funding and support for organizations like Planned Parenthood and other women's health clinics that play a vital role in providing essential reproductive healthcare services to women and families across Arizona.