Sen. Rosanna Gabaldon represents the 21st District. The Democrat has represented the district since 2020 and previously served four terms in the Arizona House of Representatives. Before joining the Legislature, Mr. Gabaldon worked as a Pima County clerk and held various private sector jobs, including in banking.
The 21 new districts created in the 2021-22 redistricting process include the area south of Broadway between 4th Street and Pantano Road in downtown Tucson. It stretches south through Sahuarita and incorporates southern Arizona communities such as Nogales and Bisbee, as well as the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. According to the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, as of October 31, there were 54,356 Democrats, 27,013 Republicans, 985 Libertarians, 552 No-Label voters, and Independents (or those officially recognized by the state). There are 47,303 people (voters who are not registered with any of the four political parties) living in the city. Given the Democratic voter registration advantage, the 21st District is considered “uncompetitive” by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. About half of registered voters identify as Hispanic and about 3 percent identify as Native American, making it considered a “minority-majority” district.
What are your priorities in addressing the national budget deficit?
My top priorities in addressing the national budget deficit are fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and ensuring that essential services are available to my constituents. I believe in a balanced approach that combines prudent spending reductions with strategic revenue generation. I am dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in the budget process. I am committed to reviewing existing programs to identify inefficiencies and areas where spending can be optimized without compromising critical services. I advocate exploring revenue-generating measures that align with the state's economic goals, including attracting new businesses, fostering innovation, and fostering job creation. Investing in public education and health care is critical to our state's long-term prosperity. Prioritizing these areas will improve the quality of life for residents and help ensure a skilled and healthy workforce essential for economic development.
What key policy areas other than the budget will you focus on this year?
My legislative focus is to address critical policy areas that directly impact the well-being and future of our communities. I am committed to implementing sustainable water policies that ensure responsible use, protect natural resources, and support the needs of both urban and rural communities. I advocate for affordable housing, address homelessness, and encourage responsible urban development. Housing is a problem that requires comprehensive and thoughtful solutions. Here in Arizona, no one should have to sacrifice their life. Public education must remain at the forefront of our priorities. Investing in public schools, teachers, and educational infrastructure gives children the best opportunity for success.
Are there any policy issues that are important to you and your constituents that you would like to see highlighted this year?
Local groundwater management best practices and local infrastructure investment are important policy issues to my constituents and me. Our future depends on addressing sustainable water issues across the state. I will work with my colleagues, community leaders, and stakeholders to raise awareness of the need to reform groundwater management laws.
