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Public Policy Priorities
Lowering Monthly Utility Bills: Utility costs are the most consistent concern I hear across all counties - every party, every demographic. Rate hikes approved by the Commission have hurt people’s budgets. I will push for stricter oversight of rate cases and demand accountability from the utility companies. Investing in Clean, Reliable Energy & Water: Reliance on outdated, polluting infrastructure that drains our aquifers or harms air quality is a losing path. We need to meet the future head on and upgrade our grid, invest in water conservation, and diversify our energy sources. Restoring Public Trust and Accountability: Right now, many Arizonans feel the Corporation Commission is not asking the tough questions and is too aligned with big utilities. I believe Commissioners should serve the people, not special interests. I will show up everywhere, listen, bring facts and science to deliberations, and ensure the voices of everyday Arizonans are central in decision-making.
Qualifications and Experience
I have lived in Arizona my entire life. I was born in Kingman, grew up in Phoenix, and have lived and worked in Tempe since 2000. I have not held elected office before as I am a scientist and educator, not a career politician. I earned my Ph.D. in geological sciences and worked at Arizona State University on NASA missions exploring Mars and other planets. I decided to run for the Arizona Corporation Commission after taking a closer look at why utility bills across the state keep increasing. I discovered that this little-known elected body has major control over electricity and water rates, yet many voters don’t realize its power. I am running to bring transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making to the Commission and to make sure Arizona’s energy future is affordable, reliable, and built for the next generation.
Memberships & Affiliations
American Geophysical Union; National Aeronautics and Space Administration: NASA Group Achievement Award - OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Approach and Preliminary Survey Team (June 2019); NASA Group Achievement Award - Mars Odyssey Comet Siding Spring Observation Planning Team (May 2015); NASA Group Achievement Award - Mars Exploration Rover Science and Operations Team (May 2014); NASA Group Achievement Award - Mars Exploration Rover 3rd and 4th Extended Mission Team (May 2008)
Endorsements
I have been endorsed by numerous labor unions and community organizations, such as Communications Workers of America, Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, Fight Corporate Monopolies, Keep AZ Blue Student Coalition, and more. A full list of my endorsements will be available on my website.
Education
Arizona State University — Bachelor’s Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Russian Language & Literature Master’s Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Geological Sciences Ph.D. in Geological Sciences
Affordability is directly connected to the work of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Families across Arizona are struggling with rising electricity and water costs while utilities continue reporting large — even record-breaking — profits. I believe the Commission has a responsibility to aggressively scrutinize rate hikes, demand transparency from utilities, and ensure that working people are not carrying the burden alone. I will push for stronger oversight of rate cases, public participation in utility decisions, and investments in cleaner, more efficient energy systems that lower long-term costs. Arizona also needs to modernize its grid and prioritize technologies like battery storage and water conservation to avoid expensive, outdated infrastructure that ultimately increases costs for consumers.
Affordability is also about economic opportunity. Arizona can create good-paying jobs and attract investment by leading in clean energy innovation rather than falling behind other states an
When the utilities ask for rate increases, the Commission needs to closely scrutinize the costs that they are asking to recover, particularly whether or not those investments were necessary and prudent. The current Commission has been far too eager to approve effectively everything that the utility companies have claimed. In the cases of the larger utilities, independent analysis performed by RUCO (Residential Utilities Consumer Office) regularly shows that the utility companies should only be receiving a fraction of the increases they have asked for. Yet the Commission has repeatedly ignored the advice of RUCO and approved the large increases as-requested.
If the utility companies fail to control costs and protect consumers, the Commission needs to hold them accountable. This could include subpoenaing additional documents to demonstrate to the public exactly where they are failing to control costs, fining the utilities when they fail to provide a reasonable and timely level of custom
I strongly believe that new large energy users should be paying for the full cost of the infrastructure, energy, and water resources they require. First, I would require transparent cost-of-service studies to identify impacts on existing customers. Second, I would support rates and fees that ensure new infrastructure is funded by the large energy users themselves and their customers creating the demand, not residential households or small businesses. Third, I would require clear planning for water use, energy reliability, and grid upgrades before approval. Finally, I would closely monitor actual costs and adjust policies. Growth should strengthen Arizona’s economy without shifting risks or expenses onto existing ratepayers.
I believe that Arizona should pursue a strategy rooted in science and economic reality. We should continue expanding cost-effective renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization while maintaining reliability and affordability. As we transition to using more clean energy, we must plan carefully and take great care to protect customers and support economic growth. To ensure a stable transition, the Corporation Commission should provide transparent oversight, evaluate proposals using objective technical evidence, and encourage innovation that improves efficiency and resilience. My experience working on NASA missions and advanced engineering projects has taught me the importance of long-term planning, risk assessment, and evidence-based decision-making, skills that are critical as Arizona prepares for future energy and water challenges.
Arizona’s water future depends on responsible management of limited resources. The Commission must ensure water companies provide reliable service, maintain infrastructure, and make necessary investments without imposing unreasonable costs on customers. I support conservation programs, leak reduction efforts, infrastructure modernization, and water-efficient technologies that help stretch existing supplies. Because many regulated water providers depend on groundwater, growth decisions must consider the long-term health of local aquifers. I can provide the Commission with the analysis of sound science, local geology, and transparent data it needs to balance sustainable growth, water reliability, conservation, and affordability for Arizona residents.
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Campaign YouTube
Public Policy Priorities
Lowering Monthly Utility Bills: Arizonans are struggling with rising utility bills, and I am committed to stopping unjustified rate hikes and ensuring families and seniors can rely on affordable, dependable service. I will strengthen consumer protections and support small businesses, particularly in rural and tribal communities, by making sure they have access to fair, affordable energy that allows them to thrive. Building Arizona’s Clean Energy Future: Arizona must harness its immense renewable energy potential. Investing in clean energy today will create good-paying jobs, secure our energy grid, and lower bills, positioning Arizona as a leader in sustainable, long-term economic growth. Restoring Public Trust and Accountability: The Corporation Commission has been dominated by special interests for too long. As a Clean Elections candidate, I refuse corporate utility money and will restore integrity and transparency so the Commission answers only to the people - not powerful lobbyists
Qualifications and Experience
I have dedicated my life to public service and advocating for underserved communities. A member of the Navajo Nation, I grew up in Lupton, Arizona, without electricity or running water until middle school—an experience that shaped my commitment to reliable, affordable, and clean energy. I have served under three U.S. Presidents and four Navajo Nation Presidents, advancing economic and tribal policy. Now a small business owner and co-founder of Navajo Power, I promote responsible solar development across the Southwest - especially for off the grid communities living on rural tribal land. I will be the first Native American woman ever nominated for statewide office by the Arizona Democratic Party and, if elected, would become the first Native American to win statewide office in Arizona history. I am running for Arizona’s Corporation Commission to lower costs, protect consumers, and expand sustainable energy production to make Arizona a better, more affordable state for all.
Memberships & Affiliations
Elected DNC Native American Caucus Chair 2020 - current; Appointed to the President’s White House Infrastructure Advisory Committee in 2020; Appointed Chief of Staff of the Navajo Nation in 2018; Appointed Navajo Nation Washington Office Director in 2011; Appointed US Small Business Administration Office of Native American Affairs Assistant Administrator, 2009
Endorsements
I have been endorsed by key members of the community, labor unions, and grassroots organizations. Mayors Gallego, Romero, and Daggett have endorsed my campaign as well as former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. I have been endorsed by numerous labor unions and community organizations, such as Communications Workers of America, Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, Arizona List, Keep AZ Blue Student Coalition, and more. A full list of my endorsements will be available on my website.
Community Service
I am actively involved in serving both my local community and the Navajo Nation. As a volunteer within the Scouting community, I regularly support youth programs and activities that promote leadership, service, and personal development. During the holiday season, I organize food drives to assist families in my home reservation community and help ensure that those in need have access to essential resources. In addition, I volunteer with local food banks and participate in community assistance efforts focused on supporting elders and vulnerable families. My service includes organizing and contributing donations of firewood to help provide heat during the winter months, as well as assisting with various community outreach and support activities throughout the year. Through these efforts, I remain committed to giving back and strengthening the communities that have shaped my life.
Education
University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science; Carnegie Mellon University - Masters of Science
My top priority is making sure Arizona families can afford to keep the lights on. Too many families are struggling with rising utility bills, and they deserve a Corporation Commission that asks tough questions before approving additional costs.
We also know Arizona's energy needs are growing rapidly. To meet that demand, we need an approach that is reliable, affordable, and forward-looking. That means investing in a balanced mix of energy resources, modernizing our grid, expanding cost-effective renewable energy and battery storage, and making sure rural and tribal communities aren't left behind. Every major investment should be evaluated based on one simple question: will it make service more reliable and affordable for Arizona ratepayers?
The burden should always be on the utility to prove a rate increase is necessary.
Before approving any increase, I would want clear evidence that the investment improves reliability, safety, or service for customers and that lower-cost alternatives were seriously considered. I would also look closely at whether the utility is operating efficiently and whether shareholders are carrying their fair share of the risk.
If a utility cannot justify a rate increase, I won't support it. The Corporation Commission should be an independent watchdog for consumers, not a rubber stamp. Arizona families deserve transparency, accountability, and commissioners who are willing to ask hard questions.
Arizona welcomes economic growth, but families and small businesses should not be asked to subsidize the infrastructure, energy, or water demands of large corporate customers - especially if they’re not seeing the majority of the benefits.
First, whenever possible, large energy users should pay the full cost of the infrastructure required to serve their facilities, rather than shifting those costs onto residential customers. Second, utilities should be required to conduct transparent cost-of-service analyses to ensure rates accurately reflect the demands these facilities place on the grid. Third, major users should be subject to clear water-use and conservation requirements that reflect Arizona’s long-term resource realities. Fourth, any economic development agreements should include accountability measures that protect ratepayers and deliver meaningful public benefits.
Arizona doesn't have the luxury of choosing between affordability, reliability, economic growth, and responsible resource management. We need all of them.
The good news is that technology has come a long way. Today, renewable energy and battery storage can play a major role in meeting our energy needs while helping control costs and reducing pressure on limited water supplies. The Commission's job isn't to pick winners and losers. It's to make sure utilities are making smart investments, protecting ratepayers, and planning for Arizona's future. I want Arizona to be a leader in energy innovation while ensuring families have reliable service they can afford.
Water is one of Arizona's most precious resources, and we need to treat it that way. We should be investing in infrastructure that reduces water loss, improves reliability, and helps communities prepare for long-term challenges. We also need to actively encourage conservation and fully utilize modern technologies that stretch our water supplies further without driving up costs for families.
As someone who grew up without running water, I understand how essential these services are. Every Arizonan deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable water, whether they live in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, or a small rural community. My focus will be protecting consumers while ensuring we make smart investments that support Arizona's future.
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