District 16
2022 Arizona state Senate candidates respond to an AZPM survey, weighing in on issues facing the state and how to solve them.Responses have not been edited. Responding Candidates
Have you always been a member of your party? If not, when did you join your current party?
Taylor Kerby (D)I have been a lifelong Democrat.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)Yes
Where were you born? If you were not born in Arizona, how long have you lived here?
Taylor Kerby (D)I was born in Mesa, Arizona
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)Florence, Arizona
What city/community do you live in currently?
Taylor Kerby (D)I live in Casa Grande, where I am raising my two daughters and working as a 6th grade teacher.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)Coolidge, Arizona
Why are you running for office?
Taylor Kerby (D)I am running for the Arizona state senate because as a 5th generation Arizonan, public school teacher, school board member, and parent I am concerned with the direction that our state is heading in. I want to work to build a world that I am proud to leave behind for my daughters. This is reflected in my campaign platform, especially my priorities of fully funding public education, protecting the right to vote, and addressing climate change’s impact on rural Arizona.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)[Did not answer]
What are you top 3 priorities if elected?
Taylor Kerby (D)My top three priorities are fully funding public education, protecting the right to vote, and mitigating climate change’s impact on rural Arizona. We must work to provide students with the resources they need, protect early voting, and ensure our future generations will have clean water and air.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)[Did not answer]
What sets you apart from other candidates in your party's primary?
Taylor Kerby (D)I am running in an uncontested primary and am the only Democrat running for State Senate in LD16.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)[Did not answer]
What is the biggest problem with the way the office you are seeking is working and how do you solve it?
Taylor Kerby (D)I believe that some members of the Arizona Senate have lost sight of the needs of everyday Arizonans. I want to work to provide families, students, and small businesses with the support they need to be successful, which must be the priority for all state senators.
Thomas "T.J." Shope (R)[Did not answer]
