State Representative District 9 in Arizona State House District 9, Arizona

2026 Primary Election

• Bradley Bettencourt — Real estate investor in Mesa, AZ

  Bradley Bettencourt is a Republican candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives, District 9, in the 2026 primary election. A real estate investor and former credit analyst, he aims to bring fiscal responsibility and Arizona values to the legislature. Having earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Arizona State University, he has lived extensively in the East Valley and southern Arizona, gaining valuable insights from working near the U.S.-Mexico border. His family has a long history of military service, instilling in him a deep respect for veterans. Bettencourt believes in discussing difficult topics and standing up for what is right.

• Lorena Austin — Incumbent State Representative in Mesa, AZ

  Lorena Austin, an incumbent State Representative for Arizona's District 9, is a fifth-generation Arizonan from Mesa. As the first Chicane, non-binary person elected to a US state legislature, Austin holds degrees from Mesa Community College and Arizona State University, plus a Harvard fellowship. Rooted in civil rights advocacy, they secured $40 million for the Arizona Promise Program, aiding low-income students, and opposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in their first term. Serving on Appropriations, Public Safety, and International Trade committees, Rep. Austin is seeking reelection to champion working people and strengthen Democratic representation.

• Jacob Martinez — Small business owner and U.S. Navy Reserve member in Mesa, AZ

  Jacob Martinez is a lifelong Mesa resident and a dedicated community advocate seeking to represent Legislative District 9 in the Arizona State Legislature. He serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and is currently studying law at Arizona State University, having previously been a small business owner. Martinez is committed to fighting for stronger public schools, expanding economic opportunity, and championing policies that support working families across Arizona. He is actively involved in numerous local boards and committees, including those related to accessibility, historical preservation, and school safety in Mesa. He is running in the Democratic primary.