State Senator District 16 in Arizona State Senate District 16, Arizona

2026 Primary Election

• Thomas "t.j." Shope — Incumbent Arizona State Senator in AZ

  Thomas "T.J." Shope, born August 12, 1985, is an Arizona Republican politician and businessman. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University (2008). Shope began his political career on the Coolidge Unified School District Governing Board. He served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, where he was Speaker Pro Tempore. In 2020, he was elected to the Arizona State Senate, taking office in January 2021, currently representing the 16th Legislative District. He previously represented the 8th Legislative District. Shope is known for sponsoring a 2019 measure to amend the Arizona State Constitution regarding legislative immunity. He is a candidate for the Arizona State Senate - District 16 in the 2026 Primary Election.

• Elaine Aldrete — Candidate for State Senator in AZ

  Elaine Aldrete is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Arizona State Senate, representing District 16, in the 2026 election cycle. She is slated to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on July 21, 2026, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Aldrete is the presumptive Democratic nominee for this district, which spans parts of Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal County. Her campaign fundraising reports as of March 2026 show $2,130.00 raised and $1,696.37 cash on hand. There are no incumbents in the Democratic primary for this seat.