State Senator District 27 in Arizona State Senate District 27, Arizona

2026 Primary Election

• Anthony Kern — Turning Point Action Senior Manager in Glendale, AZ

  Anthony Kern is a Republican candidate seeking election to the Arizona State Senate for District 27. He previously served as an Arizona State Senator from 2023 to 2025 and as a State Representative from 2015 to 2021. Kern is described as a conservative, pro-family politician who upholds the U.S. Constitution and promotes individual liberty. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University and has a background in code enforcement for city government and private investigations. Kern garnered attention for denying the 2020 election results and was indicted in April 2024 as part of a group of pro-Trump electors. He also ran for U.S. Congress in 2024.

• Kevin Payne — Incumbent State Senator in AZ

  Kevin Payne is an incumbent Arizona State Senator representing Legislative District 27. A common-sense conservative, he champions limited government, low taxes, and individual freedom, advocating for balanced budgets and strong schools. His legislative priorities include protecting Second Amendment rights, promoting school choice, election integrity, parental rights, and medical freedom, alongside making Arizona a job-friendly state. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has a background in electrical engineering, aerospace consulting, and information technology, and is also a small business owner. Prior to his current role, he served eight years as an Arizona State Representative. He is married with four children and eight grandchildren. He is running for re-election.

• Kyle Clayton — Incumbent School Board President in Phoenix, AZ

  Kyle Clayton is a lifelong Arizonan, born and raised in Legislative District 27, where he is now raising his own family. A Realtor and entrepreneur, he earned a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 2010. Since 2023, he has served on the Washington Elementary School District Governing Board, where he currently leads as Board President, focusing on improving student attendance and supporting arts and athletics. He is also involved with the Shaw Butte Neighborhood Alliance. Clayton is running for State Senate to bring pragmatic, people-first leadership, prioritizing education funding, lowering costs for families, and ensuring accountable government for Arizona's future.