State Senator District 5 in Arizona State Senate District 5, Arizona

2026 Primary Election

• Christine Marsh — Teacher in Phoenix, AZ

  Christine Marsh is an Arizona public school teacher who served in the State Senate from 2021-2025, representing Districts 28 and 4 as a Democrat. Recognized as Arizona's Teacher of the Year in 2016, she brought decades of experience to the legislature, focusing on school funding, reproductive health care, water issues, and transportation infrastructure. She successfully advanced harm reduction legislation and opposed cuts to public education. Marsh is a mother, runner, and caregiver to her former track coach, deeply rooted in the Arizona community where she now seeks to represent LD5 in the State Senate.

• Jason Laforest — Financial Strategist in AZ

  Jason LaForest, a Phoenix native and Eagle Scout, brings a background in public service and finance to his State Senate District 5 campaign. With degrees from the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University, he became one of Arizona's youngest state agency Chief Financial Officers, managing significant funds and implementing reforms for efficiency and transparency, including saving millions at the Arizona State Hospital. As a Clean Elections candidate, LaForest advocates for independent leadership and practical solutions. His key issues include enforcing the Gift Clause, addressing cost of living, implementing financial reforms, increasing transparency, and strengthening political participation. He aims to restore trust and accountability, prioritizing policies over partisan politics.