Skip to content

LD17 State Senate Candidates

Candidates are placed in alphabetical order by last name.

There is one (1) seat open for this election.

Ajlan Kurdoglu
Democratic Party

Why are you running?

I am a proud first-generation American, I do believe in our country’s and state’s huge potential. With its people, independent culture, natural resources Arizona can and should do better. Our state should be the leader in job creation, a magnet for new investment for new and old businesses alike. Our state should offer a great education to all of our kids, offer dependable and affordable healthcare to all of its residents. That is the dream I have for our state and I am running to turn this dream into a reality.

Top 3 issues you would like to focus on:

  1. Helping small business survive aftershocks of COVID-19
  2. Raising the quality of our education system
  3. Building a more affordable healthcare system

How will your campaign embody the values of the Chandler Chamber?

As a small business owner, an engineer with an MBA I know the importance of strong, thriving business community for our city, and the state. Healthy business climate is essential on the way to create an Arizona that we dream of.

How will the Chamber’s endorsement help you in the race?

Chamber’s endorsement will lead us to have even a better, closer relationship, so I can understand the business community’s goals perfectly. It will also help me raise my name recognition and spread our message within Chandler’s business community which I am proud to be part of.

2020 Chandler Chamber endorsement icon

J.D. Mesnard
Republican Party / Incumbent


Why are you running?

I am running because I love our community, believe in public service and want to continue helping to make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Top 3 issues you would like to focus on:

  1. COVID-19 has reset the priority list – it will be the focus for the foreseeable future. This involves finding ways to keep people healthy and safe while reviving the economy and opening up our state.

 

  1. We will need to look carefully at the budget given the fiscal impact associated with the pandemic. The budget needs to be structurally balanced while also prioritizing education, public safety and health care.
  2. Third, I continue to want to find ways to roll back the tax and regulatory burden on businesses. Obviously the fiscal state of things will limit tax reductions, though I think the business personal property tax, which is double taxation, could be examined in a way that helps small businesses without significantly impacting state revenues at a time we’re facing a budgetary shortfall.

How will your campaign embody the values of the Chandler Chamber?

I believe the above priorities embody the values of the Chandler Chamber and I will continue to promote those priorities on the campaign trail.

How will the Chamber’s endorsement help you in the race?

I would greatly value the Chamber’s endorsement. It would show that we have similar values, and I believe businesses throughout Chandler would see it as a validation of my efforts in the Legislature and approval of the priorities as I campaign for the opportunity to continue serving in the State Senate.

Scroll To Top