for State Representative 2026
INTEGRITY WORKING FOR YOU
About Lela
I'm currently the State Senator in LD5, and I am running to be reelected so I can continue serving the people of central and north Phoenix. I want to continue serving in the legislature to secure our elections and protect voting rights, protect reproductive freedom, and reform the out-of-control ESA vouchers that are draining funding from our public schools.
As your state senator, I've secured $150 million to the Housing Trust Fund to address homelessness and the housing crisis. I've increased funding for veteran's services. I sponsored a bill that would require schools to use textbooks that don't discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, race and religion. I've also increased the Kinship Foster care monthly stipend from $75 to $300. This year I will put forth a bill to raise it to $600.
I am a Phoenix native, and I attended Adams/Grace Court Elementary and went on to graduate from Phoenix Union High School. As a product of public education, I strongly believe in and credit Arizona's kindergarten through university educational system for making the difference in my ability to help others.
I earned my bachelor's degree at University of Arizona in three years and later received my master's from Arizona State University while teaching full time in the Phoenix Union High School District. I was elected to the PUHSD Governing Board in November of 2008, continuing my service to Phoenix students and families after teaching in the district for 34 years.
In 1976, I was elected to the Arizona State Senate where I served on the appropriations committee for 18 years. In my 32 years at the legislature, I have been on the appropriations committee and have focused on supporting programs designed to strengthen the education system and improve health care for children and families.
Awards and Honors
Honorary State Firefighter
Girl Scouts' 2002 World of Children Award
Lela Alston Elementary school in the Isaac District.
The Issues
Defend Democracy
I'm an ardent supporter of voting rights and for fighting against election misinformation. I support our voting rights bill which will expand ballot box access in rural areas, create an automatic voter registration system, restore PEVL, and protect voters and election workers from intimidation.
Education
As a former educator, I've long been dedicated to creating a secure funding stream for our public schools. I will also support bills that will reform and create accountability for ESA vouchers that are draining money from our public schools. I also support bills that fight child hunger by providing free school meals and ensuring full day kindergarten.
Health Care
I will continue the fight for access to quality, affordable health care for every Arizonan. I support repealing the AZ abortion law and will vote for the Arizona Right to Abortion Initiative. I will fight to ensure access to contraception and bodily autonomy for all. I also support expanding KidsCare so all Arizona children have access to healthcare.
Environment
We need to protect Arizona's ground water by updating the Groundwater Management Act. I also support wildfire management in our forests to preserve our natural spaces and keep rural Arizonans safe.
Equality and Civil Rights
I promote policies that improve the well-being of everyone, not just the wealthy. I'm focused on providing affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and I support policies that ensure that people feel safe in their communities. I will fight for legislation that expands equal treatment under the law for every individual.
Economy
I will continue making Arizona a leader in biotechnology research. I also support protecting our unions and ensuring fair hiring practices. I will support bills that help attract high paying jobs for Arizonans and making Arizona an attractive destination for businesses and families.
Contact
Authorized by Lela Alston. Paid for by Lela Alston for State Representative - District 5.