District 23 candidate Emilia Cortez focuses on cost of living and healthcare

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - Candidates in the race for Arizona’s 23rd Legislative District are outlining their priorities as they try to win over voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Democratic candidate Emilia Cortez says her background in business, community service on local boards, and her work as an economic development specialist for the Quechan Tribe have prepared her for the role.

She describes District 23 as a rural region made up of border communities, working families, and a large Latino population she says hasn’t always felt represented.

Cortez says that’s part of why she decided to run.

Affordability is one of the biggest issues she says she’s hearing about from people across Yuma.

She points to how much the cost of living has changed over time, saying housing in the area used to be far more accessible than it is today.

If elected, Cortez says her top priorities would include early childhood development, Colorado River water rights, and healthcare... an issue she says has affected her personally.

She says her own experience advocating for a family member helped shape her views on the healthcare system, adding that insurance doesn’t always work for every family and can leave some people paying out of pocket for care.

Cortez also says she supports expanding access to healthcare for people with limited income.

She adds that growing up as the daughter of a farmer taught her values of integrity, community, and hard work qualities she says she would bring to the job if elected.

The top two candidates in the race will advance to the general election in November.