Juan Manuel Guerrero outlines priorities in LD23 House race

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - Four Democratic candidates are running for two seats representing Arizona's Legislative District 23 at the state Capitol.

As part of candidate conversations ahead of the election, I sat down with Juan Manuel Guerrero to learn more about his campaign and the issues he says are driving his run.

Guerrero says education funding, housing and affordability are among his top priorities.

"It's consuming our community, especially our rural communities," Guerrero said. "This is a time that we need to raise our voices and say stop…We need to get to a point where everything is equitable."

Arizona House representatives vote on state laws and help shape policies and spending that impact communities across their districts.

Guerrero says his background in the military, work responding to the fentanyl crisis, time coaching local soccer and perspective as a first-generation Mexican-American all influenced his decision to run for office.

Education is one area where he believes more investment is needed.

"There's a lot of morale issues right now that teachers feel that they are being asked to do more with less every year," Guerrero said. "Too many children in classes…those are the issues that we need to address to bring more funding, especially to our area."

Healthcare was another issue Guerrero pointed to, especially in rural communities.

He said local providers are finding ways to meet needs, but believes the state should play a larger role in supporting access to care.

Affordability also remains a major focus of his campaign.

"They care how they're going to pay the mortgage next month, or how they’re going to provide food to the table," Guerrero said. "That's what they care about."

The top candidates in Arizona's primary election will move on to the general election in November.