Arizona ESA Voting Guide 2026: Where Candidates Stand on School Choice

Updated October 21, 2026 | Arizona General Election: November 3, 2026

Arizona's 2026 election could influence the future of the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which helps families pay for private schools, curriculum, tutoring, specialized services, and other qualifying education expenses.

For Arizona families using ESA funds, several questions are particularly important: Which candidates support maintaining universal ESA eligibility? Who wants to introduce income limits? And how might the election affect the rules governing ESA purchases and reimbursements?

This Arizona ESA voting guide for 2026 provides a quick comparison of candidates, examines their documented policy positions, and explains the election issues relevant to school choice.

Which Arizona Candidates Support Universal ESA in 2026?

The chart below compares the positions of candidates running for three statewide offices that influence ESA legislation, administration, and enforcement.

Arizona ESA Candidate Comparison — November 2026

Positions as of October 21, 2026. This chart describes published statements, proposals, and official actions; it is not a candidate endorsement or ranking.

Key distinction: Supporting universal eligibility does not necessarily mean opposing all accountability requirements. Several candidates support maintaining the ESA program while proposing additional audits, spending reviews, or administrative changes.

Candidate documentation: Andy Biggs, Katie Hobbs, Teri Ann Hourihan, Kimberly Yee, Teresa Leyba Ruiz, and Warren Petersen.

Why Arizona's 2026 Election Matters for ESA Families

Arizona was the first state to establish an Empowerment Scholarship Account program, beginning in 2011.

The program initially served specified groups of students, including children with disabilities. In 2022, Arizona expanded eligibility to include qualifying K–12 students statewide.

As of October 19, 2026, the Arizona Department of Education reported 108,688 students enrolled for the 2026–2027 school year. The department notes that enrollment figures can fluctuate.

ESA funds can be used for qualifying expenses including:

• Private school tuition, including eligible Christian schools
• Academic curriculum and instructional materials
• Tutoring and supplemental instruction
• Certain special education and therapeutic services
• Approved online classes and educational programs
• Other allowable educational expenses under Arizona ESA rules

The program has also generated debate over public education funding, income-based eligibility, spending controls, and oversight.

Supporters of universal eligibility emphasize the ability of families to select educational options suited to individual students. Critics of the current model raise concerns about program costs, financial accountability, and the effects of enrollment shifts on public schools.

These competing policy priorities are reflected in several statewide races.

For families new to the program, our complete Arizona ESA guide explains eligibility, applications, ClassWallet, and allowable expenses.

Arizona Governor Election 2026: ESA Policy Positions

The governor can sign or veto ESA legislation, propose changes through the state budget, and influence broader education policy.

Four candidates appear on Arizona's November 3 gubernatorial ballot.

Andy Biggs — Republican

Congressman Andy Biggs has repeatedly expressed support for Arizona's ESA program and school choice.

During his 2026 gubernatorial campaign, Biggs has emphasized preserving parent-directed educational options and increasing access in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

His September campaign proposals included encouraging more private and charter education options in communities with limited school choices.

In a September 2026 interview with KTAR, Biggs explained that increasing the availability of educational providers in rural communities could give more families practical opportunities to use ESA funding.

His campaign has also committed to protecting Arizona's existing ESA program.

Documented position: Protect the ESA program and pursue expanded school-choice access, especially in underserved communities.

Sources: Biggs campaign statement and KTAR interview.

Katie Hobbs — Democratic incumbent

Governor Katie Hobbs has supported changes to the universal ESA program, including income-based eligibility restrictions and additional spending oversight.

In her January 2026 executive budget proposal, Hobbs proposed:

• A $250,000 household-income cap for universal ESA eligibility
• Restrictions on certain luxury or noneducational purchases
• Additional fiscal oversight and spending controls

Her administration estimated that the proposed income cap would save approximately $89.3 million.

Hobbs has also supported preserving eligibility for populations served under the program's original mission, including certain students with disabilities, while advancing additional investments in public education.

Her proposals have faced opposition from lawmakers and groups seeking to preserve the universal eligibility structure.

Documented position: Retain ESA in a modified form, with income-based restrictions on universal eligibility and additional spending safeguards.

Source: Governor Hobbs' FY2027 executive budget proposal.

Teri Ann Hourihan — No Labels

Teri Ann Hourihan has publicly supported preserving school choice while emphasizing stronger financial oversight across education programs.

In a published candidate questionnaire, Hourihan indicated support for maintaining Arizona's universal ESA program without limiting eligibility.

Her campaign platform proposes reviewing financial practices across public schools, charter schools, private schools, and ESA-funded programs.

Hourihan has also called for regular audits, greater financial transparency, and stronger accountability measures for publicly funded education.

Her approach distinguishes eligibility from program administration: maintaining access while applying additional oversight.

Documented position: Preserve universal ESA eligibility while expanding audits and accountability requirements.

Sources: Hourihan's education platform and candidate questionnaire.

Risa Lombardo — Green Party

Risa Lombardo is the Green Party candidate for Arizona governor in 2026.

A review of available candidate information did not establish a specific, documented proposal concerning universal ESA eligibility, income limits, or program administration.

Lombardo did not provide a response to the universal ESA eligibility question in the Arizona Voter Guide questionnaire.

That does not establish support or opposition to the policy.

Documented position: Not confirmed in the sources reviewed.

Source: Risa Lombardo's candidate questionnaire.

Arizona Superintendent Election 2026: What Happens to ESA?

The Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction leads the Arizona Department of Education, which administers the ESA program.

The superintendent's office affects how the program operates day to day, including payment systems, compliance processes, communications with families, and administration of existing spending rules.

The two candidates are Republican Kimberly Yee and Democrat Teresa Leyba Ruiz.

Kimberly Yee — Republican

Kimberly Yee has a long history with Arizona's ESA program.

As a state legislator, Yee helped sponsor the legislation that originally established ESAs and subsequently supported expansion to additional student populations.

During the 2026 campaign, Yee has expressed support for maintaining universal ESA eligibility.

Her administrative proposals emphasize improving the user experience for participating families while strengthening financial management.

She has proposed modernizing the ESA financial platform, improving purchasing processes, and reviewing the handling of reimbursements.

Yee has also supported changes to the automatic approval of certain smaller reimbursement claims.

Documented position: Maintain universal ESA eligibility while modernizing administration and strengthening expenditure review.

Sources: Yee's published candidate response and Arizona Luminaria candidate comparison.

Teresa Leyba Ruiz — Democrat

Teresa Leyba Ruiz has proposed more substantial changes to the ESA program.

Her proposals include returning the program closer to its original eligibility framework before universal expansion.

She has also discussed introducing a $150,000 household-income cap, creating a publicly accessible ESA spending dashboard, conducting program audits, and ending automatic approval of certain reimbursement claims.

Her policy approach emphasizes prioritizing students served under the program's earlier eligibility categories and increasing transparency over state education spending.

Documented position: Narrow universal ESA eligibility through income-based restrictions and expand financial oversight.

Source: Arizona Luminaria's October 2026 candidate interviews.

What is the practical difference between the superintendent candidates?

The distinction is not simply whether ESA purchases should be reviewed.

Both candidates have discussed greater scrutiny of reimbursements.

The broader policy difference concerns universal eligibility: Yee supports retaining it, whereas Leyba Ruiz has proposed returning to a more limited eligibility structure.

It is also important to recognize that the superintendent administers the ESA program under state law. Major statutory eligibility changes generally require action by the legislature.

Arizona Attorney General Election 2026: ESA Enforcement

The attorney general's office can influence ESA implementation through legal opinions, litigation, and enforcement of state law.

The attorney general does not independently determine statewide ESA eligibility or funding.

Kris Mayes — Democratic incumbent

Attorney General Kris Mayes has pursued stricter interpretations of documentation requirements involving ESA-funded supplemental educational materials.

A dispute over the documentation needed for certain purchases resulted in litigation involving her office and ESA advocates.

In July 2026, a settlement eliminated the disputed requirement to demonstrate that each supplemental item had been recommended or required in a specific curriculum.

The settlement also established a process for identifying the curriculum or course of study supported by the purchase.

The dispute illustrates how administrative interpretations and legal enforcement can affect families' use of ESA funding without a direct legislative change.

Source: Arizona Mirror's July 2026 settlement reporting.

Warren Petersen — Republican

Warren Petersen, currently president of the Arizona Senate, has expressed support for preserving universal ESA eligibility.

In his published 2026 candidate questionnaire, Petersen explicitly indicated that he supports maintaining the universal ESA program without limiting eligibility.

As a legislative leader, Petersen has also participated in efforts to defend Arizona laws in court.

His expressed position on ESA eligibility is separate from the responsibilities of the attorney general, whose office primarily enforces and interprets existing law.

Source: Petersen's published candidate questionnaire.

Are Arizona Voters Deciding ESA Propositions in November 2026?

No. Neither Proposition 145 nor Proposition 212 will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Both were removed following Arizona Supreme Court rulings on August 18, 2026.

This is an important development because much of the earlier ESA election coverage focused on the possibility of a direct statewide vote.

Proposition 212: Protect Education Act

Proposition 212 would have changed the ESA program by restricting eligibility for some applicants and introducing additional spending rules.

Its proposed $150,000 household-income threshold would have applied beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, with exceptions for specified student categories.

The measure also included provisions governing certain expenses and accountability requirements.

Supporters argued that these changes would improve transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Opponents argued that eligibility restrictions would reduce educational options available to some families.

Following litigation over petition signatures, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an August 18 ruling that left the initiative without sufficient qualifying signatures.

Ballot status: Removed from the November 2026 ballot.

Proposition 145: Military Families and Scholarship Accounts

Proposition 145 was a proposed constitutional amendment referred by the Arizona Legislature.

One provision would have restricted the state's ability to confiscate scholarship account funds belonging to certain military families.

Another provision could have invalidated laws or ballot measures conflicting with that protection.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the proposal violated the state constitution's separate-amendment requirement.

Ballot status: Removed from the November 2026 ballot.

Sources: Arizona Supreme Court announcement and Ballotpedia's August 20 reporting.

What does this mean for existing ESA families?

Neither removed ballot measure will directly change ESA eligibility through the November election.

Arizona's current ESA program continues to operate under existing law.

Future legislation, however, may still revise eligibility rules, authorized expenses, oversight requirements, or administrative procedures.

Families should distinguish between campaign proposals and changes that have actually become law.

Why Arizona State Legislative Elections Matter for ESA

The state legislature has a central role in establishing the ESA program's legal structure.

Legislators can introduce, amend, and vote on bills that address eligibility, funding, allowable expenses, and oversight.

Arizona's legislative districts elect representatives to the state House and Senate.

For voters interested in ESA policy, the relevant questions include:

1. Has the candidate publicly supported maintaining universal ESA eligibility?
2. Has the candidate proposed income or other eligibility restrictions?
3. What does the candidate's legislative voting record show about school-choice proposals?
4. Does the candidate support changes to ClassWallet purchases or reimbursement documentation?
5. What position has the candidate taken on funding public schools alongside ESA?

Some candidates have detailed legislative voting records; others have only recently published campaign platforms.

Voters can identify their district and candidates through the Arizona Secretary of State's 2026 election page.

For address-specific ballot information, use Arizona's official voter information portal.

Five ESA Issues Families Should Understand Before the Election

1. Universal eligibility versus income limits

Under the current universal ESA eligibility structure, qualifying students can participate without a general household-income ceiling.

Some candidates support maintaining that framework.

Other candidates have proposed income limits that could reduce access for certain households.

A proposed income threshold is not the same as an enacted restriction.

Families should also check which existing eligibility categories would be exempt from proposed changes.

2. ESA spending and ClassWallet requirements

ESA families rely on ClassWallet and related procedures for approved educational purchases and payments.

Proposed administrative reforms may affect documentation requirements, reimbursement timing, spending reviews, or how education providers receive payments.

A proposal to increase financial oversight does not necessarily change eligibility or allowable purchase categories. Our ClassWallet guide explains how the system works today.

3. Public school funding and educational choice

The ESA debate includes disagreements over how Arizona allocates public education funding.

Supporters emphasize the potential benefits of funding following students into qualifying private education options.

Critics emphasize fiscal costs, spending oversight, and the effects that enrollment changes can have on district school budgets.

Both the design of the ESA program and the broader state education budget matter when evaluating these arguments.

4. Christian schools and faith-based education

Arizona families use ESA funding for qualifying private school tuition and other eligible educational expenses.

That includes families enrolling children in Christian schools and certain private online education programs.

However, not every religious activity, donation, or nonacademic purchase is an allowable ESA expenditure.

Families should verify eligibility and payment procedures for the specific provider or purchase.

Explore our guides to ESA online Christian schools in Arizona and Christian hybrid homeschool programs.

5. Students with disabilities and special education

Arizona's original ESA program served certain student groups before the 2022 universal expansion.

Some proposals to restrict universal eligibility preserve exceptions for students with disabilities and other preexisting categories.

Families should examine whether a candidate's proposal changes disability-specific eligibility, educational services, documentation, or funding calculations.

General statements about restricting universal ESA do not necessarily describe how those earlier categories would be treated.

Arizona 2026 Election Dates and How to Vote

Arizona's general election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Polls are scheduled to be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Completed mail ballots must be received by election officials by 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026. A postmark by Election Day is not sufficient.

For official information, visit:

• Check your voter registration
• Find your voting location
• Arizona 2026 election information
• Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona ESA and the 2026 Election

Which Arizona governor candidates support the universal ESA program?

Andy Biggs has publicly committed to protecting Arizona's ESA program. Teri Ann Hourihan supports maintaining universal ESA eligibility while implementing additional financial oversight.

Katie Hobbs has proposed a $250,000 household-income cap on universal ESA eligibility.

A specific ESA eligibility position from Risa Lombardo was not verified in the reviewed materials.

Which superintendent candidate supports maintaining universal ESA eligibility?

Kimberly Yee has publicly supported maintaining universal eligibility.

Teresa Leyba Ruiz has proposed narrowing program eligibility and introducing a $150,000 income cap.

Both candidates have also discussed strengthening reimbursement oversight.

Is Arizona voting to eliminate ESA in November 2026?

No statewide proposition directly eliminating Arizona's ESA program appears on the November 3 ballot.

Two ESA-related proposals, Propositions 145 and 212, were removed by court rulings in August 2026.

Will Arizona ESA disappear if a governor who supports restrictions wins?

An election result does not automatically eliminate or restrict the ESA program.

Eligibility changes would have to occur through applicable legal processes, generally involving legislation.

The governor and legislature can influence future ESA policy, while the Department of Education administers the program under existing law.

Can ESA still pay for Christian schools?

Yes. ESA funds may be used for eligible private school tuition, including at qualifying Christian schools.

Families should verify individual provider eligibility, payment methods, and allowable expenses through the Arizona Department of Education and their current ESA contract.

Is ESA the same as traditional homeschooling in Arizona?

No. Traditional affidavit-based homeschooling under A.R.S. §15-802 is legally different from education funded through an ESA contract.

Parents educating children at home may participate in either legal arrangement, but ESA participation includes separate state requirements.

Read our Homeschool vs. ESA in Arizona guide for a detailed comparison.

Will ESA families need to change how they use ClassWallet after the election?

The election itself does not automatically change ClassWallet requirements.

Any changes would depend on new laws, administrative rules, contractual requirements, or applicable legal decisions.

Families should follow current Arizona Department of Education guidance rather than treating campaign proposals as existing rules.

Where can I find the candidates in my Arizona legislative district?

Use the Arizona Voter Information Portal or your county's official elections website.

The legislative candidates appearing on your ballot depend on your registered address.

Arizona ESA Resources for Christian Homeschool Families

School-choice policy can affect families differently depending on whether their children attend private schools, participate in ESA-funded home education, or use a combination of tutoring and educational programs.

Arizona Christian Homeschools provides resources to help families understand available programs, compare educational options, and navigate Arizona ESA requirements.

Explore these resources:

• How to Use Arizona ESA to Homeschool
• Homeschool vs. ESA: Understanding the Legal Difference
• Arizona ESA-Approved Online Schools
• Christian Hybrid Homeschool Programs in Arizona
• Arizona Homeschool Resources and Guides

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Future of Arizona ESA

Arizona's 2026 general election features candidates with different proposals for the future of the ESA program.

The most significant distinctions concern universal eligibility, proposed income restrictions, spending requirements, and accountability.

The governor, legislature, superintendent, and attorney general each have different legal responsibilities affecting ESA policy and administration.

Families researching the election should consider candidates' documented proposals, distinguish existing laws from proposed changes, and review their complete ballot before making decisions.

Stay informed with Arizona Christian Homeschools for ESA updates, Christian school listings, homeschool resources, and information about educational programs across Arizona.

Editorial disclosure: Arizona Christian Homeschools publishes information for families interested in Christian education and Arizona's ESA program. This article is an informational comparison of candidate positions and does not endorse any candidate, party, or voting choice. Positions were researched using published campaigns, questionnaires, state sources, and reporting available through October 21, 2026. Candidate positions and voting details may change.