Who Are the Pro-ESA Candidates in Arizona? (2026 Election)

Updated October 22, 2026 | Arizona General Election: November 3, 2026

Quick answer: Based on public statements reviewed for our 2026 ESA voting guide, the statewide candidates who support keeping Arizona's ESA program universal (open to every K–12 student with no income cap) are Andy Biggs (R) and Teri Ann Hourihan (No Labels) for governor, Kimberly Yee (R) for superintendent of public instruction, and Warren Petersen (R) for attorney general. Candidates who have proposed limits are Katie Hobbs (D) and Teresa Leyba Ruiz (D); Kris Mayes (D) has pursued stricter spending enforcement. Risa Lombardo (Green) has no confirmed position.

This page is nonpartisan information, not an endorsement. "Pro-ESA" here means a documented public position supporting universal ESA eligibility — not a judgment on any candidate's overall record.

What does "pro-ESA" mean?

Nearly every candidate says they support some form of school choice or accountability, so the label can be slippery. The clearest dividing line in 2026 is eligibility:

• Universal eligibility: every Arizona K–12 student can apply, regardless of income or prior school. This is current law since the 2022 expansion.
• Income caps or narrowed eligibility: limiting who can open a new account (proposals of $250,000 and $150,000 household income have been made).
• Oversight and spending rules: audits, receipt review, and limits on certain purchases. Candidates on both sides support some form of this.

We sort candidates by their eligibility position, then note their oversight views separately.

Pro-ESA candidates at a glance

Candidates who propose limiting ESA

For each candidate's full statements and sources, see the complete Arizona ESA voting guide.

Which office matters most for ESA?

• Governor: signs or vetoes ESA legislation and proposes the state budget. Income caps would most likely arrive through a budget or bill the governor supports.
• Superintendent of Public Instruction: runs the Arizona Department of Education, which administers ESA day to day — applications, ClassWallet review, the Parent Handbook, and processing times.
• Attorney General: interprets and enforces ESA law, including spending disputes such as the 2026 supplemental-materials settlement.
• State Legislature: writes the actual law. No eligibility change happens without legislative action, so your district's House and Senate races matter as much as statewide races. Find yours at my.arizona.vote.

Is ESA on the ballot itself?

No. Proposition 212 (which included a $150,000 income threshold) and Proposition 145 were both removed from the November 3, 2026 ballot after Arizona Supreme Court rulings on August 18, 2026. Background on the group behind Prop 212 is in our Save Our Schools Arizona guide.

Will my ESA change after the election?

Not automatically. Your current ESA contract, funding, and ClassWallet rules continue under existing law until new legislation or rules are adopted. Campaign proposals are not law. Keep following ADE guidance at azed.gov/esa.

How to check a candidate yourself

1. Read the candidate's own campaign website for "school choice," "ESA," or "empowerment scholarship."
2. Check the Clean Elections voter guide for candidate statements and debates.
3. For incumbents in the Legislature, look up votes on ESA bills at azleg.gov.
4. Ask directly — many candidates answer constituent email about ESA.

Key election dates

Official details: Arizona Secretary of State.

Related ESA guides

• Arizona ESA: the complete 2026 guide
• Arizona ESA voting guide 2026
• Homeschool vs. ESA in Arizona
• How much does Arizona ESA pay?
• Who is eligible for Arizona ESA?

Frequently asked questions

Who are the pro-ESA candidates for Arizona governor in 2026?

Andy Biggs (R) and Teri Ann Hourihan (No Labels) support keeping universal ESA eligibility. Katie Hobbs (D) has proposed a $250,000 income cap. Risa Lombardo's (Green) position is not confirmed.

Which superintendent candidate is pro-ESA?

Kimberly Yee (R) supports keeping universal eligibility. Teresa Leyba Ruiz (D) proposes a $150,000 income cap and narrower eligibility.

Which attorney general candidate is pro-ESA?

Warren Petersen (R) explicitly supports universal eligibility. Kris Mayes (D) has pursued stricter ESA spending enforcement.

Is this an endorsement?

No. This page summarizes documented public positions so families can compare candidates. Arizona Christian Homeschools does not endorse candidates.

How do I find pro-ESA legislative candidates in my district?

Look up your ballot at my.arizona.vote, then check each candidate's website and, for incumbents, their ESA votes on azleg.gov.

Candidate positions are summarized from public statements and reporting reviewed for our voting guide as of October 2026. Positions can change; verify with each campaign before voting.