Trachsel, Brendan

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
6
Political Affiliation:
Green
Age:
25
Occupation:
Higher Education
Education:
Northern Arizona University, B.S. Parks & Recreation Management & M.Ed. Counseling - Student Affairs
Religion:
Quaker
Biographical Info:

Brendan is a two-time alum of Northern Arizona University, where he worked to increase university financial transparency, expand free menstrual products, register students to vote, and improve public transportation services. A proud member of CWA Local 7065, he has continued advocating for workers’ rights, increased privacy from government surveillance, and a stronger democracy. He believes it is essential that our solutions work for all Arizonans, not just those at the top.

He is running for office as a member of the Green Party because he rejects corporate influence and shares its core values of Peace, Ecology, Social Justice, and Democracy. He believes that running outside the two major parties is the only way to stay free from partisan control.

Statement:

I am running for office to serve the people of Arizona and LD6, to be a voice pushing for policies that benefit all. When I look at our current state of affairs, I see a government lacking integrity, humility, and dedication to service. As one of the youngest candidates running for legislative office this cycle, we have an opportunity to bring new voices into our legislature. I believe there is room within my five pillars of Labor, Education, Environment, Democracy, and Privacy to find majorities on meaningful policies.

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • *Comment
  • −Declined to respond
  • †Declined to respond, Position based on citation
Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Enacting state-level restrictions on firearm ownership beyond current Arizona law. O* Ownership restrictions are a 2A nightmare, however I support yellow-flag laws to protect those who are an imminent extreme threat to themselves or others.
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. S* No one should be denied employment, housing, services, or anything else due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. O
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. O
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. O* Universal vouchers have drained our state's budgets and harmed public education. The public's dollars should support schools that educate the public.
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. O* I support medical aid in dying for those with terminal or incurable illnesses or disabilities.
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. O* While same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria can and should be addressed in therapy, it should not be the sole goal to reduce or manage.
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S* Possession and use should be met with social support, while sale & distribution need to be tackled for public health and well-being.
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. O* So-called "age verification" violates our privacy by requiring identification to use essential digital & online functionality.
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. O
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. O* Arizona already has incredibly strong and effective election laws on the books. Past the point of effectiveness, further restrictions are burdensome.
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. O* As someone who collected signatures for Arizonans for Abortion Access (Prop 139), I support the initiative.
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. S* Cannabis accessibility must be paired with programming to assist those who are struggling with overuse and addiction.