McMahan, Brian

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
30
Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation:
Retired Fire Chief
Education:
Bachelors of Science, Associates of Arts
Family:
Married with grown children
Biographical Info:

Chief Brian McMahan (ret.) is a lifelong public servant dedicated to building stronger, safer communities. Over a 40-year career, he served with distinction, including as Fire Chief for the Parker and Buckskin Fire Districts in La Paz County. His experience responding to emergencies and supporting people in both crisis and celebration shaped his commitment to service, accountability, and compassion. Brian believes in transparent, responsive government that works for everyone. He has spent his career listening, solving problems, and putting people first. Now, he seeks to bring that same leadership and integrity to serve the residents of Legislative District 30.

Statement:

Chief Brian McMahan (ret.) is running for State House of Representatives in Legislative District 30 to ensure rural Arizona has a strong, independent voice in Phoenix. After 40 years in public service, including leading fire districts in La Paz County, Brian understands the real challenges facing families, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and underserved communities.

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. S* I support the second amendment and am willing to look at any legislation regarding firearm ownership.
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. S* I believe in equality for all.
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. S* Where this makes sense, however illegal border crossings is a federal issue. Spending Arizona taxpayer dollars for something the federal government is required to do makes little sense unless we have a funding source from the federal government.
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. O* The people of Arizona have spoken by voting on this issue in 2024. I am not going against the will of the people of the State of Arizona.
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. O* This is a huge waste, fraud and abuse under the current system. AZ Taxpayers are have paid for 84,000 improper purchases including jewelry, gaming devices, junk food, appliances and even lingerie. We paid for this. We pay for ghost students who are in Colorado and Florida. With over $10 million in fraud, we need to stop this and put limits on spending and stop the unlimited expenditures of non-educational items. There is a need for using this program, but not in it's current state.
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. O* I support this for terminal illness. I am not quite sure my thoughts beyond that for assisted suicide.
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. -* The way the question is written, I am unable to respond as it is not clear of what is being asked.
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S* Not just fentanyl, but all illegal drugs should have increased penalties.
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. S* After the recent (March 2026) court case against META and YouTube proving harmful addiction for these companies to gain profit from addicting our children, I am very happy to address these issues.
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. S
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. -* This again is difficult to address as of course we need voter identification, we do that when we register to vote, we all do. We must however protect mail in ballots as most of Arizona votes this way. It provides access to seniors, veterans and disabled. Thinking about limiting that is most harmful to why many live here in this great state. There has not been shown the voter fraud other than discussion. I am supporting of making elections fair and any legislation needed to do that I support. We need to have a problem to solve, not solve a perceived problem based on rumors.
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. O* The voters have clearly spoken on this issue. Going against the will of the people is dangerous and tells the people you are not smart enough to think for yourself. I am strongly opposed to going against the will of the people that have voted on this specific issue. If you find someone willing to go against the people, you need to really think how you cast your vote, as it might be your last.
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. O* I am not well versed on this issue, however I am not sure the need to expand the current laws.