Payne, Kevin

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State Senate
District:
27
Political Affiliation:
Republican
Occupation:
Small Business Owner
Family:
Married over 35 years, 4 kids, 8 grandkids
Religion:
Christian
Biographical Info:

I’m a US NAVY Veteran, I’ve been married to a wonderful lady for over 35 years and we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. I worked 4 years as an Electrical Engineer, 3 years as an Aerospace Technical Consultant, and spent 22 years in Information Technology. Today I’m a Small Business Owner/Operator and make some of the best BBQ in Arizona. I’m a former District Chairman for our local Republican Party and have been doing the heavy lifting at the State Senate to ensure our Arizona and America First agendas succeed.

Statement:

Public service is really in my blood, from my military service all the way through to now serving you in the Legislature. I’m sorry we have to spend time and treasure on a primary now, but my opponent misses being in office and after years of endorsing and supporting me, decided to run against me. Everyone campaigns like they are MAGA, but I’ve got the actual voting record: Putting America and Arizona First, finishing the border wall, enforcing our immigration laws, securing our elections, protecting school choice, fighting inflation and high prices, put Term Limits on Congress, ending DEI, and ensuring our water future. As Chairman of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, I’ve led efforts to Back the Blue, support first responders, and look after our military bases and veterans. My voting record is 100% pro-2A, pro-Constitution, and pro-life, and I’m fighting to protect our ESA and school choice programs.

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* I'm "A" rated by the NRA and have a lifetime 100% pro-2nd Amendment voting record
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. O* Strongly opposed and I have voted accordingly
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. O* I've received awards from law enforcement and have been a leader in efforts to finish the wall and enforce our immigration laws.
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. S* I support and I have a lifetime 100% pro-life voting record, including endorsements from Right to Life and Center for Arizona Policy Action.
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. S* Absolutely, and I'm helping to defend it in the State Senate
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. O* Strongly opposed and vote accordingly
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. S* I support this and have voted to allow it with parental consent
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S* Support with a voting record to match. Proud of my law enforcement endorsements!
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. S* Support with a voting record to match
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. S* Support with a voting record to match
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. S* Strongly support and I have voted for strong election integrity measures to accomplish that and much more.
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. S* Absolutely
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. O* I oppose and have voted NO