Blackman, Walter “Walt”

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
7
Political Affiliation:
Republican
Age:
60
Occupation:
Representative, LD7 — Chairman, Government Committee
Education:
Lakewood University
Family:
N/A
Religion:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Biographical Info:

Walt Blackman is a proven leader, combat veteran, and Arizona State Representative serving Legislative District 7, currently serving as Chairman of the House Government Committee. Known for his disciplined leadership and results-driven approach, Walt has emerged as a strong statewide voice focused on delivering solutions that strengthen Arizona’s future.

A retired United States Army senior noncommissioned officer, Walt served with distinction in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. His military service shaped his commitment to accountability, mission execution, and putting people first—principles he continues to bring to public service.

At the State Capitol, Walt is recognized for tackling complex challenges with practical, solutions-oriented leadership. His work centers on improving government accountability, strengthening public safety, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring rural and underserved communities—including Navajo County, Apache County, and tribal nations—are not left behind in Arizona’s growth.

Walt is a strong advocate for the sanctity of life and is committed to protecting the most vulnerable. He supports policies that uphold the value of every human life while also advancing meaningful support for mothers, children, and families across Arizona.

In addition to his legislative work, Walt is the Founder and CEO of WB Consults LLC, a firm focused on consulting, organizational leadership, and strategic problem-solving for public and private sector partners. Through this work, he brings executive-level experience in leadership, operations, and organizational development beyond the legislative arena.

Walt is also the host of The Walt Blackman Show where he engages in in-depth conversations on leadership, public policy, and the constitutional principles that guide effective governance. He is also the author of *From Iraq to the State House*, a work that reflects his journey of service, leadership, and commitment to purpose.

Above all, Walt is a devoted husband to his wife, Kristie, and a proud father. His life and service are grounded in faith, family, and a deep commitment to ensuring Arizona remains strong, secure, and positioned for long-term success.

Statement:

I’m running for office because Arizona is at a critical turning point—and the people of this state are demanding stronger leadership and real results.
Across Arizona, the priorities are clear.
Voters consistently say their top concerns are:

The rising cost of living
Public safety
Border security
And a lack of trust in government

Arizona families are feeling it every day. Housing costs have surged across the state. In many areas, rent and home prices have increased faster than incomes. At the same time, inflation continues to hit working families the hardest.

In rural Arizona—places like Navajo County and Apache County—the challenges are even greater. Poverty rates remain among the highest in the state, job opportunities are limited, and access to healthcare and infrastructure continues to fall behind.

And here’s what matters most—people don’t feel heard.

Poll after poll shows that a majority of Arizonans believe government is not working for them. They want accountability. They want transparency. And they want leaders who will take action—not pass the problem down the road.

I’m running because I hear them—and I’m prepared to lead.

As Chairman of the Government Committee, I’ve taken on some of the toughest issues facing our state. I’ve seen where systems are failing. And more importantly—I know how to fix them.

My mission is simple:
Lower the cost of living for Arizona families
Strengthen public safety in every community
Restore accountability and transparency in government
Expand economic opportunity across the entire state
Ensure rural and tribal communities are no longer left behind

I’m also running because leadership means standing firm on your values. I believe in protecting the most vulnerable, supporting strong families, and ensuring every life has value and purpose.

Arizona doesn’t need more politics.

Arizona needs leadership.

Leadership that understands the challenges.
Leadership that makes decisions.
Leadership that delivers results.

I’ve led in combat. I’ve led in the legislature. And I’m ready to lead Arizona forward.

Not for a title.

But because the people of this state deserve leadership that works—for them.

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* Arizona already protects constitutional rights while prioritizing public safety. I oppose additional state-level firearm restrictions that infringe on Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding citizens.
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. O* All Arizonans deserve equal treatment under existing law. I oppose expanding protected classes in statute and favor consistent enforcement, clarity, and protections that respect constitutional rights.
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. S* Arizona must take action where federal enforcement falls short. I support strengthening state-level efforts to deter illegal crossings and protect public safety, communities, and sovereignty.
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. S* Taxpayer dollars should not fund abortion services. I support protecting life while ensuring compliance with federal law and prioritizing resources that support mothers, children, and families.
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. S* Parents deserve the freedom to choose the best education for their children. I support maintaining universal ESA access to expand opportunity, accountability, and student success statewide.
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. O* I believe in protecting life at every stage. I oppose legalizing physician-assisted suicide and support compassionate care, including palliative and hospice services, for those facing end-of-life challenges.
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. S* Parents should have the primary role in their child’s care. I support allowing licensed counselors to provide appropriate, ethical therapy options with parental consent and professional oversight.
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S* Arizona is facing a deadly fentanyl crisis. I support increasing criminal penalties for trafficking and distribution to deter crime, protect communities, and save lives.
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. S* Children deserve stronger online protections. I support age verification and parental consent requirements to safeguard minors from harmful content, exploitation, and data privacy risks.
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. S* Demand drives exploitation and trafficking. I support increasing penalties for buyers to deter the market, protect victims, and hold those fueling abuse accountable.
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. S* Election integrity is foundational to public trust. I support strong voter identification and ballot security measures to ensure every legal vote is counted and confidence in our elections is restored.
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. S* Arizona voters deserve the opportunity to reconsider major constitutional changes. I support allowing voters to have a direct voice in reviewing and potentially repealing Proposition 139.
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. O* I oppose expanding recreational marijuana access. Public safety, mental health impacts, and protecting youth must remain priorities as we evaluate existing laws before further expansion.