Cortez, Emilia

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State House
District:
23
Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Age:
41
Occupation:
Economic Development Specialist with the Quechan Indian Tribe
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and later an MBA in Business Administration and management with a Minor in Leadership
Religion:
Catholic
Biographical Info:

Emilia Cortez is a Yuma County native, bilingual public affairs professional, and community leader running for Arizona House in Legislative District 23. Her career has spanned education, nonprofit leadership, tribal governance, and economic development, giving her a hands-on understanding of how public decisions affect families, students, workers, and local communities.

Emilia currently serves as an Economic Development Specialist with the Quechan Indian Tribe, where she works on efforts connected to infrastructure, investment, and workforce opportunity. She also brings years of experience building partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with prior work in higher education, youth development, outreach, and community engagement.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and later an MBA in Business Administration and management with a Minor in Leadership, and she has served in community leadership roles focused on early childhood, local history and culture, libraries, and regional collaboration. Emilia’s campaign is rooted in the belief that government should not simply speak for people, it should work with them.

Statement:

I’m running for office because our communities deserve leadership that listens, shows up, and fights for the people who are too often overlooked. I want to make sure working families, students, and rural and border communities have a real voice in the decisions that shape their lives, and I’m stepping up to help build a future where people can afford to stay, thrive, and be part of that future.

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 responsible gun safety measures that protect families, reduce violence, and keep weapons out of dangerous situations while respecting lawful ownership.
2. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Arizona nondiscrimination statutes. S* Everyone deserves equal protection under the law. I support updating Arizona statutes so LGBTQ+ Arizonans can live, work, and access services without discrimination.
3. Expanding state-level enforcement efforts to deter illegal border crossings. S* I support safe, orderly border management, but lasting solutions must focus on federal reform, due process, and treating border communities with dignity and respect.
4. Prohibiting taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly funding abortion services, except where required by federal law. O* I oppose restrictions that block people from accessing essential reproductive care. Healthcare decisions should stay with patients and their doctors, not politicians.
5. Maintaining the universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program without limiting eligibility. O* I oppose maintaining the universal ESA program without limits. Public dollars should strengthen public schools first and be used with accountability, transparency, and fairness.
6. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide for individuals seeking end-of-life assistance, regardless of terminal illness. S* I support compassionate end-of-life care and patient dignity, but physician-assisted suicide should involve strong safeguards and careful limits, not apply regardless of terminal illness.
7. Allowing licensed counselors to provide therapy to minors seeking to reduce or manage same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, with parental consent. O* I oppose allowing harmful conversion-style therapy for minors. Young people deserve affirming, evidence-based care that supports their well-being, safety, and dignity.
8. Increasing criminal penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. S* I support holding traffickers accountable, but we also need prevention, treatment, and public health responses that address addiction and save lives.
9. Requiring stronger age verification and parental consent protections for minors accessing social media platforms and downloading mobile applications. S* I support stronger protections for minors online, with safeguards that protect privacy, keep families informed, and do not unfairly limit access to information.
10. Increasing criminal penalties for individuals who purchase sex. S* I support efforts to reduce exploitation and trafficking, but policy should focus on accountability, survivor support, and addressing the root causes that put people at risk.
11. Requiring election procedures that ensure voter identification verification and ballot security. -* Election integrity matters, and voters should be confident ballots are secure and counted accurately while protecting access to the ballot
12. Enacting a legislative referral that would ask voters to repeal Arizona Proposition 139, the constitutional right to abortion. O* Arizona voters have already spoken on this issue, and any future changes to constitutional rights should be approached with serious respect for the public’s vote and individual freedom. I would oppose.
13. Expanding current marijuana laws to increase accessibility to recreational marijuana for adults. S* Arizona already allows adult recreational marijuana use for people 21 and over, so any changes should focus on safety, local input, and responsible regulation.