Richardson, David
Meet the Candidate

Running For:
State SenateDistrict:
12Political Affiliation:
RepublicanAge:
32Occupation:
Life Science Executive/Business OwnerEducation:
P.S.M Nanoscience, B.S.E Mechanical EngineeringBiographical Info:
I’m a life science executive and engineer, a business owner and entrepreneur, a native Arizonan and first-generation college graduate, and a new dad. I’m transitioning to public service because I’m driven by the desire to leave a better Arizona for my children’s children.
Statement:
My wife and I found out we were pregnant last summer, and I was burdened with the thought of the Arizona my son might inherit. Specifically, I’m concerned about our water supply, our school systems, our local economy, and our individual liberties. I was frustrated listening to politicians on both sides focus on short-term issues to score ideological points when we need to be addressing long-term issues that will become a disaster in 10 years if we continue down this same path. So instead of complaining, I decided to step out and get involved on the local level.
The incumbent State Senator for our district is stepping down, and I appreciated that he sought to be bipartisan. I’m seeking to be a compassionate and unifying voice for our district and to craft innovative policies to address the complex issues on our horizon.
Endorsements:
Arizona Chamber of Commerce,
Arizona Technology Council,
Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Survey
Response Legend
- SSupports
- OOpposes
- *Comment
- −Declined to respond
- Declined to respond, Position based on citation
Question | Response | Comments/Notes |
---|---|---|
1. Expanding background checks to include guns purchased from private individuals. | O* | To implement this would likely require a firearms database, and I strongly oppose the concept of a government firearms database of individuals. |
2. Adding “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” or “gender expression” to the protected classes of race, religion, age, sex, and ancestry in nondiscrimination law. | -* | I would need to better understand the implications. Discrimination is un-American, and I also vigorously support religious freedom. |
3. Prohibiting abortion except when it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother. | S* | We need to have compassion for women facing unplanned pregnancy and provide practical, meaningful support for both of those lives, and abortion is not the answer. |
4. Allowing biological males that identify as transgender to play on female sports teams. | O* | If people who have gone through puberty as men are permitted to play on women's sports teams, we would need to repeal Title IX. |
5. Providing state funding to abortion entities that perform or refer for abortion. | O* | Taxpayer funds should not be used to harm women and children. It is the responsibility of government to advocate for human rights. |
6. Allowing all parents to use tax credits, vouchers, or education savings accounts to enable their children to attend any public, charter, private, homeschool, or online academy. | S* | Expanding educational opportunities for parents and children is always a good thing. My job will be to help find responsible and sustainable ways to pay for it. |
7. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide. | -* | I empathize with people with terminal illnesses and am still developing a position on this nuanced issue. I disagree with the Canadian law allowing assisted suicide for patients with depression and PTSD. |
8. Allowing parents to seek professional counseling for their minor child with same-sex attraction or gender identity issues. | S* | I believe parents have the right to seek what's best for their child. If the state starts regulating parents' rights, then very quickly parents will lose all decision-making rights. |
9. Protecting individuals and businesses from being required to provide services or use their artistic expression in a manner that violates their moral or religious beliefs. | S* | Just like it would be wrong to force a Muslim person to miss their call to prayer or force a Kosher person to eat pork, the Colorado baker should not be forced to violate his sincerely held beliefs. |
10. Keeping the flat income tax rate in Arizona’s state tax code. | -* | I'm still researching the merits of this vs. other options that include eliminating the state income tax. |
11. Requiring any government entity, including schools, to inform parents about their child’s physical, emotional, or mental health. | S* | Schools should support parents, not replace parents. |
12. Establishing electric retail competition to eliminate the current monopoly system for electric utilities. | -* | Would love to learn more about this issue. |