Richardson, David

Meet the Candidate

Running For:

State Senate

District:

Political Affiliation:

Republican

Age:

Occupation:

Life Science Executive/Business Owner

Education:

P.S.M Nanoscience, B.S.E Mechanical Engineering

Biographical 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.