Arizona State House District 16

Current seat holder: Chris Lopez, Teresa Martinez.

Chris Lopez

Chris Lopez was born in Casa Grande, Arizona. His career experience includes being a small business owner.

· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Campaign priorities: “As a dad and lifelong Conservative, I will always stand behind the shared core principles of the Republican party: Life, liberty, and the ability to protect ourselves. The foundational principles that make our country great will always be a cornerstone of my platform in Arizona.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
Education: “Over the last decade, the Arizona legislature has invested billions of new dollars into our schools. Even when provided with an opportunity to raise teacher pay and increase school funding, Democrats continuously voted against increasing funding for our teachers and schools (even the education unions opposed it!). I will stand with my colleagues to defend school choice and continue to make responsible, transparent, and accountable investments in our entire education system, from our elementary schools to vocational and two-year programs.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))

Teresa Martinez

Martinez worked previously as the director of coalitions and Hispanic outreach for U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar. Before working with Gosar, Martinez was the political director of the Arizona Republican Party.

· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Campaign priorities: “After working for 20 years to get Republican candidates elected and working in their official offices, I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
Jobs, wages & cost of living: “My priorities as Arizona Representative include protecting local businesses, developing the economy in the face of inflation, and help to bring high paying jobs to the district. Transportation infrastructure is an important point of focus, especially as it pertains to the I-10 expansion between Casa Grande and Chandler as well as improvements on State Route 347 and 238 for the town of Maricopa.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
Campaign priorities: “I will support legislation that makes our schools and our community safer. I support law enforcement and the adequate funding they require to do their jobs effectively.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))

Julia Romero Gusse

As an Air Force veteran, Julia understands the sacrifices made by those who serve.

· Campaign website

Campaign site

Priorities & Governance: “I am running for the Arizona House of Representatives because I believe public service is about people, not politics.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Education: “As a U.S. Air Force veteran, former educator, City of Maricopa councilmember, and legislative advocate for Arizona veterans, I have spent my career bringing people together to solve real problems.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Priorities & Governance: “Four generations of my family call Legislative District 16 home, including my children and grandchildren.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)