Arizona State House District 7

Current seat holder: Sylvia Allen, Walt Blackman.

Walter "Walt" Blackman

Walter Blackman graduated from Lakewood University in 2023. He served in the United States Army from 1995 to 2016.

· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Crime & public safety: “Veterans' Affairs: As a former member of the U.S. Army with a distinguished service record, I am committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our veterans. Ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, is a top priority for me. Criminal Justice Reform: I am passionate about implementing reforms within our criminal justice system to promote fairness, equity, and rehabilitation.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2024))

David, Cook Sr.

David Cook was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

· Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Infrastructure, Water & Environment: “I’m a rancher and state leader on issues related to water, agriculture, ranching, and more.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Education: “I’ve delivered college and K-12 funding for our classrooms and teachers, I’ve championed real election integrity measures, pushed to secure our borders and enforce our laws, and brought funding to our district to improve our roads, highways and bridges.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Priorities & Governance: “Payson, Globe, Florence, Williams, Heber, Show Low, Snowflake or Pinetop-Lakeside aren’t just places on a map, they’re my towns and people.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)

Samuel "Sam" Martin

Samuel "Sam" Martin is a Democratic candidate for Arizona House of Representatives District 7 in the November 3, 2026 general election.

· Arizona Secretary of State

Campaign site

Priorities & Governance: “I know the real pitfalls and potential of technologies like social media and AI - my opponents will believe any salesman who walks in the door.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Healthcare: “I will ensure healthcare access for every Arizonan - my opponents will let you die in a gutter.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)
Education: “I know the value of good public schools because I went to them - my opponents will never do anything for public education but tear it down.” (AZ Clean Elections 2026 Voter Education Guide)

Richard Grayson

Richard Grayson was born in Brooklyn, New York, New York and graduated from Midwood High School in 1968. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College in 1973, a master's degree from the College of Staten Island in 1975, and a master's degree from Brooklyn College in 1976.

· Ballotpedia

Campaign priorities: “I'm a high-key resistance fighter against the Trump administration and other right-wing filth” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026))