Martín Quezada /Cronkite News
By Ryan Randazzo | Arizona Republic
Democrat Martín Quezada is running for state treasurer because he sees an opportunity to improve a statewide office that, in his words, is too often used as a “steppingstone” for politicians.
The Phoenix lawyer has served in the Arizona Legislature for the past decade and is running for statewide office for the first time. He has no primary opponent.
“I don’t think this office has really been used to serve as a true treasurer. I believe this office has been used as a parking place or a steppingstone for something else,” he said, “whether it was running for governor or whether it was serving in a presidential administration or setting something else up politically.”
Gov. Doug Ducey served as treasurer before running for higher office. Former Treasurer Jeff DeWit took a job with the Trump administration. And current Treasurer Kimberly Yee was running for governor but dropped out of that race to seek reelection.
“You are the chief banker of the state. You are the chief investment officer of the state. And you are the chief financial officer of the state,” he said of the job. “I think the big thing is using that office to focus on being a full-time state treasurer and engulf myself in those three roles … and make the most out of it and use that opportunity to proactively serve the people of Arizona and make life better for Arizonans.”
