By Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- About 16 candidates under the age of 30 are running for the Arizona House or Senate
- Candidates say they want to offer a younger perspective to better represent today’s challenges
- A state senator said it’s a risk people have to take and balance how they can support themselves and their families at the same time
The slate of candidates vying for a seat in the Arizona Legislature has a small but eager population of people under the age of 30.
At least 16 candidates fit that category, along with a few more under the age of 35, and they’re eager to bring a fresh perspective to the Senate and the House.
The average age of the Arizona Senate is about 57.6 years, while the House is just a bit younger at 51. The average age of Republicans is 56, while Democrats clock in at 49.
But age doesn’t always equate to maturity, said Sen. Flavio Bravo, D-Phoenix. Bravo was first elected to the House when he was 28, then appointed to the Senate. Now, he’s 31 and running for re-election. As someone who entered politics as a candidate under the age of 30, he said his experience has met his expectations.
