Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke Announces Run for Arizona House Seat

Phoenix/Chandler — Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke has officially announced his bid in the 2026 election for the Arizona House of Representatives, seeking the Republican nomination in Legislative District 13 (LD13) and, if successful in the primary, aiming to win the general election in November.

Hartke currently serves as Chandler's mayor and has spent many years in local government. His decision to run for the state legislature is widely seen as a key move by Republicans to expand their influence in this highly competitive district.

In social media posts and campaign materials, Hartke describes himself as a “forward-looking conservative,” emphasizing limited government, economic growth, stronger community safety, and the importance of family values.

District dynamics and background

LD13 includes parts of Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. While the district generally leans Republican, it is considered competitive and features a diverse electorate.

Both House seats in the district are expected to be open, as current Representative Jeff Weninger is running for Chandler mayor and the other incumbent is seeking a seat in the state Senate, making the race particularly competitive.

Hartke’s political path

Hartke has served the City of Chandler for many years and previously held a seat on the City Council before becoming mayor. His move toward state office comes in part amid legal disputes over term limits in the Chandler City Charter, which have created uncertainty about his ability to continue his local political career. A recent court ruling dismissing a lawsuit challenging his eligibility clarified his path to seeking a new elected office.

Campaign priorities

Hartke’s campaign platform includes:

• Supporting families and education, with an emphasis on parental involvement in schooling;

• Prioritizing public safety, including increased resources and support for law enforcement;

• Promoting local economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens and attracting business investment;

• Advancing conservative fiscal policies, focused on tax relief and controlling government spending.

As the 2026 primary approaches, the race is expected to become one of the most closely watched local political contests in Arizona. Whether Hartke’s experience as mayor can translate into broad support at the state level will be a key question in the months ahead.