Key Facts
Background
Sandra Kennedy graduated from Arizona State University, studying Accounting and Business Administration. Kennedy was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 1986, serving for 6 years. In 1992, she was elected to the Arizona State Senate, and served in it for 3 terms, or 6 years. Aside from her position as a representative, she also served on the Phoenix Union High School Governing Board for 4 years, starting in 1990. Later, in 2008, she continued her political career and was elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission for the first time. She was then re-elected in 2018 and currently serves as commissioner [1].
Aside from her political position, Kennedy is active in a multitude of organizations. She serves as a member of the National Association of Female Executives, the National Conference of State Legislators, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners [1].
Key Issues
Energy
Kennedy wants to increase solar energy use in Arizona, improve energy efficiency, and expand on renewable energy goals for upcoming years. She prioritizes making solar energy more accessible such as cheaper solar panels for homes. Kennedy believes in holding utility companies accountable for environmental output, as well as stopping unjustified utility rate increases [1][3]. In 2021, Kennedy advocated for Arizona Public Service Company (APS) transparency about service disconnections. She worked to ensure that consumers didn’t get disconnected and lose power [6].
Government
Kennedy wants to increase transparency about decisions made and reach out to ratepayers themselves to assess their needs. She also wants to improve corporation integrity in order to keep utility rates fair for all consumers [1].
Health Care
During her time as state senator, Kennedy sponsored legislation that was signed into law regarding domestic violence shelters, foster care placement, and prenatal care education funding.
Endorsements
Lauren Kuby, Tempe City Councilmember; Climate Cabinet Action Fund
Sources
1 AZCC
2 Re-Elect Sandra Kennedy
3 Lauren Kuby-Meet Sandra
4 Ballotpedia
5 Votesmart
6 Twitter