Arizona Voters Want Action, Not Just Words

New Arizona Voters' Agenda research shows voters want clear answers, practical problem-solving, and action on their priorities

PHOENIX, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With Arizona's General Election approaching, new statewide research finds voters want more than candidates' positioning on issues, they want to know what actions candidates will take on their highest priorities. They want to hear directly from the people asking to lead them about the solutions they would pursue and how they would make progress.

The latest 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda findings from Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) reinforce what CFA has heard consistently across years of statewide research and engagement with Arizonans. They care deeply about the state's future, want leaders focused on the issues affecting their lives and communities, share more common ground than the political narrative, and value problem-solving, long-term thinking, and meaningful progress. The new findings show how those expectations are carrying into the 2026 election.

"Arizonans want to know what candidates will do about the issues that matter most to them and to Arizona's future," said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona. "Voters have already given us a remarkably clear picture of the outcomes they want. They are looking for candidates who will engage those priorities directly, explain credible plans, and give Arizonans confidence that they can turn those plans into progress. That is an opportunity and a responsibility for anyone asking to lead in our state."

Voters Place a Premium on Hearing Directly From Candidates
Ninety-three percent of Arizona voters say it is important to have opportunities to hear candidates directly answer questions about issues that matter to most voters, including 80% who say it is very important. The expectation is near-unanimous across political affiliations, with 94% of Republicans, 91% of independent and unaffiliated voters, and 94% of Democrats saying those opportunities are important.

The finding points to a clear need in the election conversation. Voters want candidates to directly address the issues that matter to them and explain what they would do. The Arizona Voters' Agenda helps meet that need by identifying voters' priorities and the questions they raise for candidates and leaders, keeping what voters want visible through the election and into governing.

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SOURCE Center for the Future of Arizona