Phoenix, AZ – Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) today announced its endorsement of four Arizona House candidates ahead of the 2026 primary elections: George Khalaf (LD-03), Jay Schlum (LD-03), Janet Weninger (LD-13), and Kevin Hartke (LD-13).
Arizona families are navigating rising costs, burdensome regulations, and an education system that too often serves bureaucratic interests over student outcomes. These four candidates have each demonstrated a commitment to policies that lower taxes, expand opportunity, and ensure parents have a genuine say in how their children are educated.
AFP Action Senior Advisor for Arizona Stephen Shadegg released the following statement:
“Arizona has built real momentum on education freedom and fiscal responsibility, and that momentum is worth defending. These four candidates understand what is at stake — for families watching their cost of living climb, for parents who want a real choice in where their children learn, and for businesses trying to grow without government standing in the way. We are proud to stand behind them.
“Through thousands of conversations with Arizonans across the state, our grassroots activists hear every day from families who want lower taxes, protected school choice, and a government that spends within its means. We are confident these candidates will fight for those outcomes in the legislature, and we will work hard to support them through Election Day.”
As part of its endorsements, AFP Action will use its statewide grassroots network to educate and engage voters on the issues at stake in these races and encourage support for candidates who will advance freedom and opportunity for all Arizonans.
Read more about the endorsed candidates below:
George Khalaf (LD-03)
Protecting and strengthening the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is among Khalaf’s top priorities. He has committed that his first sponsored bill, if elected, would focus on safeguarding school choice for Arizona families. On economic policy, Khalaf favors reducing the size and scope of state government and has committed to joining the group’s legislative coalition to eliminate the state income tax.
Jay Schlum (LD-03)
Schlum brings executive experience to this race from his tenure as mayor, where he maintained a balanced budget and developed a reputation for fiscal discipline. He would carry that approach to the legislature, beginning with legislation to cut spending and strengthen oversight of public funds. Schlum is also expected to join the group’s coalition to eliminate the state income tax. A school choice advocate, he supports protecting the ESA program and advancing aligned reforms to education policy.
Janet Weninger (LD-13)
Weninger brings firsthand perspective to this race as a business owner who understands the costs that regulations and high taxes impose on small businesses. She has made improving Arizona’s business environment through fewer regulations and lower taxes a central commitment of her campaign. Weninger will also join the group’s legislative coalition to protect school choice and strengthen parental involvement in education.
Kevin Hartke (LD-13)
Hartke arrives with a demonstrated track record on taxes. As Chandler’s mayor, he lowered property taxes and kept the city’s sales tax rate among the lowest in Arizona, and he aims to bring that fiscal discipline to the legislature to keep taxes low statewide. He is expected to support the group’s coalition efforts to protect the ESA program and uphold strong curriculum standards. Hartke is aligned on nearly all of the group’s priorities, and his years of executive experience in government make him a strong partner for the open seat alongside Weninger.
