PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Elda Luna-Nájera to represent Legislative District 22 in the Arizona House of Representatives. LD-22, located in the West Valley and including Tolleson and Avondale, will now be represented by Dr. Luna-Nájera.

In response to the appointment, Supervisor Steve Gallardo of District 5 expressed his confidence in the new appointee, stating, “I could not think of a more qualified person to fill this vacancy in LD-22. Dr. Luna-Nájera is a respected community leader in the West Valley and her experience in the education system will make her a tremendous asset to the Arizona State Legislature. I am excited to see the great things she will do with this opportunity.”

Dr. Luna-Nájera brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a governing board member of Tolleson Union High School District since September 2020. Her work at Agua Fria Union High School District in Avondale since July 2016 has involved managing programs focused on mental health, crisis intervention, homelessness, and foster care. Her educational background includes a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California and a master’s in social work from Arizona State University’s West Campus.

The selection process for the new legislator involved a citizen’s panel, which included individuals from the local community:

- Lorenzo Sierra, Avondale resident and former lawmaker (chair)

- Sandra Cole, LD-22 precinct committeeman and retiree

- Francisca Montoya, Fowler Elementary School board member

- Adan Morado, business owner in Tolleson

- Eleanor Perez, Tolleson resident

Dr. Luna-Nájera, a Democrat like the outgoing legislator, was chosen by the panel to serve out the remainder of the term. Her position will be up for election in the November 2024 General Election.