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Biggs: Leaving Apache Junction council to run for AZ House of Representatives

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Servant leadership is based on the idea that leaders prioritize serving for the greater good. I’ve taken this life principle with me through my career both in and out of public life.

I have answered many calls to action in my life to step up and help create a positive change while responding to the needs of those I serve. My political journey is not about me, while I am ambitious and have dreams, I have said and will continue to say, “I serve at the pleasure of the people and will answer the call to office if presented one by the constituents.”

Friends, it is time to answer the call. Recently, I was approached and asked to run for the Arizona State Legislature. Upon heavy thought, consideration and many sleepless nights, I have decided to answer this call. I’ve spoken with many local leaders and people of influence from the Republican Party and gotten feedback from many sides. I’ve consulted my family and friends, sought their support or discouragement, and ultimately had a heart-to-heart conversation with myself.

This was not something that I had planned to do at this juncture in my life, but the world is opening a door and clearing the path and it is time for me to follow this path and find out where it leads.

Effective March 1, I will be stepping down from the Apache Junction City Council, relocating to the city of Maricopa and running for the Arizona House of Representatives in the newly formed Legislative District 16.

This district is predominately a Pinal County district that does touch parts of Pima County, including Maricopa, Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, Florence, Arizona City, Sacaton and the outskirts of western Tucson.

I am no stranger to this area as I have spent much of my professional career working in these communities and have gained the support of many local leaders. My impact across Pinal County is still visible today. I will carry my experience, passion and ideas down to the state capitol.

As many of you know, in 2019-20, I worked hard to pass SB1446, a critical life saving tool that placed the suicide hotline on the back of high school and college student ID cards across our great state. Currently, I am working to pass HB2412, which calls for more transparency in government. If passed and signed into law, I will have brought forward two pieces of important legislation without being a member of the state legislature or a lobbyist. As the youngest council member ever elected in Apache Junction and one of the youngest elected in Pinal County, I know that it is time for the next generation of leaders to step up.

A run for higher office has been in my future plans, I am just moving up that timeline. While I am moving from Apache Junction, a place that I grew up in and have called home for over 26 years, I will still be an advocate for the city and work towards a brighter tomorrow for all Arizonans. I am proud to announce that I am seeking the Republican nomination for Legislative District 16 helping ensure Arizona’s future is bright and opportunities are open for everyone who want them.

Editor’s note: Braden Biggs was elected in 2020 to the Apache Junction City Council.

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