ABOUT JASON LAFOREST
Born and raised in Phoenix, Jason LaForest is a true local, shaped by the state he proudly serves. A product of our public schools, Jason earned degrees from the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University. After graduating, he began a decade-long career in public service, becoming one of Arizona’s youngest chief financial officers to lead multiple state agencies. Jason has served under different administrations and worked closely with elected officials from both parties, shaping his belief that when governing becomes political, the public pays the price. An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman who completed the Arizona Trail, he values what makes Arizona unique and is committed to creating lasting opportunities for future generations.
Why I'm running
Learn more about Jason Time and again, I have seen how mismanagement of public funds has become alarmingly common. I have witnessed unelected officials spend millions of taxpayer dollars without proper legislative approval. I have observed state agencies transfer public resources to private companies with little to no accountability. I have seen the Legislature neglect its duty to exercise oversight. And I have watched institutions meant to protect the public interest fail to act against fraud, waste, and abuse. Yet, even in this broken system, I have made progress. At the Arizona State Hospital, I modernized the budgeting process, ending years of financial mismanagement and saving millions of dollars. I stopped violations of expenditure limits and ensured program costs were accurately reported to the public and the Legislature. I reconstructed decades of financial statements, recovering funding for underfunded programs due to a poor understanding of government finance. After more than ten years in public service, I have seen how dysfunctional the system is, and more importantly, I know what it takes to fix it. I am tired of putting out fires one by one. I am ready to confront the system that allows these failures to continue unchecked. That’s why I am running for Arizona State Senate in District 5; it has never been about politics. It is about creating a government that works for you.
Why this matters
Our government systems should work efficiently and transparently. We must modernize our systems and processes in order to achieve lasting progress.
Strong communities depend on a trustworthy government. Transparency, accountability, and results are essential to rebuilding public confidence and moving Arizona forward.
PRIORITIES
Restore confidence through ethical leadership and open government. Support policies that strengthen long-term economic security for Arizona citizens. Encourage civic engagement and protect voting access. Affordability is more than just ensuring cheap goods. It's about ensuring robust wage growth that keeps up with inflation. Water sustainability, AI job insecurity, housing; Arizona's future depends on whether we plan proactively instead of reacting too late. We need practical leadership that does more than provide short-term politics when facing long-term challenges.
State senators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, and in most states they also confirm the Governor's appointments. In most states the senate is the smaller of the legislature's two chambers, with larger districts and longer terms than the house.