SEn. Juan Mendez

State Senator Juan Mendez is a first-generation Chicano and a native Arizonan. Having lived across Maricopa County, he attended the public school Tolleson Union High School, received his associate degree from Phoenix College, a local community college, then graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Justice Studies from Arizona State University’s Main Tempe Campus.

Juan's passion for politics and social justice is reflected in his commitment to building strong communities. Juan first started serving on the City of Phoenix Human Services Advisory Committee working with fellow community leaders to recommend improvements to local senior and family service centers and programs for the homeless. He then went on to manage the nonprofit Community Voice Mail, where he connected thousands of people living in poverty, transition, and homelessness to jobs, housing, information and hope. Juan then served on the Tempe Community Council as a planner, advocate, and resource to improve the funding and policies affecting human services in Tempe and the surrounding communities. Outside of the legislature, Juan served as a substitute teacher for Tempe and Mesa public high schools.

Juan was elected to the AZ State House of Representatives in 2012 and now serves as a State Senator representing district 26 which includes north Tempe, northwest Mesa, the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and parts of south Phoenix. He sits on the Transportation and Government Committees and is the elected chair for the AZ Legislative Latino Caucus.

Juan has held various offices and positions as an elected Precinct and State Committee Member, Chair of the Resolutions Committee on the state level, President of the ASU Young Democrats, Treasurer and Secretary at the district level, and Field Organizer helping to turn out Democratic voters and elect progressive Democrats.