Candidate Profile: Whitney Walker
Amongst the madness, thousands of first-time candidates continue to campaign for state and local offices across the country. These inspirational hopefuls are working in their communities to provide support, structure and care where it is most needed. Take a look at one of these candidates in our new Spotlight Series.
Meet Whitney Walker, running for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Arizona! Whitney has advocated for sustainable policy solutions on behalf domestic and sexual violence survivors and their families. She has a proven record, working with advocates to close systematic gaps to end cycles of violence and poverty while serving on the Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts Committee for the state of Arizona. Today Whitney is running for office to bring equitable practices and more diverse representation to local office.
Learn more about Whitney’s plans below!
Hi Whitney! Tell us: what inspired you to run for office?
My years of law and policy work have helped me hone my analytical skills on various issues such as mass incarceration, voter suppression, discrimination in public education, threats to LGBTQ+ equality, immigrants’ rights, reproductive health, and gender-based violence. However, it is my lived experience that shapes me as a leader ready to be a fearless advocate for equity and liberation in Arizona.
Growing up, my family faced challenges that many other single-family households face. So, when we think of the “American Dream” and the opportunities it provides, I’m living proof that it can still exist for Arizona families. Because of my upbringing, I know what so many families face trying to survive until the next payday or trying to save for school or retirement. I am one of the lucky ones. My experiences have compelled me to envision my community as one that truly believes in equality, access, and opportunity for all. I am ready to work to make sure we all have a seat at the table.
What issue is most pressing in your community and how do you plan on remedying it?
Access to healthcare, including mental health and substance abuse solutions. The Maricopa County Department of Health needs to be expanded to accommodate our growing population. We also need to have trained specialists that are from our state universities, and institutions equipped and ready to face any challenge from the future. We need a Department of Health that focuses on complete health and wellness — this includes mental, emotional, and physical health. We need to build initiatives to promote that.
Another major issue is access to affordable housing. Last year, Maricopa County’s Justices of the Peace signed about 43,800 eviction due to lack of affordable housing and rental rate increases. Arizona faces a decade-long affordable housing shortage with limited rights for tenants, with evictions starting after day 3 of nonpayment. The County needs eviction prevention programs. Furthermore, as new development is being built people are being pushed and priced out of their homes and neighborhoods with no solution in sight.
As you’ve been meeting with voters in your community, what is something new that you learned?
People in my district support policies that promote local control and many have never heard of the office I am running for: an office that empowers communities everyday to shape their future.
What surprised you the most about being a candidate?
The amount of resiliency you need to not give up every other day. Also, the people you thought you could rely on aren’t present, but you find support in new places and new faces that come with open arms.
If you could change one thing in politics today what would it be?
The amount of money candidates need to raise to be considered “viable”. Money should not dictate who leads us. Also, a clear pathway for candidates to get health insurance, if they go without work to run for office.
What is one takeaway you’d like to leave your constituents with?
Regardless of your circumstances, zip code, or how you identify, you have an advocate who will fight for your best interest relentlessly.
Final Question: What would you say to someone who is thinking about running for office someday?
I will provide them with a quote that keeps me going “ When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid” — Audre Lorde. If you see a space that needs to be occupied and change that needs to happen, don’t let fear stop you. Lean into the vision you have and use your voice to create space for others. If I can do this, you have the ability to do this too.
