Arizona Native Jamescita Mae Peshlakai was first elected to the state legislature in 2012. A combat veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Jamescita served in the US Army for 8 years.
As a parent, she is committed to restoring public education funding, working to make healthcare affordable, improving public safety and protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable populations. She believes jobs, transportation, infrastructure, and responsible planning are key to every Arizona community’s future, especially rural Arizona.
Senator Peshlakai represents LD7, the largest state legislative district in Arizona and the United States. LD7 includes some of the most beautiful parks and natural wonders in the world, including the Grand Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks, Monument Valley and the White Mountains, and the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. Eight tribes make up the majority of district’s constituents; Hualapai, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute, San Juan Southern Paiute, Navajo, Hopi, White Mountain Apache, San Carlos Apache and some Zuni Pueblo. Environmental stewardship, water justice, tribal sovereignty, social and economic justice for women and LGBTQI are issues Peshlakai are among her top priorities.
Jamescita is a practicing, traditional, and bilingual Navajo of the Tanglepeople, Redhouse, Bitterwater, and Cliff-dweller clans. She is a mother of 2 and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and a master’s degree in education psychology from Northern Arizona University.