What do Arizona voters want? Center for the Future of Arizona has some answers

Arizona voters are looking for concrete action plans heading into the upcoming general election, according to new statewide survey data.

Research released by the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) reveals that voters across the state want candidates to clearly outline the specific steps they will take on major priorities, rather than simply stating positions on hot-button issues.

The findings are part of CFA’s 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda, an ongoing project aimed at highlighting shared voter priorities during election cycles.

“Arizonans want to know what candidates will do about the issues that matter most to them and to Arizona’s future,” Dr. Sybil Francis, chair, president & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona, said in a release.

“Voters have already given us a remarkably clear picture of the outcomes they want. They are looking for candidates who will engage those priorities directly, explain credible plans and give Arizonans confidence that they can turn those plans into progress.”

What Arizona voters are asking from candidates

Direct communication from political candidates remains a non-negotiable for voters across the political spectrum.

According to the report:

• 93% of Arizona voters say it is important to have opportunities to hear candidates directly answer questions on major issues.
• 80% of voters consider those opportunities “very important.”
• Support is nearly identical across parties: 94% of Republicans, 94% of Democrats and 91% of independent or unaffiliated voters agreed.

Rather than ideological posturing, most voters favor pragmatic problem-solving. When asked about leadership styles, 63% of respondents said they prefer leaders who build practical solutions to the state’s top issues, even if they disagree on every political stance.

That preference held true across party lines, backed by 67% of independents, 64% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans. Meanwhile, 33% of voters preferred leaders who consistently stand up for political values even when it makes compromise harder.

Optimism remains despite state challenges

Despite persistent policy challenges, the research highlights a surprisingly optimistic electorate.

A majority of likely voters, 60%, reported believing that Arizona’s best days are ahead. The positive sentiment was shared across majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independent voters alike.

“Optimism is not the same as satisfaction,” Francis said. “Voters see real challenges and gaps between what they want and the progress they see. But they also believe Arizona can move forward.”

The survey was conducted by HighGround, Inc., as part of CFA’s long-term research. To qualify as an official “Shared Priority” under CFA’s criteria, an issue must be strongly supported by at least 50% of all voters, as well as a majority across Republicans, Democrats, independents and every age bracket.

CFA plans to publish additional topic breakdowns throughout the election cycle covering education, water, infrastructure, healthcare and workforce development.

Related

Outgoing Democratic lawmaker endorses Warren Petersen for attorney generalTrump announces that all 50 states are joining Medicaid drug pricing modelArizona politicians across the aisle honor Jon Kyl, a political giant who shaped the state for decadesArizona Republicans launch Sunshine Residential Homes probe, subpoena Katie Hobbs, Kris MayesJon Kyl sat down for an exclusive podcast interview 20 months before his deathJon Kyl, an Arizona political giant who served in Congress for nearly 3 decades, has died