Debbie Lesko

Debbie Lesko is an American politician serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona. She represents Arizona's 8th congressional district, which includes parts of Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. Lesko is a member of the Republican Party and has been involved in politics at the state and federal levels, including serving in the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona Senate. She has worked with various organizations, such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

● Early Life and Education

Debbie Lesko was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin. She attended University of Wisconsin–Madison and later moved to Arizona in 1985. Lesko earned a degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Before entering politics, she worked in the private sector for companies like American West Airlines and US West. Lesko has been involved with various community organizations, including the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the Glendale Rotary Club. She has also participated in events sponsored by the National Federation of Independent Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

● Career

Lesko began her career in politics by serving on the Peoria City Council from 2001 to 2008. She then served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2009 to 2015, representing the 21st legislative district of Arizona. During her time in the state house, Lesko worked with colleagues like Andy Biggs and David Livingston on various legislative initiatives. She also served on committees such as the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Education. In 2015, Lesko was elected to the Arizona Senate, where she served until 2018, working with senators like Steve Yarbrough and Judy Burges. Lesko has been a member of the National Republican Legislative Committee and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

● U.S. House of Representatives

Lesko was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election on April 24, 2018, to fill the seat left vacant by Trent Franks. She was sworn into office on May 7, 2018, and has since served on committees such as the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Lesko has worked with representatives like Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs on various legislative initiatives. She has also participated in hearings and events sponsored by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the House Committee on the Judiciary. Lesko is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the House Freedom Caucus.

● Political Positions

Lesko has taken positions on various issues, including border security, tax reform, and health care reform. She has supported legislation like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the American Health Care Act. Lesko has also worked with organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute on policy initiatives. She has been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and has worked with groups like the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners of America. Lesko has also been involved in efforts to address the opioid epidemic, working with organizations like the National Association of Counties and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

● Elections

Lesko has won several elections, including her initial election to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2008 and her election to the Arizona Senate in 2014. In 2018, she won a special election to fill the vacant seat in Arizona's 8th congressional district, defeating Hiral Tipirneni in the general election. Lesko won re-election in the 2018 United States House of Representatives elections and the 2020 United States House of Representatives elections, defeating opponents like Michael Muscato and Joan Greene. Lesko has been endorsed by organizations like the National Right to Life Committee and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has also received support from politicians like Martha McSally and Doug Ducey.