Steve Kaiser is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the Arizona Senate in 2023. He previously served as state representative in Arizona's 15th district. He was elected to the seat after incumbent Republican John Allen decided to run for Maricopa County treasurer.[1] He and Justin Wilmeth won in a two–seat election in 2020, both defeating Democrat Kristin Dybvig–Pawelko by over 11,000 votes.[2] While in the State House, he introduced bipartisan legislation on housing reform.[3]

Steve Kaiser
Kaiser in 2023
Member of the Arizona Senate
from the 2nd district
In office
January 9, 2023 – June 16, 2023
Preceded byRosanna Gabaldón
Succeeded byShawnna Bolick
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 15th District
In office
January 11, 2021 – January 9, 2023
Preceded byJohn Allen
Succeeded byJacqueline Parker
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
Alma materArizona State University
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
RankCaptain

State Senate (2023)

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In 2022, Kaiser ran for and was elected to the State Senate. He defeated his opponent, Democrat Jeanne Casteen, by nearly 4%.[4]

In 2023, Kaiser was part of a bipartisan effort to address rising housing costs in Arizona.[5] He introduced two bills aimed at deregulation, zoning, and property rights for developers that would lower the cost of living for Arizonans.[6][7]

On June 14, 2023, Kaiser announced via a text message to a local political reporter that he will be resigning to focus on his 501(c)(4) – the Arizona Prosperity Project.[8] He officially resigned from office on June 16, 2023.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Fifield, Jen. "Outgoing Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora resigns early, citing 'toxic' environment". AZCentral.
  2. ^ "Steve Kaiser, Justin Wilmeth lead pack in LD15 House race". Arizona Capitol Times. August 5, 2020.
  3. ^ "Arizona lawmakers introduce bill to improve housing affordability". 12 News. February 2, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  4. ^ "Election Results". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  5. ^ Arcand, Cameron (May 3, 2023). "Arizona lawmakers make bipartisan push on affordable housing". The Center Square Arizona. Franklin News Foundation. Retrieved May 8, 2023. there is broad bipartisan support for zoning reform and for these three bills
  6. ^ Duda, Jeremy (March 21, 2023). "Lawmaker, cities pushing new plans after Senate kills housing bill". Axios Phoenix. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  7. ^ Fisher, Howard (February 14, 2023). "Proposed state bill could alter residential zoning laws in Arizona". Williams-Grand Canyon News. Retrieved May 8, 2023. Arizona cities and towns would be required to allow new homes, duplexes and triplexes on very small lots in residential areas and allow homeowners to add backyard casitas, known as auxiliary dwelling units, to their properties under a wide-ranging proposal that would eliminate many local zoning laws across the state
  8. ^ https://twitter.com/dennis_welch/status/1668822487575183360 [bare URL]
  9. ^ "Phoenix state senator resigns". The Daily Independent. June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2023.