About Senator Townsend

ISSUES

During her tenure in the Arizona State Legislature, Sen. Kelly Townsend focused on several key issues:

1. Election Integrity: Townsend was a vocal advocate for election reforms, sponsoring legislation aimed at combating voter fraud and enhancing transparency in the electoral process. She supported measures such as requiring identification for mail-in ballots and establishing criminal penalties for election workers who mishandle ballots. 
2. Parental Rights and Education: Townsend championed parental involvement in education, sponsoring bills that allowed parents to take legal action against teachers violating their rights to direct their children's education. She also supported legislation prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in schools
3. Public Health Policies: Townsend was critical of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and public health messaging, comparing state vaccine promotions to propaganda and expressing concerns over individual freedoms. 
4. Second Amendment Rights: As a staunch supporter of gun rights, Townsend received endorsements from organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and actively participated in Second Amendment advocacy events. 
5. Child Welfare Reform: Townsend advocated for reforms in the child welfare system, sponsoring legislation to hold child welfare workers accountable and defending parental rights in medical decisions. 
6. Anti-Abortion Advocacy: A long-standing anti-abortion activist, Townsend authored a book titled "Christ Centered Childbirth" and participated in events aimed at overturning Roe v. Wade.

In addition to her focus on election integrity, parental rights, public health policies, Second Amendment rights, child welfare reform, and anti-abortion advocacy, Kelly Townsend also concentrated on the following issues during her tenure in the Arizona State Legislature:

1. Federalism and States' Rights: Townsend was a proponent of state sovereignty and worked to limit federal overreach. She chaired the Federalism and States' Rights Committee, addressing issues related to the balance of power between state and federal governments. 
2. Fiscal Responsibility: She advocated for balanced budgets and fiscal conservatism, supporting measures to reduce state spending and promote financial accountability within government operations. 
3. Constitutional Amendments: Townsend was involved in efforts to convene an Article V convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution, particularly focusing on a balanced budget amendment. She chaired the planning convention for this initiative. 
4. Healthcare Freedom: She supported legislation aimed at protecting individual healthcare choices and opposing mandates that she believed infringed upon personal liberties. 
5. Education Reform: Beyond parental rights, Townsend advocated for school choice and policies that she believed would improve educational outcomes by increasing competition and accountability within the education system.
6. Immigration and Border Security: Townsend has expressed concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on Arizona. She has visited the U.S.-Mexico border to assess the situation firsthand and has advocated for stricter immigration enforcement policies. 
7. Advocacy for Veterans: As a U.S. Navy veteran, Townsend has been a proponent of veterans' issues, supporting legislation aimed at improving services and benefits for those who have served in the military. 
8. Small Business Support: Drawing from her experience as a small business owner, she has championed policies to reduce regulatory burdens and taxes on small businesses, aiming to foster economic growth and entrepreneurship in Arizona.
9. Healthcare Freedom: Townsend has been an advocate for individual healthcare choices, opposing mandates she perceives as infringing on personal liberties, and supporting alternative healthcare options.
   

LEADERSHIP 

During her tenure in the Arizona State Legislature, Kelly Townsend held several leadership positions:

• Majority Whip in the Arizona House of Representatives (2017-2018): As Majority Whip, Townsend was responsible for mobilizing party members for votes and ensuring legislative priorities were advanced.
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• Chairperson for the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) Article V Agenda: In this role, she advocated for a constitutional convention to propose amendments, particularly focusing on a balanced budget amendment.
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• President of the Arizona Balanced Budget Amendment Planning Convention: Townsend was elected by her peers to lead this historic gathering, which aimed to discuss and plan for a potential constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. 

AWARDS

• State Legislator of the Week - American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) (2018)
• March of Dimes Advocacy & Government Affairs Legislative Champion Award  (2018)
• League of Cities and Towns - Friend of Cities and Towns" award (2017)
• Legislator of the Year by the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) (2016)