Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 2026 General Election Ballot Positions & Endorsements
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting a strong business environment through informed civic engagement and public policy advocacy.
The following guide outlines the Chamber's positions on ballot measures and candidate endorsements for the November 3, 2026 General Election. These positions reflect an evaluation of issues affecting businesses, employers, workforce development, infrastructure, and the long-term economic vitality of Gilbert and the surrounding region.
Candidate endorsements are determined through a nonpartisan evaluation process that includes recorded candidate interviews, input from business community stakeholders, recommendations from the Chamber's Public Policy Committee, and final approval by the Chamber's Board of Directors.
The Chamber encourages voters to review the information provided, explore candidate interviews and official election resources, and make informed decisions based on their individual priorities.
Important Election Dates
October 5 – Voter registration deadline
October 7 – Early voting begins; early ballots mailed
October 23 – Last day to request a ballot by mail
October 27 – Recommended last day to return your ballot by mail
October 30 – Last day to vote early in person
November 3 – Election Day! All ballots must be received by 7:00 PM
2026 Ballot Measure Positions
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce evaluates ballot measures based on their potential impact on businesses, economic competitiveness, workforce development, infrastructure, and local government.
Arizona's Voter Protection Act places significant restrictions on the Legislature's ability to amend or repeal voter-approved initiatives and referenda. Measures that amend the Arizona Constitution create additional limitations because constitutional provisions generally cannot be changed through ordinary legislation.
The Chamber considers these long-term implications when evaluating ballot measures, particularly those affecting taxation, revenue, infrastructure, education, economic development, and local government authority. Each proposition is reviewed individually based on its specific provisions and potential impact on Gilbert's business community and economic environment.
Oppose (No)
Prop 141- Prohibit Tax; Monitoring; Vehicle Mileage
Chamber Position: Oppose (No)
Description: Proposition 141 would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit state and local governments from imposing a tax or fee based on the number of miles traveled in a motor vehicle. The measure would also restrict government monitoring or limiting of vehicle miles traveled without the person's consent, subject to specified exceptions.
Chamber Rationale: The Chamber opposes constitutionally restricting a potential future revenue mechanism for transportation and infrastructure. As transportation needs and technologies evolve, Arizona should retain flexibility to evaluate funding options that support long-term infrastructure investment.
Proposition 316 — Municipal Taxes on Food
Chamber Position: Oppose (No)
Description: Proposition 316 would restrict the ability of cities, towns, and other taxing jurisdictions to impose or increase taxes on food and certain nonalcoholic beverages intended for home consumption.
The measure would prohibit new taxes or increases to existing taxes during the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. After that period, new taxes or increases would generally require voter approval and would be subject to a maximum rate of 2%. Jurisdictions with an applicable tax rate of 2% or more established before January 1, 2025, would be prohibited from increasing that rate.
Chamber Rationale: The Chamber opposes additional restrictions on revenue options available to local municipalities. Preserving local authority over revenue decisions allows communities to evaluate and respond to their specific needs, priorities, and economic conditions.
Proposition 320 — School District Instructional Spending Requirements
Chamber Position: Oppose (No)
Description: Proposition 320 would require school districts with at least 7,500 students, or districts operating a school in a county with a population of at least 500,000, to allocate at least 60% of operational spending to direct instructional expenses.
Beginning in fiscal year 2027–28, districts below the required threshold would need to increase their instructional spending percentage by at least 0.5 percentage points annually until reaching compliance. Districts failing to meet the applicable requirements could face reductions in Classroom Site Fund allocations unless a waiver is granted.
Chamber Rationale: Strong public education systems are essential to workforce development, business retention, and business expansion. The Chamber opposes a statewide spending mandate that could limit school districts' flexibility to allocate operational resources based on local needs and priorities. Decisions regarding school district expenditures should consider the diverse needs of students, educators, and individual communities.
Support (Yes)
Prop 422- Gilbert Public Schools $136 million bond
Chamber Position: Support (Yes)
Description: Proposition 422 asks voters within Gilbert Public Schools boundaries to authorize $136 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvements, including facility renovations, safety and security improvements, technology, and equipment.
Chamber Rationale: The Chamber supports investments in educational facilities, campus safety, and career and technical education that contribute to a strong workforce and community. The proposed bond addresses capital needs within existing school facilities and supports the district's ability to maintain and modernize educational infrastructure.
Prop 423 - Authorization for Sale of Former Pioneer Elementary Property
Chamber Position: Support (Yes)
Description: Proposition 423 asks voters to authorize Gilbert Public Schools to sell the former Pioneer Elementary School property. Voter approval would allow the district to pursue a future sale but would not require the property to be sold.
Chamber Rationale: The Chamber supports providing school districts with flexibility to responsibly manage taxpayer-funded assets. The proposed authorization would allow Gilbert Public Schools to evaluate future opportunities for the property and direct proceeds toward educational purposes, consistent with applicable requirements.
Candidate Endorsements
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's candidate endorsements reflect a nonpartisan evaluation process focused on issues affecting businesses and the long-term economic vitality of our community. All eligible candidates were invited to participate in recorded interviews, which were reviewed and scored by business community stakeholders. Recommendations from the Chamber's Public Policy Committee were considered, with final endorsement decisions approved by the Chamber's Board of Directors.
The Chamber's endorsement policy allows a maximum of one endorsement per open seat. Endorsements are not necessarily issued in every race or for every available seat. Links to candidate interviews are provided to encourage further review and informed participation in the election.
Chamber-Endorsed Candidates — Legislative District 13
Senate
Julie Willoughby
Email: julie.willoughby.campaign@gmail.com
Website: https://www.juliewilloughby.org
House
The Chamber did not issue an endorsement for the second open House seat in Legislative District 13.
Chamber-Endorsed Candidates — Legislative District 14
Senate
Stephanie Walsh
Email: stephanie@walshforarizona.com
Website:https://www.walshforarizona.com
House
Tyler Andrew Farnsworth
Email: tyler@votefarnsworth.com
Website:https://www.votefarnsworth.com
Other Races On The Ballot
The Chamber also provides candidate information and recorded interviews for additional races affecting the Gilbert community. Candidate resources are available to support informed participation in the election, regardless of whether the Chamber has issued an endorsement.
About the Chamber's Positions and Endorsements
Candidate endorsements and ballot measure positions presented on this page are those of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) business organization. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce evaluates candidates and ballot measures through its established public policy and advocacy processes. Endorsements and positions reflect the Chamber's assessment of issues affecting the local business environment and are authorized in accordance with the organization's governance procedures.