For the first time in my life, I am supporting a Republican candidate for governor. I am proud to endorse Doug Ducey. We can no longer afford to compromise by electing career political insiders. As a native Arizonan and a sitting state legislator, I am faced with the consequences of the current economic climate every day. Our schools are underperforming, our businesses have been slow to recover and state revenues are falling short of projections. Doug Ducey is the only candidate I trust to improve Arizona because he has an honest, straightforward approach.

The coming generations will be faced with unique trials and challenges. The choice you make today will define Arizona. This election isn’t about Republican or Democrat, but rather selecting the best leader for our state. Doug Ducey is the only candidate with a proven record and the capability to unify our residents behind a singular vision. I know he will put politics aside and achieve positive outcomes for our students, teachers, first responders, business owners and hardworking families.

Today, our families are faced with two major challenges – our education system is failing our students and our economic recovery has been sluggish. I have dedicated much of my professional life to improving our school system. As a mother, former principal and teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of putting more dollars into the classroom and the significance of retaining great teachers. Doug Ducey has a comprehensive vision to improve our education system and ensure our students are prepared for a prosperous future.

The families in my district are struggling to find high quality employment opportunities. We don’t need more political talking points, like let’s “grow the middle class,” we need a governor who has a proven business record of creating jobs. Doug Ducey is the only candidate who has real business experience and understands exactly what it takes to grow our economy. Our families cannot afford more empty promises from career insiders and lifelong lobbyists. What we need now is authentic, trustworthy leadership – we need Doug Ducey as governor.

We have the grit and determination to make critical reforms that will benefit our kids and families. Arizona was built by industrious entrepreneurs, forged by our work ethic and driven by our commitment to providing better outcomes for our families. But it’s not just about fixing education and improving the economy: Our next governor has to be strategically agile in order to systematically resolve new challenges that will arise.

Join me in supporting Doug Ducey for governor. Let’s put politics and party designation aside because together, we can make the best decision for Arizona. Doug’s vision will help us grow our businesses, create great jobs, improve our schools and most importantly, give each and every one of us equal opportunity to succeed.

I wholeheartedly endorse Doug Ducey for governor because he will provide opportunity for all.

– Catherine Miranda is a Democrat representing the 27th District in the Arizona House of Representatives.