Lorena Austin (9)

Lorena Austin is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 9 . A fifth-generation Arizonan and native of Mesa, Austin is non-binary and Native American , recognized as the first queer, Chicanx, non-binary legislator in the country. Elected in 2022 alongside Seth Blattman, they defeated Republican nominees in the general election after an unchallenged Democratic primary. Austin serves as a longtime community leader, with family roots in advocacy; their grandparents owned Albert’s Market in Mesa for over 20 years, serving segregated neighborhoods and community boards for equity and inclusion. Currently, Austin works as a project manager for the Maricopa County Community College District.

Notable achievements include graduating Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University’s School of Transborder Studies and serving as student body president at Mesa Community College.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Attended Mesa Community College and earned a degree Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University’s School of Transborder Studies.

Political Experience: Elected to the Arizona House in 2022 for District 9; active in community leadership and advocacy rooted in Mesa for generations. Serves on House committees .