Tiffany Byrne

After 30 years in public education, including 24 years teaching AP Chemistry and then overseeing K–12 science, I have learned that good decisions begin with good questions and reliable evidence. I would bring that same approach to policymaking. I would establish a process for consulting qualified scientists, educators, engineers, medical professionals, economists, and other subject-matter experts when legislation involves technical or scientific issues. These advisors should be selected for their expertise, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and provide information that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. I also believe we need to distinguish between established scientific knowledge, emerging research, and areas where legitimate scientific uncertainty exists. Policymakers should understand both what we know and what we do not know before making significant decisions. Science should inform policy, but it should not replace elected leadership. As an elected official, I would consider scientific evidence along with constitutional rights, fiscal responsibility, economic impacts, and the needs of Arizona communities. Finally, I would support measuring the results of major policies after implementation. If evidence demonstrates that a policy is not achieving its intended results, we should be willing to adjust it. My philosophy is simple: respect the evidence, ask questions, listen to experts, be transparent with the public, and remain willing to change course when the facts warrant it.

Arizona has tremendous potential to be a national leader in science, technology, and innovation. We should aggressively pursue federal research funding and make sure Arizona receives a strong return on the federal tax dollars our citizens contribute. I would advocate for continued federal investment in basic and applied research through agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, NASA, National Institutes of Health, and other research programs. These investments can lead to new businesses, better-paying jobs, improved technologies, and solutions to some of Arizona’s most difficult challenges. I would particularly encourage research partnerships involving Arizona universities, community colleges, K–12 schools, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Areas such as water conservation, semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, aerospace, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, biomedical research, and environmentally responsible mining offer significant opportunities. As an educator, I also believe innovation begins with students. We should expand STEM education, internships, apprenticeships, research opportunities, and career pathways so that Arizona students can become the scientists, engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Arizona is on the frontlines of current and future environmental challenges. Water is our most important long-term concern. Before approving major new development, including large data centers, we need to understand its impact on water supplies, electricity demand, infrastructure, and surrounding communities. Development should not receive a blank check to consume scarce resources. Companies benefiting from Arizona’s infrastructure should pay their fair share of the costs they create. I support increased water conservation, wastewater reuse, improved groundwater monitoring, aquifer recharge where appropriate, and continued investment in water-efficient technologies. We also need better data so that policymakers and communities understand how much water is available and how development will affect it over the long term. Arizona has a long history of mining. However, mining must be responsible. That means appropriate environmental standards, monitoring, financial assurances, and accountability for contamination and mine waste. Extreme heat also requires practical preparation. We should invest in resilient infrastructure, shade and cooling strategies, energy efficiency, emergency response, and technologies that reduce water and energy consumption. With urban planning that incorporates future focused problem solving, Arizona could be a leader in adaptation and mitigation efforts.
I support responsible development that recognizes Arizona’s environmental limits and protects opportunities for future generations.

Yes. I support evidence-based public-health policies that prevent disease while respecting individual rights and maintaining public trust. My 30 years as a science educator taught me that people make better decisions when they have accurate information and understand the evidence. Public health should be approached the same way. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools available for preventing measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. I support maintaining appropriate school immunization requirements consistent with Arizona law and medical guidance, while making it easier for families to understand requirements and access recommended vaccinations. I would also support strengthening Arizona’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks. That means adequate public-health staffing, timely disease surveillance, effective communication among state and local health departments, schools and healthcare providers, and clear procedures for responding when cases are identified. Most importantly, public health requires public trust. The government should communicate honestly about risks, benefits, and uncertainties rather than politicizing scientific or medical issues. People deserve to know what the evidence shows and where uncertainties remain. My approach would be prevention, preparation, transparency, and rapid response. We should listen to qualified medical and public-health professionals, communicate directly with Arizona families, and use proven strategies to keep communities healthy.

Yes. I support reasonable, evidence-based protections for children and teenagers on social media, while protecting free speech and the rights of families. I support stronger privacy protections for minors, reasonable parental controls, and greater transparency regarding how social-media platforms collect information and recommend content to young users. Young people increasingly receive information about science, politics, health, and current events through social media. That makes digital and scientific literacy more important than ever. It is imperative we teach students how to evaluate sources, recognize misinformation, understand the difference between evidence and opinion, and determine whether a scientific claim can be independently verified. Throughout my time as a science educator, I have advocated for these skills, and will continue to do so as a legislator. Technology will continue to change. Our policies and education system need to keep pace.