PHOENIX — Christine Scianna, a mother and longtime disability advocate, secured the top spot in the November 2026 election for Arizona House District 29. Her victory places her in the state legislature alongside Republican Rep. Steve Montenegro, the very lawmaker she says failed to respond to her repeated outreach.
From personal struggle to public office
Scianna’s journey began with her daughter Brooke, who is autistic and non‑verbal. After a 2018 transportation incident that led to a series of meltdowns, the Arizona Department of Child Safety removed Brooke from the family home and placed her in a group home. “She ended up in the hospital, then a mental hospital,” Scianna recounted, noting that she sued the state over the handling of her daughter’s care. Five months later, she regained custody and turned her experience into a broader advocacy for vulnerable adults.
Motivation to run
In 2025, while Arizona lawmakers debated budget cuts affecting people with disabilities, Scianna said a last‑minute procedural move by Rep. Montenegro spurred her decision to run. “Montenegro put three Republicans on the floor ten minutes before the vote to defeat a bipartisan measure. I realized I had to do something,” she explained.
She entered the race for the two House seats in District 29, campaigning on a platform of disability rights, parental involvement, and bipartisan cooperation. Her message resonated with voters in the West Valley, earning her the most votes in the district.
Working with a former opponent
When asked about serving alongside Montenegro, Scianna said she expects the partnership to be “interesting.” Montenegro responded, “I look forward to having great conversations with her,” signaling a willingness to engage despite past tensions.
Looking ahead
As a new legislator, Scianna brings a personal connection to the policies she has long championed. She intends to collaborate across party lines to protect vulnerable adults, improve state services, and ensure families have a voice in the legislative process.
For Arizonans who wish to make a difference, Scianna offers a straightforward call to action: “Anyone who wants to see change should always go for it and do what they can.”
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
