Aaron Márquez

Aaron Márquez is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing District 5. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served two combat deployments to Afghanistan and has dedicated his career to public service and progressive causes in Arizona.

Márquez grew up in Arizona, attending public schools in Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Gilbert. As a father of school-aged children and husband to an elementary school principal, he brings firsthand experience with family and education policy issues to his legislative work.

Education and Military Service

Márquez began his college education at the University of Arizona and Mesa Community College but withdrew after his first year following the September 11 terrorist attacks, feeling called to serve his country. He joined AmeriCorps through a program called City Year, where he committed to two years of community service, running youth service-learning programs for at-risk students before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

Political Experience

Márquez's political career began in 2004 as a field organizer for John Kerry's presidential campaign in Arizona. In 2014, he made his first run for elected office as a candidate for the Arizona State Senate, raising over $185,000—an Arizona Democratic Party record for a first-time legislative candidate at that time.

In 2015, Márquez led veterans outreach efforts for U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego's office, meeting with veterans and military families across the district to advocate for increased resources for Arizona veterans. He cofounded VetsForward.us, a group of progressive military veterans in Arizona dedicated to defending democratic values and winning voter support for Democratic candidates.

In 2020, Márquez was elected to the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board at-large, where he has advocated for robust public health policies, wraparound services for students, and restorative justice practices. His current legislative work focuses on issues including healthcare costs, job opportunities, abortion rights, and gun safety measures.