Lydia Hernandez is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 24 in Maricopa County, based in Phoenix, AZ. First elected in 2022, with her next election in 2026, she serves on the House Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections and has sponsored bills such as HB2379 , HB2380 , and HB2381 .

Notable achievements include her leadership as President of the Cartwright School District #83 since her election to a 4-year term in 2010, where she has served on the board since 2002; under her tenure, the district improved from 13 out of 20 underperforming schools in 2010 to an overall grade of 'B' in 2012. She has also advanced civic engagement efforts, including voter registration and Get Out the Vote initiatives that elevated Arizona's profile nationally.

Education and Political Experience

Hernandez attended Baylor University starting in 1987, where she was elected to the Student Congress, served on the Student Senate, was active in the Young Democrats, and presided over the Hispanic Culture Association. She graduated in 1993 and moved to Phoenix to pursue a master's in Chicano Studies at Arizona State University .

Prior to her state legislative role, she held positions including with the Cartwright Elementary School District and focused on community training and engagement programs.