New Arizona Voters' Agenda Reveals Clear Opportunities for Leadership on the Issues Voters Prioritize

The biggest opportunities for progress this election may not lie in the issues that divide Arizona voters, but in the priorities they already share. New statewide public opinion research released today by Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) identifies where majorities agree and what it means for candidates, leaders, and Arizona's future.

Presented in the 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda, the research identifies priorities on which likely Arizona voters show agreement across political affiliations and generations. The findings provide a trusted, nonpartisan framework for the priorities the public believes deserve attention — creating a foundation for the questions candidates answer, the decisions leaders make, and the progress Arizonans expect long after Election Day.

The research also provides broader insight into Arizona voters' experiences, concerns, and perspectives, helping explain not only what voters think is most important, but why those issues matter.

Together, the findings raise an important question for conversations throughout the 2026 election and beyond: Will Arizona’s elected leaders respond to voters’ priorities?

“The Arizona Voters’ Agenda builds on a strong foundation of public opinion research that spans multiple election cycles,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA. “The views of Arizona voters have remained remarkably consistent in important areas despite changing political and economic circumstances. Arizonans care deeply about the state’s future, they want leaders focused on the challenges affecting their lives, they want problem-solving that leads to progress, and they are tired of divisive politics. The 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda provides insights and a current view into voter priorities today.”

The Arizona Voters' Agenda priorities are drawn from a statewide public opinion survey conducted by HighGround, Inc., that examined a wide range of issues, policy approaches, priorities, and public concerns. Only priorities earning at least 50% support across all political affiliations and generations become part of the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, providing a credible, research-based understanding of where likely Arizona voters are aligned.

The findings build on nearly two decades of CFA’s research and community engagement with Arizonans. Across that body of work, Arizonans consistently identify practical solutions, long-term thinking, and leadership that addresses the issues most important to the state's future.

Highlights of What Arizona Voters Are Telling Leaders in 2026

• Arizona voters continue to show agreement in areas of affordability, housing, water, immigration, and education.
• Affordability and the rising cost of living remain defining challenges, with housing affordability as one of voters' highest priorities.
• Long-term water security is one of the highest priorities of Arizona voters, who resoundingly connect responsible water stewardship with the state's future growth, prosperity, and quality of life.
• Immigration remains one of Arizona's longest-standing areas of consensus, with voters supporting strong border security, making legal immigration pathways clearer and easier, treating people humanely, and protecting Arizona's economy.
• Education stands out as one of Arizona's biggest opportunities for progress. Voters strongly believe public education is essential to Arizona's future and identify a comprehensive agenda to improve education spanning early learning, student achievement, workforce readiness, and accountability for all public funding.
• In Elections, majorities of likely voters agree that elections are secure, voter ID laws are strong enough, and voting by mail should continue. However, Republican support did not reach 50% or more, and therefore, these did not meet the consensus agreement threshold to qualify as Arizona Voters’ Agenda items.

CFA will release issue-specific findings and analyses through Aug. 20, providing deeper insight into each Arizona Voters' Agenda priority. Throughout the election, CFA will also share the research directly with candidates, governing leaders, journalists, business and civic leaders, legislators, and community organizations through briefings, presentations, and public discussions designed to keep Arizona voters' priorities at the center of elections and public decision-making.

CFA is conducting a second Arizona Voters’ Agenda survey later this month and will release those findings in September, providing additional insights into Arizona voters' priorities and perspectives as the election continues.

The Arizona Voters' Agenda is intended to be more than a snapshot of public opinion. It is a trusted guide for asking how candidates, governing leaders, and communities will respond to the priorities Arizona voters have identified, and for measuring progress as they govern.

"The Arizona Voters' Agenda doesn't end with identifying where we have consensus and shared priorities," Dr. Francis adds. "Arizona voters have identified where meaningful progress is possible, and, in many cases, long overdue. Candidates owe it to the voters to speak to what matters most to them, state their plans clearly, and, as leaders, to demonstrate results. There are too many gaps between what Arizonans want and what is being delivered. The question is no longer whether we know what matters most to Arizona voters. The question is whether leaders will seize the opportunity to act."

Explore the research and join the conversation. Find the Arizona Voters' Agenda findings, methodology, and resources at arizonafuture.org/ava.

About the Arizona Voters’ Agenda Survey

The first of two statewide 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda surveys was conducted on June 15-18, 2026. The poll surveyed 500 likely Arizona General Election voters with a history of electoral participation and was balanced to reflect expected turnout across party, age, region, and gender. Live interviews were conducted in English and Spanish by HighGround, Inc., among landline and cell phone users. The partisan advantage was set at +8% GOP based on previous election trends. The margin of error is ±4.3%.

To be included in the Arizona Voters' Agenda, each priority must receive support from at least 50% of all likely voters, as well as at least 50% of Republicans, Democrats, independents/unaffiliated voters, and every age group. The survey also includes broader questions that provide context about Arizona voters' experiences, concerns, and perspectives. Additional methodology is available at arizonafuture.org/ava.

Survey Demographics:

The 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative is supported in part by Arizona State University, Helios Education Foundation, Pivotal Foundation, and Thomas R. Brown Family Private Foundation. Center for the Future of Arizona is grateful for their investment in trusted, nonpartisan research that helps inform leadership and public dialogue around Arizona's future.

About Center for the Future of Arizona

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan "do-tank" that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. Through its survey research & communications, Arizona Progress Meters, and impact initiatives & programs in education, workforce, and civic health, CFA listens to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, shares trusted data about how Arizona is doing in those priority areas, brings critical issues to public attention, and works with communities and leaders to solve public problems. CFA’s work is focused on building The Arizona We Want — a research-informed vision of success for the state, where all Arizonans, now and in the future, thrive and enjoy sustained prosperity, unmatched quality of life, and real opportunity.

CFA develops the Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative to put the voices of Arizona voters at the forefront of election dialogue, encourage candidates and media to focus on what Arizonans agree on and care about for our state, and increase voter engagement by building a positive agenda that focuses on outcomes that voters across age and political affiliation want. Visit arizonafuture.org/ava for more details on the initiative and comprehensive survey information.