Keith Joseph Lara

[{"question": "State House", "answer_html": "<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": ""}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Keith Lara completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lara's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" id=\"heading-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tKeith Lara is an IT professional with over 5 years of working in public service IT, particularly in school districts. Keith has a Bachelor's in Computer Information Technology from Northern Arizona University. He was born in Scottsdale, Arizona where he grew up until he lived in Flagstaff attending university. He met his wife there and married in 2017, moving down to Arlington, Arizona in 2018, where she grew up. He has lived there ever since.\r\n<p>Keith's most recent position was at NAU's ETC, an MSP for school districts, until he was laid off in January of 2026, due to clients not renewing their contracts. This is likely due to Arizona's ESA school voucher programs sapping money from public school districts, causing them to cut costs. This strengthened Keith's passion for running as he has always been an advocate for public schools. Incidentally, his wife is a teacher and also works at a local public school.\r\n</p>\nKeith also regularly helps with his community. He has volunteered at his wife's school for events and also spends time volunteering at All Faith Community Services, a food bank in Buckeye, where his mother-in-law works. He is passionate about community and is seeking to strengthen community bonds while in office.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" id=\"heading-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Public schools need an overhaul in funding and protection from ESA vouchers. Arizona has been deprioritizing public schools for far too long and has caused the state to have some of the worst public schools nationally. Public school funding goes beyond teacher salary, and being part of public school IT, I am aware of several vulnerabilities and weak points in public school infrastructure. I believe that the state, at the very minimum, should provide funding to ensure every public school meets a set of minimum requirements for facilities and infrastructure, independent of school size or location. That should be the first step of many to correct the state of public schools in Arizona.</li><li>The government is lacking accountability and responsibility. The federal level is a different story, but even at the state level, many Republicans waste time filing theatrical bills that they know will never pass, like the Charlie Kirk memorial bills. It's time politics becomes boring again, where lawmakers take their jobs seriously and put genuine care and thought into the laws they write. Where it becomes less significant which party a lawmaker belongs to, as there's a universal understanding that every lawmaker is responsible for the interests of their constituents.</li><li>Communities all across America have become isolated and siloed. People don't greet each other when passing by on the street, are afraid to answer their doors, and don't spend much time in increasingly dwindling public spaces. I would like to change all that. It starts by reinstating a sense of community by reinvesting into public spaces like libraries, rec centers, and parks. People should be encouraged to gather together and share their stories, as doing so will break down the barriers that keep us isolated. One thing that has made politics so polarizing is that people lost the sense of community, where people of different opinions can still have a mutual understanding and care for each other.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-425360-2026-03-28\" id=\"heading1-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-425360-2026-03-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-425360-2026-03-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-425360-2026-03-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI really care about public education, it is my top priority. I also am passionate about providing affordable healthcare to every Arizona citizen. I would also like to see affordability in all aspects of life, from groceries to gas, rent and mortgages, and even childcare services.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nKeith Lara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lara's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Keith Lara is an IT professional with over 5 years of working in public service IT, particularly in school districts. Keith has a Bachelor's in Computer Information Technology from Northern Arizona University. He was born in Scottsdale, Arizona where he grew up until he lived in Flagstaff attending university. He met his wife there and married in 2017, moving down to Arlington, Arizona in 2018, where she grew up. He has lived there ever since. Keith's most recent position was at NAU's ETC, an MSP for school districts, until he was laid off in January of 2026, due to clients not renewing their contracts. This is likely due to Arizona's ESA school voucher programs sapping money from public school districts, causing them to cut costs. This strengthened Keith's passion for running as he has always been an advocate for public schools. Incidentally, his wife is a teacher and also works at a local public school. Keith also regularly helps with his community. He has volunteered at his wife's school for events and also spends time volunteering at All Faith Community Services, a food bank in Buckeye, where his mother-in-law works. He is passionate about community and is seeking to strengthen community bonds while in office. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Public schools need an overhaul in funding and protection from ESA vouchers. Arizona has been deprioritizing public schools for far too long and has caused the state to have some of the worst public schools nationally. Public school funding goes beyond teacher salary, and being part of public school IT, I am aware of several vulnerabilities and weak points in public school infrastructure. I believe that the state, at the very minimum, should provide funding to ensure every public school meets a set of minimum requirements for facilities and infrastructure, independent of school size or location. That should be the first step of many to correct the state of public schools in Arizona. The government is lacking accountability and responsibility. The federal level is a different story, but even at the state level, many Republicans waste time filing theatrical bills that they know will never pass, like the Charlie Kirk memorial bills. It's time politics becomes boring again, where lawmakers take their jobs seriously and put genuine care and thought into the laws they write. Where it becomes less significant which party a lawmaker belongs to, as there's a universal understanding that every lawmaker is responsible for the interests of their constituents. Communities all across America have become isolated and siloed. People don't greet each other when passing by on the street, are afraid to answer their doors, and don't spend much time in increasingly dwindling public spaces. I would like to change all that. It starts by reinstating a sense of community by reinvesting into public spaces like libraries, rec centers, and parks. People should be encouraged to gather together and share their stories, as doing so will break down the barriers that keep us isolated. One thing that has made politics so polarizing is that people lost the sense of community, where people of different opinions can still have a mutual understanding and care for each other. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I really care about public education, it is my top priority. I also am passionate about providing affordable healthcare to every Arizona citizen. I would also like to see affordability in all aspects of life, from groceries to gas, rent and mortgages, and even childcare services.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "U.S. House", "answer_html": "<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": ""}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Keith Lara completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lara's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to represent the community I live and work in as I am not satisfied with our current representation. This is me doing something about it. I believe my stances on political issues are balanced and agreeable with most of the people in my district, regardless of political party. I live in a rural area, vow to protect 2A rights, am very involved in public education, and I will never represent the interests of large corporations. While I am running as a Democrat, I pledge to dissent from the majority whenever it is warranted. I will not be another career Democrat. I have worked in public education since 2020, driving school buses and in IT. Before that, I worked at the MVD and even became a CDL Examiner. Needless to say, I am not unfamiliar with public service. Not just as a manager in an office, but in front of and interacting with the general public. I am one of us, a community member, present in our everyday lives. It's time our district elects a true man of the people, our people, for its representative.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Gosar's gotta go. He has been a problem since he was first elected and is just another Trump crony at this time. I want real representation for our district, and if that means I have to run myself, I will. Well, here I am. Even if I don't win, I want Gosar to know that he's in hot water.</li><li>I am passionate about education. For many of us in district 9, our schools are the heart of our communities. I am fortunate that my current employment allows me to travel to so many schools, especially those in this district, and work directly with the communities I wish to represent. I am here for you, and have always been.</li><li>The country is in chaos. Should I win, I will do my part to stabilize it and prevent this sort of lawlessness from happening again. While I am running as a Democrat, I will not always fall in line with the party. I will not accept dark money from billionaires or large corporations. At the heart of my campaign, I want to represent my people, not corporate interest.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading1-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy primary passion is in education, of which there is enormous room for improvement. Despite my party, I want to protect the gun rights given to us constitutionally. I live in a rural area, like most people in the district, and am more in tune with our everyday struggles than someone who lives in the city. I would also like to shrink government overreach and maximize everyone's freedom to steer their own lives, free of red tape and regulations as much as possible. I am also a strong supporter and advocate for small business owners, with the knowledge that the deck is stacked against them. I want to fix that.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading2-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, conviction, compassion, and devotion.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading3-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo represent the people within their district. Not everyone can speak on every bill that gets proposed, so the representative exists to take their voices to those discussions. The representative must have policies aligned with their district, even if they personally disagree with them.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading4-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEven if I don't win my campaign, I want to influence politics for the better. Outside of politics, I just want to leave the world a better place than where I found it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading5-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember 9/11 even though I was 6 and in first grade.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading6-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked at Camp Geronimo, with the boy scouts, over the summers I was in high school. The first year I worked there was in 2009.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading7-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. I think public service is unique in what drives the organizations, not being motivated by profit but in order to best serve the people. Public servitude is not for everyone. Representatives that have prior public service, such as in government or politics, will have a better foundation on what is expected and will already understand their purpose in representing the general public.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading8-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRecovering from the damage being done by our current administration, particularly in how it's affecting everyday people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading9-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. It is just enough time to make realistic changes while also frequent enough to keep the representatives fresh.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading10-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTerm limits for the House and Senate need to be enacted. There should be no \"Career politicians\".\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading11-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCompromise is mandatory. If there was no compromising, we'll have a stalled government or one party doing whatever they want and going unchecked. Even if I agree with the majority, I still want to hear what the minority wishes for and consider their opinions when making decisions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading12-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is an accomplishment that you are proud of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a Vigil honor in the Order of the Arrow.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading13-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere are many concerns presently with the capabilities of AI. There definitely needs to be some sort of regulation to prevent its misuse, but I feel like the majority of our current representatives are too old to understand AI enough to properly regulate it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-376505-2025-10-01\" id=\"heading14-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-376505-2025-10-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-376505-2025-10-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-376505-2025-10-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want to make elections safer and more secure, potentially creating a national, nonpartisan standard or program that would help the states facilitate their elections but also police and verify results to create accountability and trustworthiness. Recounts and investigations can be expensive on states, so this would help alleviate that financial pressure while also providing the certainty of the election results.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nKeith Lara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lara's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I would like to represent the community I live and work in as I am not satisfied with our current representation. This is me doing something about it. I believe my stances on political issues are balanced and agreeable with most of the people in my district, regardless of political party. I live in a rural area, vow to protect 2A rights, am very involved in public education, and I will never represent the interests of large corporations. While I am running as a Democrat, I pledge to dissent from the majority whenever it is warranted. I will not be another career Democrat. I have worked in public education since 2020, driving school buses and in IT. Before that, I worked at the MVD and even became a CDL Examiner. Needless to say, I am not unfamiliar with public service. Not just as a manager in an office, but in front of and interacting with the general public. I am one of us, a community member, present in our everyday lives. It's time our district elects a true man of the people, our people, for its representative. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Gosar's gotta go. He has been a problem since he was first elected and is just another Trump crony at this time. I want real representation for our district, and if that means I have to run myself, I will. Well, here I am. Even if I don't win, I want Gosar to know that he's in hot water. I am passionate about education. For many of us in district 9, our schools are the heart of our communities. I am fortunate that my current employment allows me to travel to so many schools, especially those in this district, and work directly with the communities I wish to represent. I am here for you, and have always been. The country is in chaos. Should I win, I will do my part to stabilize it and prevent this sort of lawlessness from happening again. While I am running as a Democrat, I will not always fall in line with the party. I will not accept dark money from billionaires or large corporations. At the heart of my campaign, I want to represent my people, not corporate interest. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? My primary passion is in education, of which there is enormous room for improvement. Despite my party, I want to protect the gun rights given to us constitutionally. I live in a rural area, like most people in the district, and am more in tune with our everyday struggles than someone who lives in the city. I would also like to shrink government overreach and maximize everyone's freedom to steer their own lives, free of red tape and regulations as much as possible. I am also a strong supporter and advocate for small business owners, with the knowledge that the deck is stacked against them. I want to fix that. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, conviction, compassion, and devotion. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To represent the people within their district. Not everyone can speak on every bill that gets proposed, so the representative exists to take their voices to those discussions. The representative must have policies aligned with their district, even if they personally disagree with them. What legacy would you like to leave? Even if I don't win my campaign, I want to influence politics for the better. Outside of politics, I just want to leave the world a better place than where I found it. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember 9/11 even though I was 6 and in first grade. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at Camp Geronimo, with the boy scouts, over the summers I was in high school. The first year I worked there was in 2009. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes. I think public service is unique in what drives the organizations, not being motivated by profit but in order to best serve the people. Public servitude is not for everyone. Representatives that have prior public service, such as in government or politics, will have a better foundation on what is expected and will already understand their purpose in representing the general public. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Recovering from the damage being done by our current administration, particularly in how it's affecting everyday people. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. It is just enough time to make realistic changes while also frequent enough to keep the representatives fresh. What are your thoughts on term limits? Term limits for the House and Senate need to be enacted. There should be no \"Career politicians\". Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is mandatory. If there was no compromising, we'll have a stalled government or one party doing whatever they want and going unchecked. Even if I agree with the majority, I still want to hear what the minority wishes for and consider their opinions when making decisions. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? I am an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a Vigil honor in the Order of the Arrow. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? There are many concerns presently with the capabilities of AI. There definitely needs to be some sort of regulation to prevent its misuse, but I feel like the majority of our current representatives are too old to understand AI enough to properly regulate it. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? I want to make elections safer and more secure, potentially creating a national, nonpartisan standard or program that would help the states facilitate their elections but also police and verify results to create accountability and trustworthiness. Recounts and investigations can be expensive on states, so this would help alleviate that financial pressure while also providing the certainty of the election results.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]