Marlene Galán-Woods is a longtime Arizona resident, former broadcast journalist, and community leader running to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Born to Cuban refugees who fled communism for freedom and opportunity, Galán-Woods grew up with a deep appreciation for democratic values and the promise of America’s future. She built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism — covering news, exposing corruption, and holding powerful interests accountable — before turning her attention to public service. In Arizona, she and her late husband, former Attorney General Grant Woods, worked together on community causes including education, youth programs, and cultural institutions. Galán-Woods also founded the Mesa Arts Academy within the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley and played a leading role in civic advocacy efforts across the state. She previously served as president of the East Valley school board and chaired the campaign of Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, advancing efforts to protect democratic processes against misinformation and anti-voter agendas. Now a mom of five and a proud first-generation American, Marlene is running again for Congress in 2026 to stand up to extremists, protect fundamental rights, and be a bold voice for all Arizonans.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs for Families — Galán-Woods is committed to fighting for economic fairness, good jobs, and policies that ease the burden of rising costs for everyday Arizonans.
- Protecting Reproductive Freedom — A lifelong supporter of reproductive rights, she believes healthcare decisions should remain between individuals and their doctors — not politicians.
- Defending Democracy & Voting Rights — Having chaired a major statewide campaign and led journalists to counter disinformation, Galán-Woods is focused on safeguarding free and fair elections and standing up to extremists who threaten democratic norms.
- Championing Working Families & Fair Wages — She supports policies that strengthen worker protections, labor rights, and economic opportunity across AZ-01.
- Public Education & Opportunity — Galán-Woods has a track record of supporting education initiatives and believes in expanding access and resources for all students and families.
Accomplishments & Endorsements
- Broadcast Journalism Leadership: A veteran journalist who exposed corruption and championed accountability in Arizona media.
- Community & Education Advocacy: Founded the Mesa Arts Academy and served as president of the East Valley school board.
- Civic Activism & Democracy Protection: Chaired the Adrian Fontes campaign to defend election integrity and led former journalists in confronting political disinformation.
- Broad Coalition of Support: Endorsed by EMILY’s List, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, former Governor Janet Napolitano, numerous labor unions, and Elect Democratic Women — reflecting widespread confidence in her leadership and electability.
- Historic Candidacy: If elected, she would be the first Latina to represent AZ-01 in Congress.
David Schweikert has hidden for far too long, casting votes that only benefit his party bosses at the expense of Arizonans. I spent decades as a journalist holding the powerful accountable, and now I’m committed to exposing Schweikert’s hypocrisy and holding him accountable to the residents of the 1st District.