Meet the Candidates for Lieutenant Governor
October 23, 2026
GRIN Srtaff
CHANDLER, Ariz. — James De La Rosa enters the race for the second-highest executive office following legislative experience as a Community Council member representing District 5 (Casa Blanca). His platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure growth, and departmental transparency.
During his time on Council, De La Rosa supported commercial developments, including the construction of the Sacaton Market, which created more than 80 local jobs. He also backed renewable energy initiatives, such as the Box Canyon solar project managed by the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority. If elected, De La Rosa plans to focus on economic sovereignty, director accountability, and cross-district cooperation.
Amanda Mitchell is running on a platform centered on institutional reform, social services, and civic transparency.
Mitchell’s campaign proposes an overhaul of the tribe’s workforce recruitment processes, updated job descriptions, and streamlined access to housing and healthcare benefits across all seven districts. Her platform also prioritizes youth and vulnerable families by advocating for coordinated early intervention systems to address household instability, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. Mitchell has pledged to work with the next governor to protect sovereign water rights while increasing grassroots engagement with tribal members.
During the recent lieutenant governor debate, Mitchell expanded on themes that have become central to her campaign, presenting herself as a candidate focused on strengthening the relationship between government and the people it serves.
Throughout the discussion, she emphasized that effective leadership begins with accessibility, arguing that Community members should not face unnecessary barriers when seeking assistance, information or essential services. Questions concerning housing, health care, workforce development and youth support provided Mitchell an opportunity to outline her vision for a more responsive and efficient tribal government.
Mitchell repeatedly stressed the importance of modernizing government operations to better serve a growing Community. She spoke about streamlining administrative processes, improving communication between departments and ensuring programs designed to assist families are easier to navigate.
Her message centered on the belief that government services should be accessible, transparent and accountable to the people they are intended to serve.
During several exchanges, Mitchell also focused on issues affecting younger generations. She advocated for expanding support systems for children and families facing challenges related to housing instability, behavioral health concerns and substance abuse.
According to her remarks, early intervention and prevention efforts can help strengthen families while reducing long-term social and economic challenges across the Community.
Mitchell further emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong voice on issues of tribal sovereignty, including the protection of water resources and other rights critical to the Community's future.
Throughout the debate, she presented herself as a collaborative leader prepared to work alongside the next governor while remaining connected to residents across all seven districts. As the campaign continues, Mitchell's platform reflects a vision centered on transparency, accessibility and a government that remains closely connected to the concerns of the people it serves.
Beyond his record on the Community Council, De La Rosa has sought to position himself as a candidate focused on practical solutions and long-term planning. During the recent lieutenant governor debate, he repeatedly emphasized responsible financial management and the importance of ensuring economic growth translates into tangible benefits for Community members.
Rather than focusing solely on future proposals, De La Rosa highlighted initiatives he believes demonstrate a commitment to job creation, infrastructure improvements and strengthening the Community's economic foundation.
Throughout the debate, De La Rosa expanded on themes that have become central to his campaign, presenting himself as a candidate focused on practical governance and measurable results. Questions from moderators and community members addressed issues including housing, infrastructure, youth opportunities, economic diversification and government accountability, providing an opportunity for him to outline his priorities and leadership approach.
Drawing on his experience representing District 5, De La Rosa argued that future leaders must balance growth with responsible stewardship of Community resources. He emphasized the need to improve communication between elected officials and residents, stressing that transparency should remain a cornerstone of tribal government.
According to his remarks, economic success should not be measured solely by revenue generated through Community enterprises but also by the quality of life experienced by families throughout the districts.
Throughout the forum, he portrayed himself as a leader who values cooperation among districts and believes major decisions should reflect the interests of the entire Community rather than any single constituency.
Decision Now Rests With Voters
As Election Day nears, voters will decide which vision best reflects the future they want for the Gila River Indian Community.