Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Brendan Trachsel, Arizona House of Representatives District 6
Some political scientists argue that America’s intractable 2-party system is evolving to better represent multi-party systems we see in Europe and elsewhere around the world — for example, the MAGA and DSA “extremes” at either end of the political spectrum, along with more mainstream establishment Republicans and Democrats. But America doesn’t have to stay a 2-party system. We may see in our lifetime the breaking up of the 2 main parties and the rise of a new, eighth party system that actually is made up of multiple parties.
But for now, legitimate 3rd-party candidates are few and far between, but that does not mean they are not electable, whether at the federal or state levels. In Arizona, Brendan Trachsel (he/him/his) is running on the Green Party ticket for one of two seats that makes up the Arizona House of Representatives’ 6th District. This young activist and Quaker is running to be the first Gen Z elected official at the state level in Arizona. Brendan is passionate about securing abortion access in the state, fighting against Flock cameras, and increasing Arizona’s access to higher education.
Where are you based?
Flagstaff, Arizona
What position are you running for?
I am running for the Arizona State House of Representatives in District 6
How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My platform, which I call the Five Paths to Dignity, broadly includes: Labor, Education, Environment, Democracy, and Privacy. I believe the policies in these areas can bring dignity and prosperity to all Arizonans, regardless of who's in the federal government. As a legislator, I believe in casting a wide net of policies to see where the momentum is at any time to build a majority.
What inspired you to run?
I've always kept my head in politics; Donald Trump was elected president on my 16th birthday, and ever since there's been a perpetual rise to my belief that no one else is coming to save us. In every election I vote in, I see these (usually) Democratic candidates that align with me in most areas, but never enough to make me excited. Last year I organized with many others against Flock cameras in Flagstaff. I found that many good hearted people who called themselves progressive were totally okay with building out the mass surveillance apparatus. I concluded that the Democrats weren't going to push this issue, and if anyone was going to die on this hill it would be me. People in office are constantly worried about perception and re-electability. I want to run a campaign that is radically authentic, rooted in progressive values, and is not so worried about what a party thinks.
What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I'm hoping to bring new perspectives to a legislature that currently has no members from Gen Z. I'm hoping to keep and expand healthcare access in our current rural healthcare crisis. I want to expand access to nutritious and healthy food for those who normally have to drive hours to get such. I want to implement election reforms so that we can functionally expand past the two party system. I want Arizonans, and all Americans, to no longer be exploited from their personal information and take control over how its collected and used. It's a big list, and it's about where the opportunity is at any time, but any one of these by themselves would change lives.
What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I've enjoyed doorknocking and interacting with people on the street across the political spectrum. Being Green is honestly quite an asset being able to avoid people's preconceived notions, as with the Democratic party. I've had impressive conversations even with conservatives about progressive issues like labor rights and education.
What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
My eye gravitates toward foundational issues that lead to many of the symptoms we see on a daily basis now. Spending in elections has grown exponentially, and this has led to our elections being bought out against our own interests. Something that has arisen recently, and this is something that gets me very excited, is this new legal theory called the "Corporate Power Reset" that makes the 2010 Citizen's United Supreme Court decision irrelevant. States, by going directly after corporations' powers in their charters, can make them unable to spend money to influence elections. This cuts off corporations' ability to buy candidates, run political ads, and anything else directly at the source.
America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I believe shutting up and listening with curiosity to constituents is the #1 responsibility of anyone in office. I try to practice that in daily life outside of politics and have found that it is a truly healing act. I've had strangers I've met 30 minutes earlier crying telling me I'm the only person who has listened to what they have to say and are going through. Politics is mostly practiced through division as a matter of efficiency. Politics through connection, curiosity, and empathy is not efficient but can change the world.
How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
Our politics needs young people like myself more than ever because as our governments get older, they are losing perspectives of the people who have to live through their policies the longest. My Green party affiliation is an asset because my progressive values do not need to be tied to policies on a party platform; there's more flexibility in what I can strive for that will provide meaningful change. I grew up in a conservative household, that story of my 16th birthday from earlier involved trump hats and celebrations from my dad and stepmom, but as I've grown older I've actually been affirmed in our remaining similarities. We disagree on so (so) much, but I can always talk to my dad about the importance of labor unions and labor issues. Legislating is a dynamic practice that ebbs and flows between the members it consists of. Sincerely talking to each other has become a radical act with how disconnected we are.
What is your motto in life?
I usually hop around with inspiring messages as they pertain to the moment, but one that seems to loop back around every once in a while came from a summer camp I worked at as a counselor years back. It is "Seek the Joy of Being Alive".
Where can we find out more about you?
You can find all the things at my website: brendantrachsel.com
I am also on Instagram @trachselforarizona, as well as my anti-Flock campaign account @flockoutofflag
It probably makes me seem like an old man, but my email is always open trachselforarizona@fastmail.org. I love hearing from people!
