2026 Legislative District 8 Election Guide

Donald Hawker is a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and retired computer programmer. His family moved to Tempe in 1960, and he entered the Navy in 1977 before earning a B.S. in mathematics from Old Dominion University and spending his career in programming, including at the Pacific Missile Test Center and the Western Area Power Administration. He is committed to defending constitutional government, election integrity, and conservative principles.

He believes that when people take their responsibilities more seriously, life becomes better for everyone. American’s system of government can only succeed when individuals accept personal responsibility for their own lives and actions. Political systems that encourage people to depend on the government for everything do not support the kind of self-reliance and civic responsibility that our system was built upon.

Background

• U.S. Navy Reserve veteran
• Retired computer programmer
• Longtime Tempe resident

Bill Loughrige is the Republican candidate for the Legislative District 8 State Senate seat, running as a write-in candidate in the July 21 primary.

The Loughrige family has been in Arizona since 1933. Bill retired as a Senior Special Agent for the United States Customs Service. He had over 8 years as a Phoenix Walking Beat Cop and over 26 years with US Customs. After retirement he has operated a PI, Process Serving and Security Guard service.

Active in the community, Bill is currently President of the Tempe Sunrise Kiwanis and the Walker Fire Protection Association (a non-profit Fire Department) near Prescott, AZ. A wage earner all his life and part of a large active family, he believes a strong family is the important foundation for America. He also believes freedom from governmental restrictions allows success and a strong culture.

There is a place for regulation, but they should be aimed to allow growth. Unfortunately, government restrictions have made keeping a nuclear family together difficult and at the same time made access to help so restrictive many people just don’t ask and end up on the street. Bill’s platform is independent living and security for all, especially our seniors and children. We must teach our children to read and to respect others and at the same time respect themselves We need our governments to act responsibly, respect our individual freedoms and protect us from those bent on hurting us.

Well experienced, Bill is a calm and trusted voice for all generations.

Background

• 35-year career in local & federal Law Enforcement
• Small business owner-operator
• Community Volunteer & Leader
• Tempe born, raised, and educated