Edgar Soto, a Marine veteran and longtime educator from Tucson, is running as the only Democrat in the race for Legislative District 17's open Arizona Senate seat, facing Republicans Anthony Dunham and Christopher King in the July 21 primary.

The seat is currently held by Republican Vince Leach, whose two-year term ends in January. Leach is not seeking reelection.

Legislative District 17 covers a vast area of Tucson and its surroundings, including parts of Oro Valley, Catalina Foothills, Catalina and the Rincon Valley.

Soto's campaign website describes him as a Marine veteran, experienced educator and community leader.

Tucson Spotlight asked all LD17 candidates their positions on groundwater regulation, affordable housing and public school funding.

With education a pressing concern in Arizona, which ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending, Soto stressed the importance of public education.

"As a former middle school teacher and current community college vice president, I have seen firsthand how education can change the trajectory of a person's life, a family, and an entire community," Soto said. "Arizona must make a stronger investment in our classrooms by improving teacher recruitment and retention, reducing class sizes where possible, and ensuring schools have the resources they need to help students succeed."

Soto said addressing Arizona's education concerns doesn't have to mean increased spending, but rather building a better foundation.

"The goal is to invest wisely so more students graduate prepared for college, careers, military service, or the skilled trades," Soto said. "Education is one of the best investments in economic development we can make. Strong schools create a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and greater opportunity for future generations."

Soto added that Pima Community College will launch its first bachelor's degree in education this fall to help address Arizona's teacher shortage while creating a more affordable pathway to a four-year degree.

Tucson and its surrounding areas are experiencing rising rents and limited affordable housing, prompting pressure on legislators to help produce more attainable housing for LD17 residents.

Soto emphasized the need to strengthen the workforce and raise household incomes as a way to expand affordable housing options.

"Housing affordability starts with increasing supply and strengthening household incomes. I would prioritize legislation that encourages the construction of a workforce and attainable housing, streamlines permitting processes, and expands infrastructure investments that support responsible development," Soto said. "We must also address the workforce shortages that drive up construction costs by investing in skilled trades education and apprenticeship programs."

For Soto, housing and economic opportunity are closely linked.

"As an educator, I know that economic opportunity is the best long-term affordability strategy. We need good-paying jobs, career pathways, and housing options that allow teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and young families to live in the communities they serve," Soto said. "Arizona should be a place where people can afford a home, raise a family, and build a future, not a place where they are priced out of opportunity."

Water is another pressing issue for the district. Arizona is experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat, and the state saw its hottest and 28th-driest January through March on record this year, as well as its hottest and 27th-driest four-year stretch on record, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Compounding the issue is the arrival of businesses that require extensive water resources, such as data centers. Soto said water is not a partisan issue but a necessity for survival, without which nothing else matters.

"Arizona's future depends on protecting our groundwater while supporting economic growth. I would support legislation requiring large new developments outside Active Management Areas to demonstrate a sustainable water supply before construction begins," Soto said. "I also support expanding local groundwater planning tools, improving transparency through better groundwater monitoring and reporting, and giving rural communities more authority to protect their water resources. Arizona has been a national leader in water management, especially in Tucson, but our policies must evolve to meet today's challenges."

Arizonans rely on water not only for daily life but for economic drivers like agriculture. Soto stressed the urgent need for water conservation now to protect the state's future.

"We need a balanced approach that protects homeowners, agriculture, and businesses while ensuring future generations have access to reliable water supplies," Soto said. "Responsible stewardship today will help keep Arizona affordable and prosperous tomorrow."

Nya Belcastro is a University of Arizona student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at nya2005@arizona.edu.

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