David Scott approaches public service the same way he has approached leadership throughout his career: by listening first, understanding the system in front of him, and making decisions based on evidence, responsibility, and lasting impact.
Across Arizona, there’s a growing gap between effort and outcome.
Young people are getting educated, entering the workforce, and still struggling to find stable footing. Employers are having difficulty finding the right talent. Families are feeling pressure from housing and healthcare costs. Small businesses are unable to start, grow and thrive due to high costs and lack of resources.
At the same time, much of our economic development is focused on large, out-of-state interests, while many Arizona residents and small businesses are left trying to keep up.
These are not isolated issues. These trends can be addressed with focused, responsible policy that strengthens opportunity for Arizona residents and businesses.
Education & Workforce
Education is one of Arizona’s most important long-term investments. David supports strong early childhood programming, meaningful support for educators and parents, and workforce readiness aligned with local needs. Arizona values school choice and parental involvement, and David believes education policy — whether public, charter, private, or ESA — must be fair, transparent, and accountable.
David spent a year substitute teaching in Mesa schools, created the Leaders for Literacy program at Valley Leadership, and chairs the board of the Million Dollar Teacher Project.
Arizona should invest in its people. That means stronger connections between our education system and the employers who need skilled workers.
Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of local communities. David supports predictable rules, practical regulation, and policies that reduce unnecessary burdens while improving access to capital for entrepreneurs and community organizations. David built First Western Bank & Trust’s Arizona division from the ground up to serve small businesses and nonprofits.
Housing & Cost Pressures
David has spent 25 years in banking, working with businesses through two recessions, a pandemic, and some of the toughest inflation in a generation. He won’t pretend policy alone can bring housing costs down. Arizona needs more housing, and it needs wages that keep up, which is why workforce development is part of his housing plan. He does not support rent control, and he won’t support policies that put families’ home equity at risk.
Public Trust & Accountability
Public trust depends on transparency, competence, and consistency. David supports responsible budgeting, clear processes, and oversight that focuses on outcomes — not political parties or special interests. Before voting on a bill, David will seek out the people it affects.
Energy, Water & Growth
Families in Mesa and Apache Junction shouldn’t pay for infrastructure built for someone else. David supports requiring large new power users, including data centers, to cover the cost of the upgrades they need. He supports a reliable energy mix of renewables, nuclear, and natural gas. On water, he supports clear, consistent assured water supply standards and protecting existing water rights.
Public Safety
David supports the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers who serve Mesa and Apache Junction. He will work to make sure first responders have the resources and support to do their jobs.