Around the Districts Podcast

Political power doesn’t start in Washington. It starts in classrooms, union halls, and community meetings—where turnout is built and myths get shattered.

In this conversation, Francesca explains why “youth apathy” is often the result of campaigns choosing not to invest in young voters. She walks through what actually works: connecting the ballot to daily survival—rent, wages, campus safety, health care, climate—and building trust through consistent, visible organizing instead of performative politics.

We also dig into the lived experience behind her work: growing up in a proud union family, what worker protections can mean when someone gets hurt on the job, and why Arizona’s policy landscape makes state and local fights impossible to ignore.

And we hit the piece too many voters skip: down-ballot power. School boards. City councils. State legislatures. Propositions. If you stop at the top line, you’re leaving real leverage on the table.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-francesca-martin

== Connect with Keep Arizona Blue ==

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong, a visionary leader running for State Representative in Arizona's Legislative District 13. In this final part of our three-part series, Dr. Armstrong tackles the challenges of political leadership in a divided legislature. She advocates for unity and collaboration, stressing that shared values like safe neighborhoods and robust public schools unite more than partisan labels divide.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-3-raquel-rockee-armstrong

== Connect with Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong ==

2026 is a critical year for Arizona voters. This episode breaks down why local elections matter more than ever—from city council and school boards to the SRP Board and state legislature. Learn key dates, why turnout matters, and how your vote influences policies on housing, education, water, and safety.

Voting is a right earned through sacrifice, not a convenience. People fought—and died—for the right to vote. Your participation is non-negotiable.

Watch now and prepare to engage early.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/2026-az-election-info

== Resources for AZ Voters ==

In Part 2 of our series with Dr. Raquel 'Rockee' Armstrong, we dive into the healthcare premium crisis and economic pressures facing Arizona families. This is about more than policy—it’s about survival. Watch now and join the movement for a healthier Arizona.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-raquel-rockee-armstrong

== Connect with Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong ==

In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Armstrong, we explore the critical challenges facing Legislative District 13 and Arizona at large—education funding, affordability, and smart growth policies. Dr. Armstrong, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and candidate for State Representative, shares her frontline experience and policy insights on how these issues intersect and impact everyday lives.

Topics covered include the strain of rising housing and childcare costs, the real toll on teachers beyond salary concerns, the controversy around the ESA voucher program, and the urgent need for public accountability and investment in communities.

LD13 voters face a rare open seat and a crucial choice that will shape the district’s future. This episode is a call to action to register, vote, and demand representatives who prioritize real solutions over distraction politics.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-raquel-rockee-armstrong

== Learn more about Dr. Rockee Armstrong ==

Armando Montero’s approach is simple: put down the performative politics and pick up real dialogue. Bridging divides and fighting voter apathy starts with listening and acting.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-3-armando-montero

== Connect with Armando Montero ==

In Part 2 of our series with Tempe Union School Board President and State Representative candidate Armando Montero we discuss Arizona’s broken public school funding system and the damaging effects of the universal voucher program. Discover why structural reform and accountability are urgent for Arizona’s students and communities.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-armando-montero

== Learn more about Armando Montero ==

Join us on Around the Districts as we dive into the inspiring story of Armando Montero, Tempe Union High School District Board President. From student activism to policy wins on mental health and education, Armando is now running for State Representative to tackle Arizona's systemic challenges. Watch to learn about the real stakes for public education and youth advocacy in our state.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-armando-montero

== Connect with Armando Montero ==

In this episode, Gabi Mazar talks with AJ Kurdoglu, owner of Home Mart Interiors in Chandler, about how tariffs are squeezing small businesses and shaking consumer confidence in Arizona. With imports driving costs up, local businesses are on the frontlines of a self-inflicted economic crisis impacting our whole community.

Discover why supporting local businesses has never been more critical to keeping our economy resilient and neighbors thriving.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/tariffs-squeeze-small-business

In this episode, we dive into the rare intersection of trauma, compassion, and law enforcement with Constable Karyn Lathan of the University Lakes Justice Precinct. Focused on eviction enforcement, Lathan’s trauma-informed, human-centered approach rejects the cold, cut-and-dry norm. 

She shares her lived experience of trauma and how it fuels her relentless compassion—bringing dignity to families on their hardest days. This is a call for systemic eviction reform and a new model of public service.

Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-karyn-lathan-constable

== Learn About and Support Karyn Lathan ==