Gillette Announces Exit from AZ Legislature

After serving two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives, Rep. John Gillette (R-30) announced he would not seek re-election in 2026. His intention to leave fulfills a personal pledge to serve four years before reevaluating his future. In a statement issued this week, Gillette thanked his supporters and outlined both his accomplishments and next steps.

“From the beginning, I promised to serve at least four years and then evaluate the path forward. I will complete this term as promised, and I intend to finish just as strong as I started,” Gillette wrote.

Gillette, a staunch conservative, built a reputation for confronting wasteful spending and pushing back against what he described as” chaos pushed by the Democrats.” He touted his role in cutting nearly $600 million in state expenditures and initiating criminal referrals involving key state agencies.

“I successfully cut nearly $600 million in wasteful spending from the state budget and completed criminal referrals to the Department of Justice involving AHCCCS fraud, DES mismanagement of federal funds, and election integrity violations,” he noted.

Gillette emphasized that his exit from elected office is not a step away from service but a redirection. He will be returning to work in the national security field and plans to focus locally on helping launch a Hillsdale K–12 charter school in Kingman. That effort aligns with his long-standing commitment to education and school choice. The decision also reflects a personal pivot. Gillette pointed to his desire to be more present in his children’s lives and help guide their growth.

“This opportunity will allow me time to watch our kids grow and learn and be part of their journey,” he said. “I will have time to mentor and support their transition into young adults.”

“Thank you again for your trust, your support, and the opportunity to fight for Arizona values,” Gillette said in closing.

Following his announcement, Gillette received widespread praise from legislative colleagues across the state.

Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-1) said, “I have gotten to know Representative Gillette over the past three years, and it certainly was a pleasure to work with him on meaningful issues. John worked hard every single day and is a very thoughtful person, which is rather rare these days. You will be missed, Representative Gillette.”

Rep. Michele Peña (R-23) added, “It has been a privilege serving with Rep. Gillette. His commitment, insight, and integrity in serving the people of Arizona have not only strengthened our state’s budget process but also set a high standard for public service. His collaborative spirit has made a lasting impact on me and my service. I look forward to seeing his next venture — we certainly haven’t seen the last of Representative Gillette.”

Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD 7) praised Gillette’s integrity, stating, “As I have gotten to know State Rep John Gillette, I have been so impressed by his honor, depth of knowledge, and commitment to our state and nation. He is dedicated to the mission and to righting the ship of state back on track. He will SORELY be missed.”

Rep. Walt Blackman (R-LD7) highlighted Gillette’s steady leadership, saying, “Serving alongside Representative John Gillette in the Arizona House of Representatives has been a profound privilege. His leadership, rooted in his distinguished military background, has been a guiding light for our caucus—bringing steadfast judgment and a calm, steady presence in challenging times. His absence will be deeply felt, but the legacy of his unwavering integrity and calm leadership will continue to inspire us all. I am honored to have served with him.”

Pastor David Rose, a Republican candidate running to succeed Gillette in Legislative District 30, also released a statement, saying, “During his time in office, Representative Gillette has served the people of Arizona with boldness, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to conservative values. From fighting government overreach to cutting wasteful spending and standing firm for election integrity, his leadership has made a lasting impact on our state. John’s decision to return to the national security field is a testament to his continued service to our country, and I know he will continue to lead with the same conviction and courage in this next chapter.” He added, “I am incredibly honored to have earned his endorsement as I seek to represent Legislative District 30 in the Arizona House. His support means a great deal to me, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation he has laid — fighting for our families, protecting our freedoms, and securing a stronger future for Arizona.”

As Gillette prepares to leave the legislature, his departure portends a massive void for rural Arizona. The message from Arizona conservatives is clear: Representative Gillette will be missed, but his legacy will carry forward.