Keshel Announces 2026 will be Final Campaign

Arizona State Representative Rachel Keshel (R-17) announced this week that the 2026 election cycle will mark her final run for public office, closing a legislative chapter that began nearly five years ago with a stated commitment to transparency, balance, and public service without personal entrenchment.

In a public statement, Keshel emphasized that her decision was driven by a desire to avoid becoming what she described as a “career politician,” a path she says often leads lawmakers to cycle between legislative chambers or pursue federal office as politics increasingly becomes their primary identity.

“Politics wasn’t my life going in, nor will it consume my life going forward,” Keshel said.

Keshel noted that each election cycle has required her to “stay in the fight with very little help,” a reality that, combined with the increasing toxicity of political life, weighed heavily on her decision. She said her post-legislative plans include working alongside her husband to support Arizona’s veteran community, being more present for her children, and applying her experience outside elected office.

Jones’ first four years in the Arizona Legislature coincided with the administration of Governor Katie Hobbs, whose frequent use of the veto pen was a source of frustration for Republicans. Keshel said many bills she considered most important to her constituents were blocked during that period, limiting legislative outcomes despite Republican majorities in the Legislature.

Looking ahead, Keshel framed her final campaign differently because of the possibility of a Republican governor.

“This final campaign of mine is run with the hope and expectation of Andy Biggs being our 25th Governor,” Keshel said.

Keshel previously identified three broad policy areas she intends to prioritize in her final term: election integrity, protecting the sanctity of life, and judicial reform.

Speaking directly with The Arizona Globe, Keshel provided more specificity on what that agenda would entail if she returns to the Legislature.

“My priorities will be election integrity, specifically my precinct bill, pro-life legislation to hopefully begin to undo Prop 139, and judicial reform — particularly in family, juvenile, and probate courts,” Keshel said.

She emphasized that her final term would be centered on targeted legislation rather than positioning for higher office, noting that she has no plans to seek another chamber or pursue a federal role.

Jones’ announcement stands in contrast to the increasingly common trend of long-term political careers and upward office-seeking within state legislatures. Her decision reflects a deliberate choice to exit on her own terms.

“The toxicity of politics eventually weighs heavily on well-intentioned people,” Keshel said, adding that she intends to ensure politics remains only one chapter of her life — not its defining feature.

She indicated that she will approach her final run with that perspective firmly in place.

Keshel is married to Captain Seth Keshel, a conservative political writer. In a post on Substack, he praised Jones’ decision, writing, “This is a personal example of choosing not to become a lifelong politician. I’m proud of Rachel. Our first president stepped away voluntarily, setting a precedent that was largely honored for the next 140 years.”