Armando was raised here in Arizona, and he’s a proud product of our public schools. Growing up in Ahwatukee, he graduated from Desert Vista High School. A graduate of ASU, Armando earned bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics, Economics, and Political Science, and is now pursuing his J.D. at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Recognizing the importance of education, Armando served as a Senior Planning Analyst at ASU, helping expand educational access and student success across Arizona. He currently serves on several non-profit boards to advocate for strong public schools across the state. Previously, he worked as a policy analyst and worked with several organizations and non-profits to advocate for the issues our district cares about: lower costs, strong schools, and access to healthcare.

In 2020, Armando made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Tempe Union High
School District Governing Board at 19 years-old. In just his first year, he led a committee to write and adopt a first-of-its-kind mental health policy that has helped transform the way TUHSD delivers mental health services to students and families. Armando was later elected as the Vice President and President, leading the Board through a re-structure to be more accountable, transparent, and focused on what matters most: student outcomes.

Under his leadership, Tempe Union's schools received all “As” from the Arizona Department of Education for the first time in District history. During his tenure on the Board, Armando has also led efforts to improve teacher pay and retention, ensure all students have the resources they need, and make schools safer.

His leadership was recognized at the state-wide level when he was elected to the Executive Committee of the Arizona School Boards Association. Armando has utilized this role to learn from and work with school board members across the state to advocate for public schools at the highest levels of state government.

Nationally, Armando was recognized as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, the federal living memorial to President Harry S. Truman for his commitment to and passion for public service.

After years of being on the receiving end of attacks on public education from the State Legislature, Armando decided to run for the AZ House of Representatives to put partisan politics aside and bring a fresh perspective and real results to the State Capitol. From a livable economy, affordable housing, solving Arizona's water crisis, to supporting our veterans and elderly, Armando has a reputation for working together to solve the tough issues — experience he will bring to the State Capitol.

In the House, Armando will fight to ensure: