Originally Published: August 4, 2015 1:02 p.m.
Former police officer, business owner, and Republican state legislator Tom O'Halleran today announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Congress in Arizona's 1st District.
O'Halleran is running in an open seat currently represented by Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Ann Kirkpatrick.
O'Halleran today pledged to find commonsense solutions to address the challenges facing Arizona's middle-class families. "I will run a campaign that brings people together, just as I did while in the legislature when reforming a dysfunctional Child Protective Services, building a bipartisan coalition to pass all-day kindergarten, and increasing funding for education and university research," said O'Halleran. "I have a record of taking on tough challenges and delivering - even when it meant standing up to party leadership."
"As a grandparent and active member of my community, I can't sit on the sidelines while we make reckless cuts to investments in America's future. Now is the time to come together to make college more affordable and improve job training, fund critical infrastructure, and end special interest loopholes for corporations that don't need them. This election is about Arizonans who want a job that pays enough to provide for their family, the dignity of a secure retirement, and the confidence that they are leaving future generations with even greater opportunities."
"I was raised to believe in hard work and commitment to service - the values that motivated me to join the police force and make my community a better place to raise a family. We have many big challenges ahead of us, but I know that we can move forward if we focus on what brings us together rather than what divides us."
Living in Arizona's First District for over two decades, O'Halleran has committed himself to improving the lives of others. In 1966 he joined the Chicago Police Department where he was an officer and one of the youngest homicide investigators in the city's history. In 1979 Tom became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) where he opened up his own business and served two terms on the board of directors.
O'Halleran is a past member of the Board for Prevent Child Abuse, Arizona, and was a founding member of Arizona's Children's Caucus at the legislature. Tom continued his commitment to public service during his eight years in the Arizona legislature where he built a reputation for taking on tough challenges despite the political consequences. After serving his constituents in the legislature, O'Halleran maintained his commitment to protecting Arizona's natural beauty as the President of Keep Sedona Beautiful and as a Chairperson on the Verde River Basin Partnership.