Senate Member

Senator Olivia Cajero Bedford was well versed with state politics long before Tucson citizens honored her by electing her to serve in the Arizona Legislature. She served eight years as a State Representative to her constituents and in 2010, she won the Senate seat.

She grew up in a political family that placed a high value on public service. Understanding the importance of public service, Senator Cajero Bedford became the second generation in her family to represent southern Arizonans at the state Capitol. She provided her parents, Rep. Bernardo “Nayo” Cajero and Rep. Carmen Cajero, with advice on important votes during the 28 years they served in the Arizona House of Representatives. She urged her parents to ensure that high school students receive free text books and that the state provide funding to establish the University of Arizona Cancer Research Center.

Before having the opportunity to serve Tucsonans at the state level, Senator Cajero Bedford was a business owner and a director of sales and marketing for the tourism/hotel industry. Years of business experience make her a strong advocate of small companies and economic development.

Since taking office in 2003, Senator Cajero Bedford has fought to defend a woman’s right to choose. This issue is important to her and remains at the top of her list each session.

Senator Cajero Bedford is a graduate of the Council of State Governments’ Legislative Academy. She has been involved with a number of civic organizations over the years including the Girl Scouts, Arizona Tourism Advisory Council, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Women in Government and National Conference of State Legislatures.

Increasing career and technical education in high school curriculum has been one of her goals for her tenure in the legislature. Senator Cajero Bedford works with high schools in her district to help teachers coordinate school field trips to the Legislature to improve students’ understanding of government and expand on what they have learned in the classroom. It is her wish that as a result, one of these students will then start to think about a career in politics.

She was honored, that the Arizona Medical Association, in 2007 awarded her with the "Walk the Talk" award. In addition, was honored among the 2007 Tech 10 Legislators at the Fifth Annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation, The Victoria Foundation in 2010. She and her mother, Carmen were honored by Latina Perspectives Magazine with the Latina Trailblazers award in 2011.