House Member

Chairman Walt Blackman has spent his life answering the call to serve-first in uniform, then in his community, and now in the Arizona House of Representatives.

A retired United States Army combat veteran, small-business owner, husband, father, and experienced state legislator, Chairman Blackman brings more than two decades of military leadership and years of public service to his work on behalf of the people of Arizona.

Chairman Blackman served 21 years on active duty in the United States Army, rising through the ranks to Sergeant First Class (Promotable) and serving in senior leadership positions, including First Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant. He completed six overseas deployments, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and service in Kosovo and Kuwait.

Throughout his military career, Blackman was entrusted with leading soldiers, developing future leaders, and making critical decisions in some of the world's most demanding environments. His service earned him numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, and six Army Good Conduct Medals.

The leadership lessons forged during more than two decades in uniform—integrity, accountability, discipline, courage, and service before self—continue to shape his approach to public service today.

After retiring from the Army, Blackman chose to continue serving his country by serving his community and the State of Arizona.

First elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2018, Blackman made history as the first Black Republican elected to the Arizona Legislature. Since entering public office, he has built a record focused on delivering results for Arizona families, veterans, businesses, taxpayers, and rural communities.

Throughout his legislative career, Blackman has been entrusted with key leadership responsibilities, including serving as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Chairman of Criminal Justice Reform, Chairman of Workforce Development, and Vice Chairman of State and International Relations.

Today, Chairman Blackman represents Legislative District 7, one of Arizona's largest and most geographically diverse legislative districts. In the 57th Arizona Legislature, he serves as Chairman of the House Government Committee and as a member of the Appropriations, Commerce, and Rural Economic Development committees.

His governing philosophy is grounded in a simple principle: government must remain accountable to the people it serves.

Chairman Blackman has championed policies that strengthen rural Arizona, support veterans and law enforcement, expand economic opportunity, protect taxpayers, improve education and workforce development, invest in critical infrastructure, and demand transparency and accountability throughout state government.

His legislative record includes work on veterans' property-tax relief, public-safety funding, rural infrastructure, workforce development, criminal justice reform, Holocaust education, education policy, and preserving Arizona's military heritage, including efforts honoring the historic contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Blackman's leadership is shaped by a lifetime of experience beyond the halls of government. He understands what it means to lead soldiers in combat, raise a family, build a business, live in rural Arizona, and make difficult decisions when the consequences are real.

For Chairman Blackman, leadership is not defined by a title. Leadership means accepting responsibility, bringing people together, solving problems, standing firm when necessary, and leaving Arizona stronger for the next generation.

Beyond the State Capitol, Blackman works with students, veterans, educators, business owners, civic organizations, and community leaders across Arizona. Developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring that rural communities have a strong voice in Arizona's future remain central to his public service.

Chairman Blackman and his wife, Kristie, have built their life and raised their family in rural Arizona. They are the parents of five children. His family, faith, military service, and experiences throughout Arizona continue to shape his commitment to leadership and service.

From leading soldiers on the battlefield to serving the people of Arizona at the State Capitol, Chairman Walt Blackman's mission has remained constant:

Lead with integrity. Serve with purpose. Deliver results. And leave Arizona stronger for the generations that follow.