In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Anthony Ramirez, candidate for Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 12, for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, his campaign, Arizona education, independent voters, and the growing divide in American politics.

Ramirez's path to politics is anything but conventional. From working as a flight attendant to serving as a police officer in Washington, D.C., becoming an attorney, and eventually running for the Arizona State Senate, Ramirez explains how those experiences shaped his approach to public service.

The conversation then turns to one of the biggest issues facing Arizona: education.

Ramirez lays out his proposal to strengthen STEM education in Arizona. He discusses teacher recruitment and retention, student proficiency in math and science, Proposition 123, and his plan to invest more resources into preparing Arizona students for the jobs of the future.

Paul and Anthony also examine the growing influence of independent voters in Arizona and the barriers independent candidates face when competing with Republicans and Democrats. Ramirez explains why he believes being an Independent isn't simply about standing between the two parties—it's about being willing to challenge both sides and say what others may be unwilling to say.

Can an Independent bring a different approach to the Arizona Legislature? And could Anthony Ramirez's campaign offer a glimpse at the future of independent politics in Arizona?

Watch the full conversation.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:45 - From Flight Attendant to Cop to Lawyer

13:19 - Law, Civil Rights & Pro Bono Work

20:29 - Transforming STEM Education in Arizona

31:49 - Doing What 90% of Politicians Won’t Do

39:14 - Final Remarks and Conclusion