Walt Blackman  

Updated 03/31/2026

Credit: American Bridge                           
Republican Walt Blackman is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 7. He assumed office on January 13, 2025. His current term ends on January 11, 2027. Blackman ran for election to the Arizona House of Representatives to represent District 7. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024. Blackman also ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 7th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on July 30, 2024 and he also ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 2nd Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on July 30, 2024. Blackman has filed a Statement of Interest with the Arizona Secretary of State and is running for election as State Representative for LD7 in the 2026 election.

-- SUMMATION --
 
State Representative Walt Blackman (R-LD7) has a legislative record that advocates often describe as harmful to the LGBTQIA+ community, primarily through his support of restrictive social policies and "parental rights" frameworks. While his personal legislative priorities often focus on criminal justice reform and veteran affairs, he consistently aligns with Republican-led initiatives that target gender identity and sexual orientation protections.
 
Support for Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation
 
Representative Blackman has been a key supporter of measures that restrict the rights of transgender individuals and limit the discussion of LGBTQIA+ topics in public spaces:
 
  • Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions (SB 1138): Blackman voted in favor of this 2022 legislation, which prohibits gender-reassignment surgeries for minors.
  • Save Women’s Sports Act (SB 1165): He supported the 2022 law that bans transgender girls and women from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity, requiring participation based on biological sex.
  • Book Bans and "Sexually Explicit" Material (2026): As chair of the House Government Committee, Blackman was instrumental in advancing bills like SB 1435, which criminalizes the referral of "sexually explicit" materials to children by library employees. Critics argue these bills unfairly target the LGBTQIA+ community by frequently labeling books with LGBTQIA+ themes or gender identity exploration as "explicit".  (ref 1)  (ref 2)
Advocacy for "Parental Rights" and School Content
 
Blackman has consistently supported legislation that mandates school transparency regarding a student's gender transition, which advocacy groups characterize as "forced outing" policies:
 
  • Parental Notification: He has voted for measures requiring schools to notify parents about any changes to a student's mental, physical, or emotional health, which includes changes to names or pronouns.
  • Curriculum Transparency: He has supported bills that allow parents to opt their children out of any instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, framing it as a matter of "protecting children" and parental authority.
Legislative Approach and Ideology
 
Blackman often frames his support for these measures as a "passion to protect children" rather than a targeted attack on a specific group. However, his alignment with the "hard-right faction" of his party on these social issues has led to significant friction with LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations in Arizona.
 
In addition to the measures previously noted, Representative Walt Blackman has supported a variety of Republican-led bills that critics and advocacy groups argue marginalize or infringe upon the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
 
Direct Legislative Support and Voting Record
 
  • HB 2085 (2026) – Total Ban on Minor Gender Transition Procedures: Blackman supported the passage of this comprehensive ban, which prohibits all gender transition procedures for minors and bars healthcare professionals from making referrals for such care.
  • SB 1567 (2026) – Ban on "Sexually Explicit" Exposure: He voted for this bill, which prohibits government employees or contractors from exposing children to "sexually explicit" content. Advocacy groups have criticized the measure for using overly broad definitions that effectively target books and materials centered on gender identity and LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Efforts to Roll Back Protections and Education
 
  • HB 2093 (2026) – Repeal of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Blackman supported this bill, which aims to repeal requirements for teaching social-emotional learning in Arizona schools. Proponents of the bill claimed SEL is a vehicle for teaching about "sexuality and gender" that they believe should be excluded from public curricula.
  • HB 2112 (2021) – School Content Restrictions: During his earlier terms, he voted for versions of "curriculum transparency" bills that sought to ban schools from teaching concepts related to systemic oppression. Critics noted these broad bans often chilled discussions regarding LGBTQIA+ history and rights in the classroom.
Administrative and Procedural Influence
 
As a ranking member and committee chair, Blackman has used his procedural authority to fast-track these measures:
 
  • Government Committee Actions: In early 2026, he used his position as chair of the House House Government Committee to advance multiple bills that redefined "sexually explicit" material in ways that specifically targeted LGBTQIA+ literature in public libraries.
Walt Blackman's political career has been marked by significant controversies ranging from public comments on social justice movements to legal battles over his campaign finances and military credentials. (ref 1)  (ref 2)     (ref 3)  (ref 4)
 
Social Justice and Black Lives Matter
 
In 2020, Blackman drew intense criticism for a series of public statements following the death of George Floyd:(ref)
 
  • Comments on George Floyd: He posted a video titled "I DO NOT support George Floyd and I refuse to see him as a martyr," in which he called Floyd "no saint".
  • Labeling BLM a "Terrorist Organization": He referred to Black Lives Matter as a "terrorist organization" and falsely claimed the FBI had designated it as such.
Campaign Finance and Ballot Challenges (2026)
 
As of April 2026, Blackman is embroiled in a legal battle to remain on the primary ballot:
 
  • Unpaid Fines: He faces a ballot challenge lawsuit alleging he owes the state more than $168,000 in fines and penalties for failing to file campaign finance reports for several years
  • Suspended Committees: Records indicate his "Committee to Elect Walt Blackman" has not filed reports since 2022 and is currently listed as suspended.
"Stolen Valor" and Credential Scrutiny
 
While Blackman sponsored legislation to criminalize "stolen valor," he has faced accusations of misrepresenting his own background:  (ref 1)  (ref 2)
 
  • Military Credential Disputes: Critics and reports in 2025 alleged that Blackman made misleading statements regarding his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame and other business-related certificates.
  • Election Denial Pressure: In 2022, Blackman reported that his daughter received racist text messages calling him a "RINO" after he stated that the Arizona Legislature did not have the constitutional authority to "decertify" the 2020 presidential election results.  (ref)
Radical Legislation
 
  • "Homicide by Abortion" Bill: In 2021, he sponsored a bill that would have allowed for the prosecution of abortion as homocide, potentially sentencing patients and doctors to life in prison or the death penalty.
Despite Broad Support For Abortion Access In Their Districts, GOP Lawmakers Push New Restrictions
"When lawmakers returned to the Capitol after voters approved Prop. 139, a handful of Republican representatives introduced six bills and resolutions that sought to curb abortion access or narrow how the new constitutional right could be applied, according to an AZCIR review of legislation proposed in the 2025 session. Reps. Rachel Keshel, Lupe Diaz, Walter Blackman and Alexander Kolodin sponsored the measures, while an amendment from Rep. Neal Carter altered one proposal to explicitly target the Arizona for Abortion Access Act.
Jan. 12, 2026
A List Of Over 45 Prominent Arizonans Involved In The Jan. 6 Insurrection
"It’s been five years since former President Donald Trump incited an insurrection at the US Capitol in order to remain in office. A lot of Arizonans were involved in this effort on Jan. 6, 2021—from writing legislation to overturn the will of the voters to attending the riot. Some have faced consequences; many are still in positions of power. Here’s a reminder of who they are:"
Jan. 5, 2026
This Arizona Lawmaker Championed Accountability For Embellishers. He's Also Bending The Truth
"Arizona State Rep. Walt Blackman, who championed a bill criminalizing false claims of military honors, has himself made misleading statements about his own credentials. Blackman falsely claimed induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, conflating it with a lesser award, and misrepresented affiliations and educational certificates on business websites."
Jun. 3, 2025
 

These Arizona Candidates Still Say Donald Trump Won In 2020, Or They're Not Sure What Happened

Oct. 27, 2022
 
"Elected officials and candidates for office in 2022 continue to challenge and question the results of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona.
 
The results have been examined and re-examined, challenged in court and in a monthslong ballot review. No evidence has been found of widespread fraud or error in the results.
 
Yet candidates deny the outcome. Others don't quite go as far. But they raise questions about potential irregularities they say could have influenced the vote and should be examined.
 
The Arizona Republic is listing candidates by category by the race that they are entered in. This list is not complete and will be updated throughout the 2022 election season.
 

 Election deniers
These candidates in Arizona races deny that Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, either in Arizona or nationwide."
 
US Senate

US House of Representatives

Governor

Secretary of State

Attorney General

Treasurer

Arizona Corporation Commission

State Senate

State House of Representatives

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
 Election questioners
 
These candidates in Arizona continue to raise issues about the 2020 election process but do not deny or affirm that Joe Biden won.
 
US House of Representatives

Arizona Corporation Commission

State Senate

State House of Representatives
 No Clear Answer
 
These candidates have failed to answer or not provided a clear answer on whether Joe Biden won the election.
 
Treasurer

State House of Representatives

Bad Checks, Repossessions: Congressional Candidate Acknowledges Past Struggles With Money

May 10, 2022
 
"Republican congressional hopeful Walt Blackman likes to talk about the past, whether it's his two decades in the military or his wife's family founding the town of Snowflake.
 
What he doesn't play up is his recurring problem with money.
 
Blackman, R-Snowflake, faced criminal prosecution over bad checks in Texas, lost multiple cars to repossession in California and was tagged with a default judgment over credit card debt last month in Arizona.
 
It's a rundown of what he characterized as “financial struggles” that stretches back 30 years and includes his time in the Army, his efforts as a self-employed businessman and now as a state lawmaker hoping to replace Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., in Congress."...

In other words, as PROVEN by this bill, Republicans and ammosexuals find it wrong to discriminate against inanimate objects but have no problem discriminating against people.
A Day After Audit Announcements, Small Group Rallies In Support Of Jan. 6 Insurrection At U.S. Capitol
Though the crowd at Arizona's Capitol on Saturday was small, a number of politicians spoke, including congressional candidate Jeff Zink, state Rep. Walter Blackman and former state Rep. Anthony Kern.
Sep. 25, 2021

NRCC-Supported Candidate Praised Proud Boys At September Rally For Capitol Rioters

"Walt Blackman, an Arizona state representative running for Congress in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, said having the far-right extremist group attend one of his rallies was one of the proudest moments of his life."

Sep. 18, 2021

 

GOP Lawmakers Ask Gov. Ducey To Withhold Funding From School Districts Mandating Masks
"Several prominent Arizona Republicans issued a joint letter Wednesday afternoon asking Gov. Doug Ducey to withhold funding and begin legal action against school districts that are not following state laws"
Aug. 11, 2021
Rim Country Lawmakers Support Purge Of Mail-In Voting List
"District 6 Republicans Brenda Barton (R-Payson) and Walt Blackman (R-Snowflake) supported the measure as did Senator Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff)."
May 4, 2021
Is Rep. Walt Blackman An Insurrectionist?
"Following the 2020 election, Blackman sent an email to constituents suggesting that the Arizona Legislature might step in to change the state’s 11 Electoral College votes to then-President Donald Trump despite Joe Biden’s win."
Mar. 16, 2021
Republicans Employ New ‘Extremely Aggressive’ Tactics To Ban Abortion
"At a church-style rally in Arizona, the state Republican lawmaker Walter Blackman described his “perfect” legislative proposal: to prosecute women who have abortions for homicide alongside the doctors who provide them."
Feb. 12, 2021
After 2020 Election, Arizona GOP Lawmakers Push Restrictions On Early Voting
Jan. 20, 2021
Seven Arizonan Republican Legislators Face Calls To Ban Them From The House And Senate
Jan. 7, 2021
Walt Blackman, Paul Gosar Seek To Overturn Election Results
"State Rep. Walt Blackman issued an email notice suggesting the Arizona Legislature might step in to award the state’s electoral college votes to President Trump, although the election tally shows Biden winning the state by 10,457 votes, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s website tally."
Dec. 1, 2020
Thorpe, Blackman, Rogers Promote Dubious Claims Of Election Fraud
Nov. 13, 2020
10 (More) Unhinged Things AZ Rep. Blackman Said On Facebook In August
"Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman (LD-6) took to Facebook this month to threaten those seeking abortions with jail time, equate sex education with pornography, defend the Kenosha, WI shooter, rail against racial justice advocates, and more."
Aug. 31, 2020
Ten Unhinged Things AZ Rep. Blackman Said On Facebook Live (In July)
"Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman (LD-6), who narrowly won his 2018 race, took to Facebook Live 22 times this month to rant against racial justice and women’s rights, insult teachers and his constituents, oppose face masks, pester Wal-Mart employees, and more."
Jul. 31, 2020
Arizona Rep. Walt Blackman: George Floyd Is 'Not A Hero,' BLM Is A 'Terrorist Organization'
Jun. 4, 2020

Walt Blackman
  4. Creative Professionals Violating Conscience: Requiring creative professionals (photographer, baker, wedding vendor) to participate in events or create messages that violate their moral or religious beliefs.

(That good old fashioned "Religious Freedom")

 SUPPORT
       
  5. Conscience Rights for Faith-based Organizations: Exempting faith-based organizations from regulations that cause them to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

(Discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community)

 SUPPORT
       
  8. Women’s Sports: Preventing biological males who identify as female from competing in women’s sports. SUPPORT
       
  9. Parental Rights in Gender Identity Counseling: Allowing parents to get professional counseling for children struggling with gender identity issues to help them reach their desired outcome. SUPPORT
       
  10 (a) Protected Class for Sexual Orientation: Adding “sexual orientation” as a protected class alongside race, religion, sex, age, and disability in nondiscrimination law. SUPPORT
  10 (b) Protected Class for Gender Identity: Adding “gender identity” as a protected class… SUPPORT
       
  14. Medical Rights of Conscience: Allowing health care workers and providers the freedom to practice medicine in accordance with their personal beliefs and conscience. SUPPORT

Source
       

For more information on "The Alliance Defending Freedom"
  

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