Rachel (Jones) Keshel isn’t backing down. In fact, she’s just getting started.
The firebrand Republican representative from Legislative District 17 officially filed her Statement of Interest to run for re-election in the 2026 cycle. In a post shared Tuesday morning on X (formerly Twitter), Keshel declared:
She followed the announcement with a call to action, urging supporters to sign her nomination petition to secure a spot on the primary ballot. For a legislator known for her no-nonsense approach to liberty, parental rights, and election integrity, it’s no surprise she’s charging into this cycle with the same grassroots energy that got her elected in the first place.
LD17, which covers parts of southern Arizona, has been a focal point in recent battles over state sovereignty, COVID-era mandates, and education transparency. Representative Keshel—who gained national attention under her maiden name Rachel Jones—has made headlines for challenging bureaucratic overreach and refusing to fold to the political pressure of the Phoenix establishment.
She also made waves by aligning herself with constitutional conservatives and election reform advocates—sometimes ruffling feathers, always standing her ground.
What’s Next?
With her re-election campaign now official, the question isn’t whether Rachel Keshel is running—it’s whether anyone in the district has the grassroots base or backbone to seriously challenge her. Her name recognition and deeply loyal support among LD17 conservatives put her in a commanding position early.
The filing also signals that Keshel’s not afraid of the new Arizona political landscape—one where party insiders, grassroots activists, and outside influencers are constantly jockeying for control. If her record is any indication, she won’t be asking for permission.
As the 2026 primary season takes shape, Rachel Keshel will likely double down on her core messages: liberty first, parental rights, medical freedom, and an Arizona that answers to its people—not to lobbyists or federal overreach.
She’s in. And she’s not mincing words.
Photo taken by Gage Skidmore