Born and raised in Arizona, Claudia Kline (they/she) has spent nearly a decade working alongside communities to make government more accessible, accountable, and representative. From registering voters and mobilizing rural towns to testifying at the Capitol and co-writing policy with advocates, Claudia’s approach to leadership has always centered on co-governance. The belief that lasting change happens when everyday people help shape the decisions that impact their lives.
Claudia’s roots are in resilience and hard work. Raised by a single mother who became a parent at 15, they grew up navigating systems like SNAP, unstable housing, and underfunded schools. Watching their mother open her home to family in need taught Claudia that caring for your community isn’t a slogan — it’s a practice. Those lessons continue to drive Claudia’s dedication to building power with, not for, their community.
By 22, Claudia had earned a Master’s in Social Justice, a degree that reflects their lifelong commitment to equity, advocacy, and transformative change. During their studies and early career, they applied their learning in meaningful ways: working on a Tenant's Rights campaign in LA, teaching students about diversity and civic engagement in Tucson, promoting sustainable living education in Costa Rica. These experiences not only shaped Claudia’s understanding of justice and governance but also strengthened their belief that education and action go hand in hand, and that the work we do can open pathways for future generations, including inspiring their own mother to return to school.
Claudia has organized for affordable housing, public education, climate action, and reproductive rights, and served as Executive Director of Rural Liberation, where they fought for affordability, safety, and opportunity across rural Arizona. In their leadership with the Young Democrats of Arizona and the Maricopa County Young Democrats, Claudia built coalitions grounded in shared responsibility, collaboration, and transparency.
Their vision for Arizona is rooted in compassion, accountability, and shared governance. Where every community has a seat at the table, leadership means showing up and sharing power, and together, a better Arizona is possible.
