Tariffs and Rising Costs Shape Senate District 14 Race in Gilbert
“When I opened this, I didn’t expect my flour to go up 15% in a couple of weeks after opening,” Joseph Gerace said. “That was a shock to me.”
As local businesses face mounting financial pressures, a closely contested Arizona Senate race could bring a political shift to the town of Gilbert. Democrat Stephanie Walsh is leading Republican Mylie Biggs in the race for Senate District 14, an area that encompasses much of Gilbert. ABC15.com reported that if Walsh wins, she would become the first Democrat to capture the district’s Senate seat under its current boundaries.
Gerace, the chef-owner of Little Joe’s Italian Market in Gilbert, pointed to tariffs, shipping expenses, and climbing food costs as the primary drivers making it more expensive to operate his storefront. Walsh, who previously ran an engineering business, argues that her entrepreneurial background informs her perspective on economic issues.
“I know when you worry about your employees, I know when you worry about payroll,” Walsh said.
Policy Levers and Business Stability
While federal authorities determine tariffs, state lawmakers hold authority over the taxes and regulations that directly impact day-to-day business operations. Alongside economic overhead, Walsh has designated energy and water as key legislative priorities for the district.
Gerace notes that some patrons have already trimmed their spending as costs remain elevated. Regardless of who ultimately claims the seat once results are finalized, the Gilbert business owner looks toward broader economic relief.
“I just hope to see some positive changes, whether they’re Republican, Democrat,” Gerace said. “I just would like to see stability in our economy, stability in our cost of goods.”
The race remained undecided at the time of reporting.
