Profile

Debbie Lesko

Full Name: Debbie Lesko (née Debbie L. Harris)
Date of Birth: November 14, 1958
Birthplace: Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S.
Party: Republican
Current Role: Maricopa County Supervisor, District 4 (since January 6, 2025)
Former Role: U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District (2018–2025)

🧒 Early Life and Education

Debbie Lesko was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She moved to Arizona in the 1980s, where she later became active in local politics and community service.

🏛️ Political Career

Arizona State Legislature (2009–2018)

Lesko began her political career in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2009, representing District 21. She later served in the Arizona Senate from 2015 to 2018, including a term as President pro tempore. During her tenure in the state legislature, she focused on tax policy, education, and energy issues. She was also a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

U.S. House of Representatives (2018–2025)

Lesko won a special election in 2018 to succeed Trent Franks as U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. She was reelected to three full terms, serving until January 3, 2025.
While in Congress, Lesko served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican lawmakers. Her legislative priorities included energy policy, border security, gun rights, and opposition to abortion. She was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and participated in his impeachment defense during both proceedings.

In October 2023, she announced she would not seek reelection, citing a desire to spend more time with her family and concerns about the functioning of Congress.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (2025–Present)

In 2024, Lesko ran for and was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, representing District 4 in the West Valley region of Arizona. She took office on January 6, 2025. In this role, she oversees county services including elections, law enforcement funding, public health, and regional development. Her campaign focused on election integrity, public safety, and limiting government overreach.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Personal Life

Debbie Lesko is married and has three children. She has lived in the West Valley of Maricopa County for several decades. In addition to her political work, she has participated in various local civic organizations and business groups.

🗳️ Political Views and Legacy

Lesko is known for her conservative political stance, alignment with the Tea Party and later the Trump-aligned wing of the Republican Party. While in Congress, she advocated for limited government, religious freedom, and traditional social values. Her critics often disagreed with her positions on healthcare and immigration, while supporters praised her consistency and commitment to conservative causes.

Her transition from federal office to local governance has been seen as a continuation of her long-standing focus on constituent services and community involvement.