Steve Pierce, a longtime Prescott resident, has announced he will not run for the Arizona House of Representatives in the next election cycle.
Pierce, a Republican, was selected early April 3 by Yavapai County Supervisors to fill the House seat left vacant after embattled Republican Rep. David Stringer abruptly resigned. Pierce was sworn in the same morning so he could begin immediately and join House members for their afternoon session.
Stringer resigned March 27 following numerous requests from high-placed state officials that he relinquish his seat.
Pierce said “I promised the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors I was not running again. I intend to keep that promise.” Pierce will hold the legislative office in the Arizona House through 2020.
Pierce, 69, has long been a popular Yavapai County and District 1 political figure.
A third generation Arizonan and lifelong rancher who lives in Prescott, Pierce has previous experience in the Arizona Legislature having served in the Senate from 2009 until 2016, representing District 1. He was president of the Senate from Nov. 10 2011 through 2012.
During prior terms at the Legislature, Pierce received numerous awards. Among them were the Arizona Farm Bureau President’s Award, the Arizona Chambers Senator of the Year Award and the 2012 Legislative Appreciation Award from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Pierce graduated from Prescott High School; he attended the University of Arizona, earning a degree in animal science.
Pierce’s civic and community activities are varied. He has served on the Board of Directors for County Bank and also on the Board for the Anasazi Foundation. He helped organize the Central Arizona Partnership. During his ranching career, he served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the Arizona Beef Council and the U.S. Meat Export Foundation.
Pierce and his wife Joan have been married 41 years. They have four adult children.
