Meet Enrique Medina-Ochoa

Enrique is your candidate for Justice of the Peace for the Downtown District of Maricopa County. He was appointed by Supervisor Steve Gallardo following the retirement of Judge Jimmy Hernandez and is seeking voter support to continue advancing fairness, integrity, and respect in the local justice system.

A Justice of the Peace must bring sound judgment, wisdom, and compassion to every case. Enrique’s professional experience and educational background have shaped a thoughtful, community-centered approach to public service and the courts.

Raised in Yuma, Arizona, Enrique has called Phoenix home for more than 30 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University, completed graduate studies in Criminal Justice Administration at Arizona State University, and holds a diploma in International, Commercial, and Immigration Law from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Throughout his career, Enrique has worked at Arizona Western College, Arizona State University, Stanford University, and the Maricopa Community Colleges, focusing on student recruitment and community engagement. His work with the U.S. Census gave him firsthand insight into the changing demographics of our communities and the importance of courts that reflect and serve everyone.

Enrique also brings leadership experience from his time as City Manager in Arvin, California, and Tusayan, Arizona, where he worked closely with residents to address local needs. As former Director of the Arizona Fair Housing Center, he advocated for fairness, dignity, and access to safe housing for all.

Enrique is married to Claudia Lujan, and together they are proud parents to three children: AnaLucia, Celina, and Carlos.