Sandra Kennedy started her public service when she was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in November 1986, where she served for six years. During her tenure as a House member, she co-authored and introduced Arizona’s first Domestic Violence bill. She found that working across the aisle, many issues could be accomplished with bipartisan support, and the people of Arizona would benefit greatly.

In 1992, Sandra ran successfully for a seat to represent her District in the Arizona State Senate, where she served for three terms. Sandra has always been a strong voice for those she represents, never shy about speaking her mind. Some of her accomplishments include: sponsoring legislation that was signed into law regarding Domestic Violence Shelters, Foster Care Placement, Prenatal Care Education Fund, and City Powers regarding Fair Housing.

Additionally, Sandra was first elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2008 on a platform of promoting solar energy in Arizona and as a fierce consumer advocate. In her first term at the Corporation Commission, she worked with the Republican majority led by Kris Mayes to advance Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency. She is the first and only African American in Arizona to hold statewide office.

Sandra was re-elected to the Corporation Commission in 2018 on a platform of restoring integrity and transparency to the Commission, lowering unjustified utility rate increases, and creating more solar and renewable energy in Arizona, especially rooftop solar.

Sandra Kennedy voted against the SRP price increases that took effect in November 2025.