Elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2024, Commissioner Rachel Walden brings a deep passion for public service and a wealth of experience in financial regulation, policy development, and community advocacy. Having lived in Arizona since childhood, Rachel has a strong connection to the state and a heartfelt commitment to its people.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science with honors from Arizona State University. She went on to pursue graduate studies at ASU, where she worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant and received a fellowship to study abroad.

Rachel grew up in a hard working family and learned the values of self-reliance, perseverance, and the importance of America’s founding principles. Rachel’s dedication to public service is rooted in her belief in the power of limited government, personal responsibility, and creating a brighter future for all Arizonans.

Rachel’s professional journey includes more than a decade in the financial industry, notably at Vanguard, where she managed institutional accounts for some of the country’s most recognized companies. In this role, she gained hands-on experience in regulatory compliance, audits, and implementing government regulations. Her ability to tackle tough conversations and streamline processes to improve outcomes earned her the trust of her clients and colleagues. With securities licenses and training in fraud prevention, Rachel is uniquely qualified to help protect Arizonans from financial scams and ensure accountability in the securities marketplace.

Rachel also has a strong track record of community leadership. She serves on the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board, where she strives to prioritize academic achievement, parental rights, fiscal responsibility, and transparency in the state’s largest school district. These experiences have shaped her as a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader who listens to and stands up for the people she serves.

As a Commissioner, Rachel is focused on putting Arizonans first. She is committed to ensuring reliable and affordable utilities while promoting free-market principles and eliminating unnecessary mandates and subsidies. Rachel also believes in the importance of maintaining a balanced energy portfolio to keep up with Arizona’s rapid growth and ensure the state’s energy grid is both reliable and cost-effective. By improving the efficiency of regulatory processes, Rachel aims to save Arizona consumers time and money.

Rachel and her family love exploring Arizona’s natural beauty, hiking, and enjoying the state’s warm weather.