Walter Blackman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walt Blackman
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 7th district |
|
| Assumed office January 13, 2025 Serving with David Marshall
|
|
| Preceded by | David Cook |
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 6th district |
|
| In office January 14, 2019 – January 9, 2023 Serving with Brenda Barton
|
|
| Preceded by | Brenda Barton |
| Succeeded by | Myron Tsosie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1965/1966 (age 58–59) Portugal |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Kristi Blackman |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Grand Canyon University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Awards | Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal |
Walter Blackman (born 1965 or 1966) is an American politician. He is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives for the 7th district. He previously served in the legislature from 2019 to 2023 for District 6. Blackman was the first black Republican to be elected to the Arizona State Legislature. He served 21 years in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, he earned a Bronze Star for his actions as a tank commander in Iraq.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Blackman was born on an Army base in Portugal. His father was an officer in the United States Air Force Security Forces. Walt Blackman grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Career Highlights
Blackman served in the United States Army for 21 years. He was a front-line tank commander. He also worked as a Senior Program Manager specialist, helping to prevent harm and promote respect. He received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He also earned a Meritorious Service Medal. From 2016 to 2018, he led a consulting firm called WB Inclusion and Diversity Consulting Firm, LLC in Snowflake, Arizona.
Political Journey
In 2018, Blackman was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. He represented District 6 as a Republican. He made history as the first black Republican elected to the Arizona Legislature.
He supports making changes to the justice system. He leads the Ad Hoc Committee on Earned Release Credits for Prisoners. He is also a Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee and the State and International Affairs Committee. In February 2020, the Arizona House approved a bill he proposed. This bill would allow non-violent prisoners to reduce their sentences. They could do this by working in prison or taking special courses.
2024 State House Campaign
In January 2023, Blackman announced he would run for a third term in the State House. After new district maps were drawn, his new district includes more of Pinal County. He won the election in November 2024. He was sworn into office on January 13, 2025.
Personal Life
Walt Blackman and his wife, Kristi, have five children. His wife works at the Northern Arizona Council of Government.
See also
