Foreign Service Officer and Conservation Leader Returns to Ballot as Write-In; Campaign Calls for Voter Engagement, Civility and Active Support
MARANA, AZ – Jackie Craig, a former U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer with 25 years of distinguished international diplomatic experience, former Marana Councilwoman, and current Board Member of Friends of Ironwood Forest National Monument, today announced her candidacy for Marana Town Council as a write-in candidate for the July 21, 2026 municipal election.
Running as a write-in candidate, Craig seeks to return to council where she served from 2020 to 2024, bringing expertise in water security, sustainable growth, desert preservation, and transparent governance.
Her campaign emphasizes that this candidacy requires active voter engagement and understanding of Arizona’s write-in voting procedures.
“I am running as a write-in candidate because I believe Marana needs experienced leadership on the critical challenges we face,” Craig said. “While running as a write-in requires more effort – both from my campaign and from voters – I am committed to ensuring that every supporter understands how to vote for me and that every vote counts. This election will be decided by voters who actively choose to write in my name, and I am grateful for that level of engagement.”
Understanding Write-In Candidacy
As a write-in candidate, Jackie Craig will not appear on the printed ballot. Instead, voters must actively write her name in the write-in space provided on their ballots. Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 16-312), write-in votes count only if: (1) the candidate has properly filed a nomination paper with the town clerk, (2) the voter writes the candidate’s name exactly as shown on the official write-in list posted at polling places, and (3) the voter follows all ballot marking instructions.
“This is not unusual in Arizona,” Craig explained. “Write-in candidacies are entirely legal and legitimate. What matters is that supporters understand the process and are prepared to write in my name correctly.”
Why This Candidacy Requires Extra Support
Unlike candidates whose names appear on printed ballots, write-in candidates depend entirely on active voter engagement. Voters must be aware of the candidacy, remember the candidate’s name, and take the extra step of writing it in. This places a premium on direct voter contact and community engagement.
Bringing Diplomatic Experience and Conservation Leadership to Local Government
Craig brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, where she served in diplomatic missions across Asia, Africa, South America, and Washington, DC. Her background in international relations, strategic planning, and cross-cultural negotiation has prepared her to tackle the complex issues facing growing communities like Marana.
Born in Tucson and educated at the University of Idaho (BA in English Literature) and the National War College (MA in National Security Strategy), Craig moved to The Highlands of Dove Mountain in 2013 with her husband. Since then, she has been deeply embedded in the community – serving on the Highlands Architectural & Landscape Committee and Board of Directors, leading the Highlands Hiking Club as Master Hike Leader, and currently serving as a Board Member of Friends of Ironwood Forest National Monument.
Proven Track Record (2020-2024) and Ongoing Conservation Commitment
During her previous tenure on council, Craig championed smart growth policies, advocated for protecting Marana’s distinctive desert landscapes, and brought the voice of Dove Mountain residents – historically underrepresented in town governance – to the council table. She was an active supporter of conservation efforts and currently serves as a Board Member of Friends of Ironwood Forest National Monument, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to protecting the irreplaceable natural resources that define our region. She enthusiastically voted to support the Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (MARC) project, demonstrating her commitment to community infrastructure and recreation for Marana families.
Campaign Priorities for 2026-2030
If elected, Craig will focus on four critical areas:
Water Security & Sustainability: Marana’s rapid growth demands a credible, long-term water plan. Craig will work with regional water authorities, state officials, and the private sector to ensure the town’s water future is secure while protecting groundwater and exploring alternative sources like reclaimed water.
Responsible Growth: Not all development is created equal. Craig supports thoughtful, mixed-use development that brings jobs and economic vitality while preserving the character and natural beauty that make Marana special. She opposes sprawl and will advocate for development patterns that enhance, not diminish, residents’ quality of life.
Desert & Open Space Preservation: Marana’s Sonoran Desert landscape is irreplaceable. Craig will protect critical habitat, preserve viewsheds, and ensure that growth doesn’t come at the expense of the natural environment that defines our community.
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparent Governance: From her 25 years navigating complex international bureaucracies, Craig understands the importance of financial discipline, operational transparency, and holding leadership accountable. She will bring these principles to every council decision.
How to Vote for Jackie Craig: Write-In Instructions
Voters can support Jackie Craig by following these simple steps:
1. Register to Vote: Ensure you are registered as a qualified elector in Marana.
2. Receive Your Ballot: Vote by mail, early voting, or in-person on July 21.
3. Find the Write-In Space: Locate the blank space or write-in area for Town Council.
4. Check the Official List: Reference the official write-in list posted at polling places to see the exact spelling.
5. Write ‘Jackie Craig’: Write the name exactly as shown on the official write-in list.
6. Mark the Ballot: Follow all ballot instructions and mark the appropriate space if required.
7. Submit Your Vote: Cast your ballot by mail or in person.
More About Jackie Craig
Jackie Craig is a former U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer with 25 years of service in diplomatic missions worldwide. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Idaho and an M.A. in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington, DC. Since 2013, she has been a resident of The Highlands of Dove Mountain in Marana, where she and her husband are active community members. She previously served on the Marana Town Council from 2020 to 2024 and currently serves as a Board Member of Friends of Ironwood Forest National Monument.
Jackie’s Campaign: Jackie Craig for Council