Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford was well-versed with state politics long
before Tucson citizens honored her by electing her to serve in the Arizona
House of Representatives.
She grew up in a political family that placed a high value on public
service. Understanding the importance of public service, Rep. Cajero
Bedford became the second generation in her family to represent southern
Arizonans at the state Capitol. She provided her parents, Rep. Bernardo
“Nayo” Cajero and Rep. Carmen Cajero, with advice on important
votes during the 28 years they served in the Arizona House of Representatives.
She urged her parents to ensure that high school students receive free
text books and that the state provide funding to establish the University
of Arizona Cancer Research Center.
Before having the opportunity to serve Tucsonans at the state level,
Rep. Cajero Bedford was a business owner and a director of sales and
marketing for the tourism/hotel industry. Years of business experience
make her a strong advocate of small companies and economic development.
As a pro-business legislator, she has enjoyed sitting on the House Commerce
Committee, the powerful House Appropriations Committee and House Financial
Institutions and Insurance Committee.
Since taking office in 2003, Rep. Cajero Bedford has fought to defend
a woman’s right to choose. This issue is important to her and
remains at the top of her list each session.
Rep. Cajero Bedford is a graduate of the Council of State Governments’
Legislative Academy. She has been involved with a number of civic organizations
over the years including the Girl Scouts, Arizona Tourism Advisory Council,
National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Hospitality Sales
and Marketing Association International, Arizona Women’s Caucus,
Women in Government and National Conference of State Legislatures.
Increasing career and technical education in high school curriculum
is one of her goals for her tenure at the Arizona House of Representatives.
Rep. Cajero Bedford works with high schools in her district to help
teachers coordinate school field trips to the Legislature to improve
students’ understanding of government and expand on what they
have learned in the classroom. It is her wish that as a result, one
of these students will then start to think about a career in politics.
She was honored that the Arizona Medical Association in 2007 awarded her with the "Walk the Talk" award. In addition, was honored among the 2007 Tech 10 Legislators at the Fifth Annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation.
Rep. Cajero Bedford is a native of Tucson and has lived in her Legislative
District 27 for most of her life. She is a graduate of Tucson High School
and attended Pima Community College and the University of Arizona.