The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee recommended three nominees to the Arizona Racing Commission to the full Senate after brief introductions and public statements of support.

The recommendations came at a committee hearing during which nominees described their backgrounds in horse racing and related business activity, and industry representatives urged swift confirmation to restore a full five-member commission responsible for regulating pari‑mutuel racing and overseeing equine and rider safety.

Candace French Contreras, identified at the hearing as chair of the Arizona Racing Commission, said she was originally appointed in 2023 as a public member and changed to an industry seat in 2024. "I am Candace French Contreras, and thank you very much, senator Bullock and fellow members of the committee," she told senators, adding that the commission regulates ‘‘based on the statutes and the pari mutuel racing and or pari mutuel betting’’ and that it also watches for "the safety of the horses, the safety of the riders." Contreras described a lifelong equestrian background, including endurance racing and early work with Quarter Horses at tracks near Tucson.

James Padish introduced himself as a longtime resident of District 4, a retired superior court judge and an owner of racehorses. "I'm a racing fan first and foremost," Padish said, and cited a commission-commissioned economic study that he summarized as showing roughly $165,000,000 in revenues tied to racing in Arizona. Padish told the committee he was encouraged to apply by both horsemen and track ownership and said he sought confirmation to help rebuild trust among owners, trainers and tracks.

Jay Zucker said he was appointed in October to fill an emergency vacancy and described a business career that included founding Broadcast Intelligence and involvement with seasonal sports and venue operations. "Amazing. A crash course," Zucker said of his early months on the commission, adding that he had been welcomed by tracks and has been studying packets of commission materials before meetings.

Two supporters from the racing community addressed the committee. Lloyd Yother, identifying himself with the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and as president of the Quarter Horse Association, said he "strongly... recommend[ed] that you confirm them today for their positions." A second commenter representing the horsemen, recorded as Bassaha, said the nominees had "had a breath of fresh air" and that "safety of the people and the animals out there is the most important thing."

Senators moved to recommend each confirmation to the full Senate. The committee reported these outcomes to the Senate: Candace French Contreras and James Padish each received committee tallies of 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 not voting; Jay Zucker received a committee tally of 7 ayes, 0 nays and 0 not voting. The committee's recommendations send the nominees to the full Senate for final confirmation.

During questioning, a committee member referenced a legislative action from two years earlier that added a veterinary FTE at the department responsible for racing oversight; the committee was told those positions are filled and that the University of Arizona veterinary program has been producing veterinarians available to the industry. Committee members and witnesses also discussed the commission being recently restored to a full five-member complement after vacancies.

Votes at a glance
- Candace French Contreras — Committee recommendation to full Senate for confirmation; committee tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not voting.
- James Padish — Committee recommendation to full Senate for confirmation; committee tally: 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not voting.
- Jay Zucker — Committee recommendation to full Senate for confirmation; committee tally: 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 not voting.

The committee adjourned after the three recommendations. The nominees now await action by the full Arizona Senate.