STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez has been selected for the 22^nd Annual Melissa Hortman Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, a national leadership initiative that prepares state legislators for greater responsibility in public service.

Representative Lopez was nominated by House Speaker Steve Montenegro and selected after a competitive review process. The 2026 class includes 57 legislators from 44 states.

“This is a serious honor, and I do not take it lightly,” said Representative Chris Lopez. “I am proud to represent Arizona alongside lawmakers from across the country. Speaker Montenegro put his confidence in me, and I intend to earn it.”

The program will be held this July in Charlottesville, Virginia, through a partnership between the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and UVA’s Darden School of Business. Participants will take part in leadership training alongside fellow lawmakers from across the country.

“States need serious leadership, sound judgment, and the willingness to stand up for what works,” Representative Lopez said. “Arizona House Republicans are leading on public safety, economic strength, parental rights, and limited government. I am proud to bring that record and that perspective to this program.”

Chris Lopez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 16, which includes portions of Pinal and Pima Counties. Follow him on X at @LopezForArizona and Instagram at @chrislo72.