by Kim Bayne
As we mark Black History Month in February 2023, LD18 pays tribute to the late Herschella Horton, a former Democratic legislator who served in the Arizona House of Representatives. Horton, a registered nurse from Tucson, passed away in 2022 at 83 years young. She led a life of purpose and impact. She is recognized for her unwavering commitment to Arizona, devoting her resources and time to healthcare, education, employment, environment, childcare, food security, and social services.
In 1960, Horton earned a nursing degree from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Indiana, and in 1965, she relocated to Tucson, where she worked at hospitals and research centers. In the early 1980s, she served as Coordinator of the Clinical Research Center in the Surgical Department at University Medical Center and collaborated with the American Medical Women’s Association. Over the years, she published seven peer-reviewed scientific articles on various topics, from contraception to bypass surgeries and addiction.
In 1987, Horton earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Phoenix in Tucson. She started volunteering with a city task force on labor issues in the early 1990s. She was recruited by the Arizona Democratic Party to run for the District 14 Representative seat in Tucson. In 1990, she was elected to the Arizona State Legislature and served five two-year terms. During her time in office, she held the positions of Democratic Whip and Assistant Democratic Leader and was a ranking member of the Health Committee. Horton also served on the Environment, Appropriations, Block Grants, and Rules Committees.
In 2003, Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Horton as Director of Legislative Services at the Arizona Department of Economic Security. She advised management on legislation and served as the department’s chief spokesperson on legislative matters. In addition to her professional life, Horton was an active member of various organizations, including the United Way, the National Order of Women Legislators, and the Sunstone Cancer Foundation.
Hershella Horton was a true advocate who went out of her way to help those in need. Despite her demanding career, she made time for friends and family and was known for her open spirituality and empathy. Her lasting impact during her tenure in the Arizona House of Representatives continues to inspire future generations to become politically active and make a difference.