Co Chair, CSG West Technology & Future of Work Committee
As part of our continuing co-chair spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce Arizona Representative Justin Wilmeth, who serves as co-chair of the CSG West Technology & Future of Work Committee. Representative Wilmeth recently shared his perspective on Arizona’s innovations, the emerging technology issues he’s most passionate about, and a few fun facts you might not know about him.
What technologies or emerging issues are currently top of mind for you?
Semiconductors, obviously. TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) sits about a mile west of the edge of my district, Legislative District 2. That company alone is transforming my section of Phoenix in so many ways. But beyond that, artificial intelligence. The AI boom is on, and it’s changing our world in ways we don’t quite realize yet. And don’t even try to predict what AI will be like in five years—it’s making Moore’s Law look slow.
With that said, how do we as legislators tackle the issue of AI? How much regulation should be imposed? CAN regulation actually be imposed on it? What would that look like? Will we like AI for telemedicine but not trust it for something else? How can Legislatures—designed to be slow and deliberative—approach AI, which is lightning quick and changing often?
AI is going to be the biggest policy issue every state—and the Federal government—faces over the next decade.
The theme of our 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting is “Innovating at New Heights.” What’s something you find innovative about Arizona—whether related to legislative work or something else entirely?
The great thing about Arizona is that it’s a bit of a blank canvas. While the Painted Desert in northeast Arizona is truly a vibrant and full canvas, the state itself—and how it operates—is more wide open. That’s because Arizona is relatively young. The state is 113 years old, but modern Arizona is really only about 40.
The massive population growth we experienced in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and into the present has transformed what this state is and what can be done here. We used to celebrate a call center relocating to Phoenix as a major economic achievement. Now? We have one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, TSMC, located in North Phoenix—a truly worldwide achievement that has helped put Arizona on the international stage.
While California might still feature Silicon Valley, Arizona is now becoming the “Silicon Desert.” TSMC, Intel and others are making Arizona into a major technological player —something that really wasn’t the case even 15 years ago. The relative business youth of Arizona is what allows us to be so innovative.
Could you share something light or fun about yourself that’s unrelated to legislative work?
I’m probably the most fun legislator you’ll ever meet. I grew up in Los Angeles and was a child actor. I performed in commercials, plays, tv shows and even a music video: Phil Collins’ “Do you Remember?” I jokingly refer to myself as the poor man’s Ronald Reagan, in that I’m in SAG, the acting career didn’t really work out, and now I’m in politics.
What’s funny is that both acting and politics are similar. How so? Well, you’ve got to be an effective communicator, remember your lines (talking points), and spend countless hours off the stage (House Floor) preparing for your big moments in action. I will say this—the improv classes I took as a child have been extremely beneficial as a legislator, as I can always find a good answer to the questions I receive.
Thank you to Representatives Wilmeth for sharing their perspectives. We invite you to join all of CSG West’s committee co-chairs for thoughtful, policy-driven conversations on key regional issues at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming.