For the third year in a row, the Arizona Capitol Times has recognized Andy Gaona as a “Leader of the Year” in public policy. This honor is awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to Arizona’s growth and enhanced the quality of life for its residents.

Andy is among the list of 36 Arizonans honored on this year’s prestigious list. As his nomination for this award highlighted, he spent the last two years working with major abortion rights groups in Arizona to enshrine abortion protections into the Arizona Constitution through the Arizona Abortion Access Act. This effort has been the subject of intense media attention of late after the Arizona Supreme Court released its opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes, a case in which Andy represented Planned Parenthood and presented oral arguments on its behalf. And this summer saw intense litigation over the Act, with Andy leading the campaign’s legal defense.

Andy has also been Governor Katie Hobbs’ go-to outside counsel in important cases. And he continues to advise candidates, political action committees, nonprofits, trade groups, and others that want to have their voices heard and influence Arizona policy through electoral, political, and legal processes.

An experienced political, election, and constitutional law attorney, Andy has played a critical role in the practice’s biggest cases. He has been recognized by Southwest Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America. Additionally, in 2022, he was named to Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

Check out the full list of 2024 Leaders of the Year recipients.