Karl Gentles is working to create a stronger party by leading with purpose and clarity, building and supporting legislative districts, and helping create winning strategies for 2024 and beyond.

He currently serves as Second Vice Chair and co-chair of the Black Engagement Committee. Karl is the immediate past chair of Legislative District 27, and previously served as communications chair for LD15 (became LD27 during redistricting). He moved into Legislative District 5 in November 2022, where he and his wife Carla are precinct committee members. Karl also serves as a State Committee Member.

Professionally, Karl is a partner in The Gentles Agency, a public relations firm specializing in government relations and strategic communications. He has worked or consulted for some of the state’s most iconic companies and has been involved in a number of campaigns over his 30+ years in business and politics. He began his career as an intern on the Bruce Babbitt for President campaign and as a staff assistant to US Senator John McCain. He ran for Congress in 2020 in Congressional District 1.

Karl is a proud two-time graduate of Arizona State University, earning his Master’s in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication. His community involvement includes amongst others serving two terms on the Arizona Corporation Commission, Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. Karl is married to Carla Wright Gentles, a 29-year U.S. Army Reserves (Ret.), also a partner in the Agency, and a PhD candidate at Grand Canyon University where she serves as an adjunct professor.



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