By Jonathan Eberle |

Former Arizona State Senator Sine Kerr has been appointed as the State Executive Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Arizona, a move lauded by state Republican leaders who had advocated strongly for her selection.

In a formal letter dated March 24, 2025, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, Speaker Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, Majority Leader Janae Shamp, and Majority Whip Frank Carroll expressed unified support for Kerr’s appointment, calling her a “leader of tremendous character” and “an incredible asset to the USDA’s efforts in Arizona.” The letter cited Kerr’s longstanding commitment to agriculture and her leadership on landmark legislation aimed at water conservation, rural development, and regulatory relief for farmers.

Kerr served in the Arizona Senate from 2018 to 2025, chairing the Senate Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. Her legislative record includes spearheading the state’s participation in the Drought Contingency Plan for the Colorado River, protecting Yuma-area water users, and securing infrastructure investments for Pinal County irrigation. She also led efforts on SB 1145 (irrigation efficiency projects), SB 1448 (agricultural nuisance protections), SB 1734 (ag property reclassification notices), and SB 1740 (water infrastructure financing).

In 2023, her colleagues elevated her to the Senate Leadership Team as Majority Whip. She played a critical role in passing a conservative budget that included Arizona’s largest-ever tax rebate and increased investment in state parks and agricultural water systems. In 2024, Kerr passed SB 1081 to support economic growth in rural areas by allowing water supply collaboration across districts.

On May 2, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins confirmed Kerr’s appointment as part of a new slate of presidential selections for key state leadership roles at the USDA. “When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives,” said Rollins. “This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country… I look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again.”

Kerr’s appointment comes at a critical time as Arizona continues to face challenges related to water scarcity, rural infrastructure, and agricultural sustainability. With deep roots in the state’s farming community and a legislative career defined by agricultural advocacy, Kerr is seen by many in Arizona’s political and agricultural circles as a natural fit for the position.

Senate President Petersen and his colleagues summed up the sentiment in their letter: “Lending earned credibility to everything she touches, Senator Kerr would be an exceptional choice to lead the Farm Service Agency as its Arizona State Director.”

Her appointment is expected to bolster the USDA’s efforts in Arizona as it seeks to strengthen rural economies and support agricultural producers under the renewed priorities of the Trump administration.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.