The Arizona Corporation Commission is now entirely under Republican leadership.
On Monday, Lea Márquez Peterson, Rachel Walden, and Rene Lopez were sworn into office at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), giving Republicans control of all five positions on the state agency. Peterson returned to office, while Walden and Lopez entered this position for the first time.
The ACC welcomes back Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson, and introduces two news Commissioners – Rachel Walden & Rene Lopez. The new Commission voted unanimously to appoint Comm. Kevin Thompson as its new Chair, and Comm. Nick Myers as Vice Chair. https://t.co/mSTRoh9M04pic.twitter.com/58l2R7IYfV
— Arizona Corporation Commission (@CorpCommAZ) January 7, 2025
During the inaugural meeting of the new year, first-term Commissioner Kevin Thompson was voted as chairman of the ACC. Nick Myers became (what appears to be) the first-ever vice chair of the ACC.
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Thompson said, “During our campaign, Commissioner Myers and I often spoke on the trail about our objectives once elected. We expected it to take our full four-year term, but instead we accomplished our goals within the first two years of office.”
Thompson added, “Looking forward to serving as Chairman, I’m confident we will be able to build upon our recent successes with this talented and motivated group of Commissioners. As Chair, my focus is going to be on ensuring our collective efforts are always pushing Arizona forward, making the Commission more efficient and responsive to the public, and never losing sight of our duties to ratepayers and the trust voters have placed in us.”
Peterson posted to her X account about her first day of this new term of office, saying, “I am honored to serving a second term at the Arizona Corporation Commission! Thank you to Chief Justice Timmer for conducting my oath of office. I’m looking forward to serving with Nick Myers, Kevin Thompson, Rachel Walden, and Rene Lopez!
Nick Myers said, “As best we can tell, the Arizona Corporation Commission has never had a Vice-Chairman position. Today we made history… Again. After I nominated Commissioner Kevin Thompson as the new chairman, he nominated me as the very first Vice-Chairman!”
As best we can tell, the @CorpCommAZ has never had a Vice-Chairman position. Today we made history… Again. After I nominated Commissioner @VoteKThompson as the new chairman, he nominated me as the very first Vice-Chairman! pic.twitter.com/wkseub8oKN
— Nick Myers – Arizona Corporation Commissioner (@votenickmyers) January 7, 2025
Rachel Walden wrote, “It’s official! Thank you to the Commission staff for organizing today’s swearing in ceremony and agenda. Thank you to my friends and family for attending! And a massive thank you, Arizona! It’s an honor to go to work for you.”
It's official! Thank you to the Commission staff for organizing today's swearing in ceremony and agenda. This is one of my favorite photos from today. @elvicentela Thank you to my friends and family for attending! And a massive thank you, Arizona! It's an honor to go to work for… pic.twitter.com/DQFTXnld90
All five commissioners are excited about their upcoming work at the ACC over the next two years – even in a divided state government with a Democrat as Governor and Republicans maintaining control of the Arizona Legislature. In his remarks following his unanimous election as chairman of the ACC, Thompson said, “I want to continue to support this Agency and build upon a culture of success and further ensure the Commission is a place the brightest and best want to work. Where we can all be excited to step foot in this building and be proud of what we do to ensure Arizona remains a great place for our children and grandchildren and businesses for decades to come.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
During a special meeting on January 6th, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors were sworn into office, and the new Chairman of the Board, Thomas Galvin, was voted into office unanimously by his peers. According to a press release, the newly elected Chairman Galvin addressed the Board and the county, proposing several new initiatives to “bring increased prosperity and security,” to Maricopa County.
Galvin told the meeting, “We aim to be a board of action, and I aim to deliver a consequential chairmanship that will achieve substantial results.”
Yesterday, District 2 Supervisor @ThomasGalvin was elected by his fellow Supervisors to serve as the Board's 2025 Chairman. Learn more about Chairman Galvin and his start in Maricopa County with this video from when he first joined the Board in 2022: pic.twitter.com/RzZQ84RJXF
Galvin, who represents District 2, acknowledged the historic note of his election as Maricopa County’s first Latino Chairman three years after becoming the first Latino Republican elected to the Board.
During his remarks, Galvin set out his priorities for the Board as being: Safety, the Jail Excise Tax, the Melendres Consent Decree impacting the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Economic Development, Housing, Transportation, Water, Elections, and County Staffing.
One standout moment occurred when Galvin stressed his desire to bring back the NHL to the valley following the departure of the Coyotes from Glendale.
“I’ve been talking to Bettman,” he told reporters, referring to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
'I've been talking to Bettman': With those words, new Maricopa County Board Chair Thomas Galvin rekindled hope that NHL hockey will return to Arizona someday. Galvin confirms Bettman statement to @CraigSMorgan that convo occurred before Xmas. pic.twitter.com/33jKb8SqGL
Regarding elections, Galvin broke with many Republicans critical of Arizona’s process stating, “For anyone still going on about widespread fraud or stolen elections, stop it. To continue to do so is destructive and irresponsible.”
He added, “But what I do appreciate are the people who want to make a good system better. Supervisors Lesko, Brophy McGee, and Stewart each have told me they would like to see Maricopa County examine ways it can improve its elections procedures and provide even more transparency to voters. I agree with them!”
Galvin followed with a brief rundown of reforms:
“My ‘95:1 plan’ would ensure 95% of all votes are tabulated by the end of election night. People want election results faster, and when misinformation has more time to fester, it breeds mistrust in our system.
Our state’s inadequate election laws place the burdens on counties and when voters get frustrated by the process, some denounce our election workers and volunteers who are blameless here. I don’t want our election staff to endure that kind of abuse ever again. They work too hard to have to deal with that nonsense.
Here’s how the legislature and the governor can support our election workers and serve voters in a better fashion:
• First, establish a cutoff date for early ballot drop offs
• Second, use government buildings to host polling sites
• Third, eliminate emergency voting for the Saturday and Monday before election day and allow everyone to utilize in-person voting on those days.
Expanding onsite tabulation on Saturday and Monday before election day solves two challenges regarding access to voting and the speed of results.”
In addition to Galvin’s election as Chairman, three new members of the Board were sworn in with Republican Supervisors Mark Stewart (District 1), Kate Brophy McGee (District 3), and former Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (District 4) joining the five-member body. Supervisor Brophy McGee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair.
“This is a place where I believe I can make a difference on kitchen table, quality of life issues like cost of living, jobs, and public safety,” Brophy McGee said. “I know there are good people and programs already in place at Maricopa County, but there’s so much work to be done to get drugs like fentanyl off our streets, address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis plaguing our county, and ensure our region grows in a smart way. I can’t wait to get started.”
Lesko told the gathered meeting, “Thank you to the great people of the West Valley for your continued support! I’m excited to represent you as your Maricopa County Supervisor. I promise to work hard for you, just as I have done as your U.S. Congresswoman and Arizona State Legislator. My priorities include public safety, election integrity and ensuring your taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”
Stewart similarly noted, “I will collaborate with the community and staff to ensure our county government is transparent and delivers consistent, high-quality services at a fair cost. Working together we can build a thriving environment where families and businesses succeed, and government serves as a reliable partner in our shared future.”
Members of Arizona’s Republican delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives were key to a border-related bill passing their chamber.
In one of the first legislative actions of the 119th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, which was introduced by U.S. Congressman Mike Collins from Georgia. All members of Arizona’s Republican delegation voted in favor of the bill, as did one Democrat, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton.
According to its congressional summary, H.R. 29, if enacted would “require the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.”
One of Arizona’s Republicans who voted for the legislation, U.S. Congressman Eli Crane, said, “I’m pleased to report that the Laken Riley Act passed out of the House of Representatives. This bill will protect our communities and give our law enforcement agencies the resources they need to prevent avoidable tragedies. It’s appalling that 159 Democrats sided with criminal aliens by voting against this commonsense measure. Despite their senseless opposition, I’m glad we were once again able to get this bill across the finish line. I appreciate Rep. Mike Collins for his leadership, and I look forward to its swift passage in the U.S. Senate before heading to President Trump’s desk.”
Crane’s press release highlighted that this bill “directly addresses one of the federal policy failures related to Laken Riley’s murder. Her murderer, Jose Ibarra, is an illegal alien who had been previously cited for shoplifting by the Athens Policy Department. If local law enforcement had called ICE, and ICE issued a detainer and picked him up, Laken would be alive.”
U.S. Congressman Abraham Hamadeh added, “While we cannot possibly remediate the pain caused at the hands of violent illegal immigrants, we must do all we are able to do to stop illegal immigrant crime before it begins and save future American lives. This should be a unanimous and non-partisan issue. I’m grateful for my colleagues who see this as such.”
Thinking of Laken Riley’s family and all of those who have been affected by the crimes of illegal immigrants. pic.twitter.com/AxSQGdlCmh
U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani wrote, “Securing the southern border and protecting our citizens is a top priority in the 119th Congress! I voted for & cosponsor HR 29, the Laken Riley Act, to honor her memory and ensure bad actors here illegally are detained to prevent innocent lives from being lost to the crisis.”
Securing the southern border and protecting our citizens is a top priority in the 119th Congress!
I voted for & cosponsor HR 29, the Laken Riley Act, to honor her memory and ensure bad actors here illegally are detained to prevent innocent lives from being lost to the crisis.
— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani) January 7, 2025
The bill was named after a young woman at a Georgia nursing school who was horrifically and tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant in the United States. Late last year, the murderer was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. After the conclusion of the trial, President-elect Donald J. Trump said, “JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY! The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes. Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they have. We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!”
The Laken Riley Act now heads to the U.S. Senate, where it will need all Republicans and at least seven Democrats to support its passage in order to send it to the president’s desk for his signature. U.S. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, co-sponsored the measure, saying, “Laken Riley’s story is a tragic reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to protect people. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence. Immigration is what makes our country great. I support giving authorities the tools to prevent tragedies like this one while we work on comprehensive solutions to our broken system.”
Allyson and John Phillips, Riley’s mother and stepfather, spoke out in support of the bill as it proceeded through the congressional process. They said, “The Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced. Laken would have been 23 on January 10th. There is no greater gift that could be given to her and our country than to continue her legacy by saving lives through this bill. Every single member of Congress should be able to get behind this purely commonsense bill that will make our country and communities safer. We thank Congressman Mike Collins, Senator Katie Britt, and Senator Ted Budd for continuing to work to honor Laken’s legacy and get this legislation enacted into law.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
In a Monday press release, Arizona State Representative Lupe Diaz announced that he and his fellow House Republicans will honor the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the state and nation on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9th. Diaz and the House GOP are inviting all Arizonans to join them.
In the release Diaz said, “In a time when some mismanaged cities and misguided politicians are still pushing to defund law enforcement, Arizona House Republicans stand firmly and proudly with our law enforcement professionals.”
“We deeply appreciate – and will continue to support – the brave men and women who work to protect our families and maintain public safety in our communities.”
The release explained that on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day the legislators are leading an effort to bring forth a visible and tangible expression of Arizona’s support for its Law Enforcement Community with the public encouraged to “show their support by thanking an officer, wearing blue, or sharing messages of appreciation on social media using the #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay hashtag.”
NEWS RELEASE
Arizona House of Representatives Representative Lupe Diaz (R-19).
Honoring Those Who Serve: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9. pic.twitter.com/QipwPX6ZRg
As reported by The Officer Down Memorial Page, four Law Enforcement Officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024:
Officer Zane Tristan Coolidge, 29, of the Phoenix Police Department was shot and killed by a fleeing felon with multiple convictions on September 6th
Detective Ryan So, 38, of the Scottsdale Police Department lost his life in a tragic accidental discharge on June 13th
Gila River Tribal Police Officer Joshua Briese, 24, was shot and killed responding to a disturbance call on June 1st. He was still in field training.
Tucson Police Lead Officer Adam Buckner, 31, was struck and killed in a vehicle collision while responding to a call for service on March 31st.
Through the Arizona State Troopers Association (ASTA), those wishing to show their support can also purchase post cards for officers they wish to thank and appreciate. On the organization’s website, the ASTA says, “Hands down the biggest compliment you can give is to let the officer’s supervisor know that you appreciated whatever the officer did. (The best way is a written note to the chief executive). Why? Because police officers rarely are ever thanked or told that they did a great job.”
The State Troopers Association also recommended penning a letter to the editor of your local newspaper thanking officers for their community dedication and/or putting together a treat of cookies or a dozen doughnuts from your local bakery and leaving them with the department with a thank you card.
Representative Diaz represents the 19th Legislative District and chairs the House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
Arizona’s 2023 Abortion Report, released late last month, uncovers a dark truth: abortion in our state disproportionately targets minority communities. The data reveals that Hispanic and Black women are overrepresented in the number of abortions performed, far exceeding their share of Arizona’s population.
According to the report, Hispanic people accounted for 47% of all surgical abortions in 2023, while U.S. Census data shows they make up only 32% of the state’s population. Black people represented 11% of surgical abortions despite only being 6% of the population. Meanwhile, white people, who make up 53% of Arizona’s population, accounted for 30% of surgical abortions. These numbers reflect a decade-long trend: Hispanic and Black women consistently make up a higher percentage of abortions than their population percentages would suggest. This raises serious concerns about whether the abortion industry is disproportionately targeting minority communities.
The numbers aren’t just statistics. They tell a story of communities being disproportionately affected by abortion. Historically, the abortion industry has faced criticism for its roots in eugenics and its targeting of minority neighborhoods. Arizona law (ARS 13-3603.02) prohibits abortions based on race or sex, but these statistics make it clear that the impact of abortion on minorities remains profoundly unequal. This is not freedom of choice—it’s exploitation.
The sheer volume of abortions performed is heartbreaking. In 2023, Arizona celebrated 77,881 live births. At the same time, 12,705 babies were surgically aborted, not including chemical abortions. This means 14% of the babies who should have been part of our communities last year never had the chance to live. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a profound loss of human potential and a tragic reminder of the lives slaughtered by abortion.
Adding to this tragedy, Governor Katie Hobbs has called for an end to the Arizona Abortion Report, calling it “an attack on our freedom” and claiming it should not exist. But this report is not about attacking freedom—it’s about transparency and accountability. Eliminating it would obscure the truth, making it harder to see how abortion disproportionately impacts minority communities in our state.
The abortion industry’s targeting of Hispanic and Black women is not an accident—it’s a calculated strategy rooted in exploitation and profit. The 2023 Abortion Report doesn’t just expose chilling statistics; it exposes a system that sacrifices the most vulnerable—both mothers and their unborn children—for financial gain. This isn’t freedom, and it isn’t healthcare. It’s a disturbing reminder that the abortion industry thrives by exploiting the very communities it claims to serve. How much longer will we allow this silent genocide to continue before we confront the racism at its core?
Katarina White serves as Board Member for Arizona Right to Life. To get involved and stay informed, visit the Arizona Right to Life website.
