By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) launched his first general election advertisement on Monday in his bid to unseat Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes. The ad highlights tax cuts enacted during Petersen’s tenure as Senate president and endorsements from law enforcement organizations across the state.
The 30-second advertisement, focused around Petersen’s “common sense leadership” message, comes 71 days before Arizona voters head to the polls for the Nov. 3 general election.
“Arizona needs an Attorney General who solves problems,” the ad begins before highlighting Petersen’s legislative record and support from police organizations.
The spot says Petersen “worked with both parties to deliver historic tax relief for Arizona families,” specifically citing the elimination of taxes on residential rent and overtime income.
Municipal transaction privilege taxes on residential rentals were eliminated through legislation enacted in 2023 during Petersen’s tenure as Senate president. Senate Bill 1184 banned municipal excise taxes on residential leases with the change taking effect on January 1, 2025, and the Arizona Department of Revenue says cities and towns can no longer impose transaction privilege taxes on long-term residential rentals.
The overtime provision came this year through the Fiscal Year 2027 budget agreement negotiated between Governor Hobbs and Republican legislative leaders. The agreement included full conformity with federal tax provisions eliminating state taxes on qualified tips and overtime while increasing the standard deduction and adding other tax deductions and credits.
Petersen, who has served as Senate president since 2023, said his legislative work would inform how he approaches the Attorney General’s Office.
“As Senate President, I’ve proven that I can work with both parties to deliver results for everyday Arizonans,” Petersen said. “I will continue that approach as Arizona’s next Attorney General.”
The ad also highlights Petersen’s backing from law enforcement groups, saying he is supported by “every major law enforcement organization in Arizona.”
Petersen has accumulated endorsements from organizations including the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Arizona Police Association, Arizona State Troopers Association, Arizona Conference of Police & Sheriffs, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona, Maricopa County Colleges Police Officers Association, and Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association.
The campaign also lists endorsements from Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple, Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, and several county attorneys. Republican attorneys general Raúl Labrador of Idaho, Todd Rokita of Indiana, Mike Hilgers of Nebraska, Derek Brown of Utah, and J.B. McCuskey of West Virginia have also endorsed Petersen.
The Republican nominee also used Monday’s announcement to renew his criticism of Mayes following her decision last week against bringing criminal charges against Hobbs in the Sunshine Residential Homes investigation.
“For four years, we’ve had a chief law enforcement officer who has been more interested in politicizing her office than supporting the brave men and women who protect our communities,” Petersen said. He accused Mayes of failing to hold Hobbs accountable over a “pay-to-play scheme.”
Mayes announced last Friday that her office would not pursue charges after a two-year criminal investigation into allegations involving political contributions connected to Sunshine Residential Homes and substantial increases in the rates the Department of Child Safety paid the foster care provider.
Petersen rejected the conclusion and has argued that Mayes’ handling of the case demonstrates the need for a change in leadership at the Attorney General’s Office.
“Mayes’ destructive brand of leadership will end January 2027,” Petersen said.
The campaign ad itself makes a broader criticism of Mayes without referring specifically to the Sunshine investigation, saying Petersen “delivers for Arizona, while his opponent wastes tax dollars on her political agenda.”
Mayes has also begun advertising in the general election. Her campaign launched a television spot titled “Not Finished” on August 13.
Petersen secured the Republican nomination in the primary against Rodney Glassman, while Mayes advanced unopposed on the Democratic side.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
