By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Republicans elected Sen. John Kavanagh (R-LD3) as their next minority leader Monday, choosing the caucus’ leadership team for the 58th Legislature, which begins in January.
The caucus also elected Sen. Tim Dunn (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader and Senator-elect Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) as minority whip. Kavanagh appointed Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1) as deputy assistant minority leader of communications.
“Rebuilding a Republican majority starts with earning it, and that work starts now,” Kavanagh said. “We’re going to spend time listening to Arizonans in their communities and bring what we hear back to the Capitol.”
The leadership selections follow an election that put Democrats on track for a 20–10 Senate majority and a 37–23 House majority.
Senate Democrats selected Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18) as their choice for Senate president.
Senate Republicans identified taxes, law enforcement, and Arizona’s long-term water supply as priorities in their leadership announcement. The caucus said it would introduce legislation, coordinate with House Republicans, and pursue bipartisan agreements while opposing tax increases and regulations it considers unnecessary.
“When a family tells us their paycheck isn’t keeping up with their bills, that needs to be on our minds when we vote on taxes and spending,” Kavanagh said. “When a rural community is worried about whether it’ll have enough water to grow, we need to be at the table working on a solution.”
Kavanagh, a Fountain Hills Republican, has served in the Legislature since 2007. He currently serves as Senate majority leader and previously served as Senate president pro tempore, along with chairing appropriations committees in both chambers.” He spent 20 years in law enforcement, retiring as a detective sergeant before teaching criminal justice.
Dunn, a lifelong Yuma resident, farmer, and small business owner, joined the Legislature in 2018. He serves as vice chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Biasiucci will move to the Senate after serving in the Arizona House since 2019. The Lake Havasu City native and small business owner previously served as House majority leader and majority whip.
Finchem chairs the Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee and previously served in the House. His 21-year public-safety career includes work as a firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, and criminal investigator.
The Senate selections follow House Republicans’ leadership election Friday. That caucus elected Rep. Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) as minority leader, Rep. Michael Carbone (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader, and Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) as minority whip.
“We’ll work with Democrats where we agree, and when we disagree, we’ll explain why and put our own plan on the table,” Kavanagh said. “That’s how we’ll serve Arizonans in the minority and earn their trust to lead the Senate again.”
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.
