by Matthew Holloway | May 13, 2026 | Must Read, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Democratic infighting is escalating in Arizona’s First Congressional District race after former state lawmaker Amish Shah publicly criticized the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) over its involvement in the primary contest.
During a televised interview this week, Shah accused national Democratic leaders of interfering in the race despite prior assurances that the primary would remain open and competitive.
“We had been told multiple times there was not going to be any interference,” Shah told 12News’ Brahm Resnick on Sunday, criticizing what he described as “hubris” from national party officials.
The dispute follows the DCCC’s recent endorsement of Democrat Marlene Galán-Woods in Arizona’s First Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Congressman David Schweikert. The district is expected to be one of the nation’s top battlegrounds in the 2026 midterm elections.
Galán-Woods has already faced early controversy tied to her campaign’s use of Findraiser, an artificial intelligence-based fundraising company tied to embattled former California Congressman Eric Swalwell. The California Democrat resigned from Congress earlier this year and suspended his gubernatorial campaign following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, which he has denied.
The endorsement was viewed by some Arizona Democrats as the national party “playing favorites” in a contested primary race. Shah previously won the Democratic nomination in the district in 2024 before losing to Schweikert in the general election.
Shah also criticized Galán-Woods directly during the interview, arguing that she had previously worked “to defeat Obama in two different elections,” a reference to her past political activity before becoming a Democratic candidate.
The DCCC endorsement has reportedly intensified tensions among Democratic activists and consultants in Arizona. Following the endorsement, Democratic consultant Stacey Pearson of Lumen Strategies compared the move to the “Sports Illustrated cover curse,” suggesting the backing could politically damage Galán-Woods rather than strengthen her candidacy.
Shah additionally acknowledged broader dissatisfaction among Democratic voters with national party leadership.
“Democratic voters right now, when they’re talking to me, aren’t exactly happy with the Democratic establishment,” Shah said during the interview.
The endorsement of Galán-Woods is part of the DCCC’s broader national effort to shape competitive House races through its “Red to Blue” program, which provides select candidates with fundraising and organizational support. The committee identified Galán-Woods as one of its preferred candidates in its effort to reclaim control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The controversy in Arizona mirrors broader tensions within Democratic politics nationwide, as progressive groups and some party activists increasingly criticize the DCCC’s involvement in contested primaries. According to Axios, some progressive-aligned Democrats and Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC leaders have argued that primary voters, rather than national party organizations, should determine Democratic nominees in competitive races.
Supporters of Galán-Woods have argued that she enters the race with significant institutional support, including backing from the Arizona AFL-CIO and national Democratic organizations. Polling circulated by CHC BOLD PAC showed Galán-Woods leading in a hypothetical matchup with Republican candidate Gina Swoboda.
Swoboda, however, reportedly abandoned her congressional race and filed a statement of interest for the Secretary of State’s race in February. The polling from CHC BOLD PAC did not address former Arizona Rep. Joseph Chaplik or Trump-endorsed candidate Jay Feely, who led District 1 primary polling from NextGen Polling in April with 24 percent and 15 percent, respectively.
Shah’s campaign, meanwhile, has pointed to a February local independent poll from HighGround Public Affairs Consultants showing him leading in the race with 32.6 percent support, while Galán-Woods trailed by more than twenty-one points.
In a statement released following Shah’s comments, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Ben Petersen criticized Democratic leadership for intervening in the Arizona race.
“D.C. Democrat elites’ ham-fisted interference blew up spectacularly,” Petersen said. “When Democrats are this busy destroying each other, they’re proving they’re far too liberal and too chaotic to represent Arizonans.”
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.
by Matthew Holloway | May 12, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Republican Party is ramping up its election integrity operations ahead of the 2026 election cycle, naming attorney Greg Roeberg as legal counsel to oversee legal strategy and respond to anticipated election-related disputes.
Under the leadership of Chairman Sergio Arellano, party officials said Roeberg will help guide legal strategy and election-related operations in the lead-up to statewide races, including a competitive contest for attorney general.
Roeberg, an Arizona-based attorney with experience in business and government law, has served as an election integrity attorney for the Republican National Committee, President Donald Trump, and Republican candidates in Arizona during the 2020, 2022, and 2024 election cycles.
In an exclusive statement to AZ Free News, Arellano explained that election integrity remains a central issue for voters heading into 2026.
“Election integrity is a mandate from Arizona voters, and Greg Roeberg has already proven he knows how to fight and win on that front— having represented President Trump and Republican candidates in the most consequential election battles in our state,” Arellano said.
Arellano also referenced ongoing disputes between Republicans and Arizona election officials, including Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, stating that the party is preparing legal resources to respond to election administration issues in the coming cycle.
“We have seen how far Adrian Fontes will go to assert his will to subvert fair and free elections, and the AZGOP stands ready now to protect voters,” Arellano said.
Roeberg said he is “honored to serve the Arizona Republican Party” and emphasized the importance of legal preparation ahead of the next election.
“After three election cycles in the trenches, I know what’s at stake in this state,” Roeberg said. “I’m ready to get to work alongside Chairman Arellano and our grassroots team to protect the voice of every legal voter in Arizona.”
Earlier in the 2026 cycle, Roeberg launched a campaign for Arizona attorney general before stepping aside to focus on election-related legal work.
The appointment comes as both parties continue building legal and campaign infrastructure ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with election administration and litigation expected to remain a central component of political strategy in Arizona.
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.
by Matthew Holloway | May 11, 2026 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Grand Canyon University’s student ensemble choir Critical Mass will perform later this month at a national celebration in Washington, D.C. tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The choir was invited by the White House to participate in “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving,” scheduled for May 17 on the National Mall. The event is part of the broader America250 initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
According to Grand Canyon University News, 14 members of Critical Mass remained on campus after the conclusion of the spring semester to continue rehearsals before departing for Washington on May 15.
“This is probably the biggest stage for Critical Mass,” Grand Canyon University Chair of Music Dr. Juan de Dios Hernandez told GCU News. “This event reflects who we are, a jubilee for prayer and praise.”
The May 17 event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ 1776 proclamation calling for a national day of fasting and prayer. Organizers described the gathering as an event intended to “reaffirm the country’s biblical foundation through moving messages, personal testimonies and worship music.”
“This really centers around what we do,” he added. “We do a lot of things, but the primary thing we do is share the Christian faith in whatever context we are.”
Critical Mass serves as one of the university’s primary musical ambassadors and performs more than 100 times during the academic year, according to the university. The ensemble recently performed during 13 commencement ceremonies held at Global Credit Union Arena.
University President Brian Mueller publicly recognized the group’s invitation during a recent commencement ceremony.
The Washington event is expected to feature addresses from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, according to GCU News.
Other scheduled performers include Christian artist Chris Tomlin, singer Laura Osnes, Liberty University Praise, the Hillsdale College Choir, and the United States Navy Band.
The appearance marks another public role for GCU in events surrounding the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial observances. Earlier this year, the university hosted the Arizona America250 Commission’s traveling museum exhibit commemorating the anniversary.
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.
by Matthew Holloway | May 10, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs released a new campaign video this week titled “A Freer, Safer, More Prosperous Arizona.” The video outlines his vision for the state as the 2026 gubernatorial race continues to take shape.
In the video, Biggs calls for what he describes as a “freer, safer, more prosperous Arizona,” while emphasizing issues including border security, public safety, tax policy, education, and election administration. The video also criticizes policies advanced under Gov. Katie Hobbs and argues Arizona should pursue a more conservative governing approach.
“We have always been rugged individualists. But under this Governor, we’re not leading the way except to go the way of California. We’re following California, for Pete’s sakes. So, for me, when I look at it and say, ‘Why am I running for Governor?’ I know that this state needs a leader that understands the tremendous potential it has and can unleash it using the processes we have in the Legislature and the authority that the Governor has.”
Biggs currently represents Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and previously served as president of the Arizona Senate.
The release comes as the Republican gubernatorial primary field continues to develop ahead of the 2026 election. Biggs announced his gubernatorial campaign earlier this year and has emerged as one of the highest-profile Republicans in the race.
Biggs has centered much of his campaign messaging on border enforcement, tax reductions, school choice expansion, and election reforms. During a recent Turning Point Action rally in Phoenix, Biggs said he would seek to eliminate Arizona’s income tax, create what he described as a stronger state border security operation, and sign election-related legislation previously vetoed by Hobbs.
At that event, Biggs also described his goal as making Arizona “the most free, most prosperous, safest state in the union.”
The campaign has also emphasized Biggs’ relationship with President Donald Trump and his alignment with the broader “America First” movement. Trump endorsed Biggs earlier this year in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Polling from Noble Predictive Insights released in March showed Biggs leading the Republican primary field by 21 points while trailing incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs by five points in a hypothetical general election matchup.
The new video release is the latest in a series of campaign efforts by the Biggs campaign to frame the 2026 race around border security, economic policy, and opposition to the Hobbs administration’s agenda.
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.
by Matthew Holloway | May 9, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) is pushing back against Democratic criticism of the Republican-backed state budget vetoed this week by Gov. Katie Hobbs. Farnsworth argues that the plan maintains core government services while reducing spending and providing tax relief.
In a statement released Wednesday, Farnsworth said claims that the Republican proposal would harm public safety, wildfire suppression, child welfare, and water protection efforts were “completely false.”
The Republican budget proposal would spend approximately $800 million less than Hobbs’ proposed budget while maintaining funding for K-12 education and public safety. Senate Republicans also said the proposal includes approximately $1.45 billion in tax relief over four years without raising taxes or defaulting on state financial obligations.
Arizona Senate Republicans said the proposal preserves funding for wildfire mitigation efforts and Colorado River protection programs, exempts the Department of Child Safety from a proposed 5% operating reduction, and supports law enforcement while focusing on reducing unnecessary spending and prioritizing relief for working families, seniors, and small businesses.
“The Republican budget proposal, which Hobbs vetoed on Tuesday, reflects a balanced approach,” Farnsworth said. “It protects essential services, supports public safety, and shows respect for taxpayers by focusing on responsible spending.”
The statement follows Hobbs’ veto of the Republican-backed budget proposal. Hobbs criticized the proposal as “unbalanced and reckless,” arguing it would jeopardize healthcare access, public safety funding, and services for vulnerable residents while prioritizing tax cuts.
Republican lawmakers have defended the proposal as a fiscally conservative alternative to the governor’s spending plan. Legislative leaders previously said the budget would reduce overall spending compared to Hobbs’ January proposal while implementing tax conformity measures tied to recent federal tax changes.
Farnsworth also said he had invited lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers to participate in budget discussions throughout the session and said that invitation remains open.
“While there may be disagreements about priorities, it is crucial that our discussions are based on facts rather than fear,” Farnsworth said. “Although the governor walked away from budget discussions, we look forward to renewing good-faith negotiations to ensure that Arizona families, communities, and critical services are supported both now and in the future with a responsible state budget.”
Budget negotiations between the Republican-controlled Legislature and the governor’s office remain ongoing as lawmakers work toward passage of a final spending plan before the end of the legislative session.
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.
