by Matthew Holloway | Oct 26, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) condemned top Democrats on Wednesday for casually acknowledging the hardships Americans face during the ongoing government shutdown — one they’ve prolonged while using it for political leverage.
“It’s reprehensible to see top Democrats admit that they’re willing to inflict pain on hardworking Americans to achieve their priorities,” Hamadeh posted on X. “It’s even worse when you consider those priorities are handouts to illegal immigrants & taxpayer-funded fake news.”
Hamadeh’s remarks followed comments from House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), who, in a Fox News interview, described the shutdown as a rare opportunity for her party despite its toll on families.
“Shutdowns are terrible. And of course, there will be families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously, but it is one of the few leverage times we have,” Clark said.
The full government shutdown stems from Democrats’ refusal to support a clean continuing resolution to maintain current funding levels through November. Instead, they are demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending, including $500 million for public broadcasters like NPR and PBS, and changes to narrow eligibility restrictions for government health care benefits under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” according to Speaker Mike Johnson’s office. Those restrictions currently limit benefits like Medicare and premium tax credits to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian immigrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants. Democrats seek to rescind them, potentially extending free health care to millions of Biden-era parolees from countries like Haiti and Venezuela—2.8 million of whom were admitted despite being “otherwise inadmissible,” per congressional testimony.
As of this report, Senate Democrats have now blocked shutdown-ending votes 11 times in the Senate alone, or 12 overall, including House actions, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
“This is now the longest full shutdown in American history. And yet again, Senate Democrats voted for the 11th time — 12 times overall, when you count House and Senate Democrats — to prolong the pain and keep the government closed,” Johnson said in a press conference on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump accused Democrats of “holding the entire federal government hostage” and vowed, “We will not be extorted on this crazy plot of theirs.”
The standoff has furloughed over 800,000 federal workers and contractors, delayed veterans’ benefits, and paused services such as FDA inspections, with ripple effects into the holiday season.
In an interview with KFYI host James T. Harris, Hamadeh stated, “There’s no way we’re going to give an inch on this… There’s nothing that we can negotiate,” when asked how long the Democrats might continue to block funding.
Democrat Senators under Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led the rejection of another clean bill Thursday that would have provided funding to pay the Armed Forces, Capitol Police, Border Patrol, Air Traffic Controllers, Congressional staffers, and “various essential federal workers,” according to Hamadeh. He wrote in a post to X, “It turns out that the ONLY people essential to the Democrats are their militant base and illegal immigrants.”
Later in the day, Hamadeh wrote, “The Democrats won’t support a clear CR, something they’ve done forever… why would you still think they’re going to honor the filibuster next time they’re in power? They’ll gut it so quickly and Republicans will look like fools. They’re unreasonable, manic, and controlled by the leftwing base that’s rewarding them with $$$ political donations. They have zero incentive. The uncomfortable truth is that we are no longer operating under the same rules — I wish we were, but it is not reality. It’s time for the Senate to exercise the nuclear option.”
Democrats previously supported 13 clean continuing resolutions during the Biden administration, a point Republicans have highlighted as inconsistent with their recent actions.
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 | Oct 25, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
On Tuesday, the Goldwater Institute announced a new initiative to educate lawmakers and students across the country and advocate for the resurrected concept of “federalism.”
Based upon its newly released report, “Federalism and State Constitutions: Model Language for ‘Tenth Amendments’ in State Constitutions,” Goldwater is launching a civics offensive to rekindle federalism in state governments, urging them to etch the spirit of the 10th Amendment directly into their own constitutions.
Dubbed the “Blueprint for Federalism,” the initiative from the group’s Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy was introduced with a policy report offering lawmakers a ready-made template: model language mirroring the U.S. Constitution’s reservation of powers to the states and the people. It’s a direct shot at the creeping centralization that’s turned America’s “laboratories of democracy” into mere outposts of Washington bureaucracy.
“America’s founders wisely recognized it from the beginning—the best chance for a sprawling young republic to survive would be for important political decisions to remain close to the people,” the Goldwater Institute declared in unveiling the plan.
Describing civic education as “in decline” and leaving generations adrift on the basics of our constitutional republic, the blueprint calls for states to put the measure on ballots starting in 2026, just ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Matt Beienburg wrote in a post to X, “What if Americans could stop fearing that every 4 years might usher in an over-powered president of the other party who will wreck the country? Whether you’re on the left or right, we already have the blueprint for empowering Americans rather than Washington D.C.”
As federal overreach swelled vastly under the Biden administration, including mandates on everything from education to energy, states like Arizona have already led the charge, making the legislature fertile ground for Goldwater’s initiative. Back in 2014, Arizona voters approved a constitutional tweak affirming the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy and barring state resources from propping up unconstitutional federal acts. It’s one of nearly a dozen states with similar guardrails, from Massachusetts’ 1780 original to Louisiana’s 1998 update.
Co-authors Matt Beienburg, director of education policy at Goldwater, and Sean Beienburg, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, lay out the playbook in the report. The core text proposed for state constitutions is a near-verbatim nod to the U.S. Constitution’s Tenth Amendment: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
In full, the proposed language reads:
“The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land to which all government, state and federal, is subject.
The government of the United States is a government of enumerated powers, and all powers not delegated to it, nor inhibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people thereof.
Among the sovereign powers so reserved to the states is the exclusive regulation of their own internal government; but the people’s retained right of local self-government should be exercised in pursuance of law and consistently with the Constitution of the United States.”
The blueprint goes even further, though, pitching add-ons like explicit vows to uphold federal supremacy and rejecting funding for D.C. edicts that trample state sovereignty. It’s nonpartisan ammo, aimed at red strongholds and blue bastions alike, to spark a public awakening on where power truly belongs.
The Goldwater Institute has notched over 400 wins across all 50 states, including more than 50 policy and litigation triumphs in 2024 alone. This latest salvo fits their 2025 battle plan, as reported by AZ Free News: dismantling DEI indoctrination in universities, slashing government meddling in property, water rights, and healthcare, shielding parental rights in schools, and addressing unconstitutional tax hikes.
In the report, the authors push for a 2026 ballot blitz to “recommit legislative bodies to the principle of federalism” and ignite a nationwide conversation on the republic’s blueprint. The Goldwater Institute has the full model language for state constitutions and a deeper dive available online.
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 | Oct 24, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
President Donald Trump’s glowing endorsement of Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ09) for a safe CD-9 re-election is raising eyebrows in the 2026 Arizona primaries. The president’s move casts a spotlight on the unconfirmed Trump endorsement of AZGOP Chair Gina Swoboda’s jump into the toss-up CD-1 race.
“Dr. Paul Gosar has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, hailing the eight-term Congressman as a “fearless Warrior” who’s ridden with him “from the very beginning.”
In full, President Trump wrote:
“Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S., is an America First Patriot, who is doing a fantastic job representing Arizona’s 9th Congressional District!
A MAGA Warrior, who has been with us from the very beginning, Paul is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.
Dr. Paul Gosar has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
The blast on Truth Social, posted on October 21st, lands amid murmurs that Gosar is likely to run unchallenged in his primary, with a recent 2024 margin of 22 points. No real competition has materialized for the incumbent Congressman as of this report. Still, President Trump has rewarded Gosar’s long-term loyalty, creating a solid fundraising basis for him and boosting the congressman’s campaign early on.
Contrast the President’s thunderous endorsement of Dr. Gosar, however, with his apparent radio silence around AZGOP Chair Gina Swoboda, despite her announcement of his backing at the launch of her candidacy.
As AZ Free News reported, the Arizona GOP leader vaulted into the open CD-1 race, controversially opting to chase Rep. David Schweikert’s seat in a district that was narrowly won by 3.8 points last cycle, while stating she is not stepping down as AZGOP chair until January. Swoboda publicly announced an endorsement from President Trump upon launching her campaign. However, it has yet to materialize on any of the President’s social media feeds or official campaign statements.
Swoboda shared a quote from the President stating, “Gina will be a tremendous champion… She will never let you down!” Outlets from AZCentral to The Hill ran with the endorsement as gospel.
In full, the quote attributed to President Trump reads, “Gina Swoboda has my complete and total endorsement for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District! Gina will be a tremendous champion for Arizona in Congress. She will never let you down!”
The last post on President Trump’s Truth Social account about Swoboda dates to January 26, 2024, in which he endorsed her for AZGOP Chair.
With no original post or official statement and no proxy quote from a campaign surrogate, online commenters are casting doubt on the validity of the endorsement.
The situation has not been lost on Arizona’s political movers. Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action, posted a suggestion on Wednesday that former NFL player Jay Feely, already a declared candidate for Congressional District 5 since April, would be “great to run in CD-1 in Arizona.” Bowyer added, “He’s a great Christian, well-known name in AZ sports & supported by a ton in the business community. President Trump loves him and I think would really like to have both him AND Sheriff Lamb in Congress!”
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 | Oct 24, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb filed a statement of interest Monday to seek Arizona’s 5th Congressional District seat and announced his candidacy Wednesday, placing himself into a growing Republican field.
The filing, reported by AZFamily on Tuesday citing sources close to Lamb, confirmed speculation that the two-term former Sheriff would bring his national name recognition from his 2023 U.S. Senate bid into the race. Lamb announced his campaign publicly on The Charlie Kirk Show late Wednesday morning, telling guest host Tyler Bowyer, “I believe in God, family, freedom, I believe in the rule of law, believe in America, believe in all the things that built this country, and, like you said, we need proven fighters in this in this realm right now.”
Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman quickly took to X, claiming the title of Lamb’s first official endorsement, writing, “Proud to be the first person to officially endorse Mark Lamb for Congress in AZ-CD5! I’ve spent months talking with Mark about running. I’m grateful God has called him to the fight for liberty in Congress. Mark will win. It’s time for conservatives to rally behind Mark.”
Lamb’s entry bolsters a competitive GOP primary in the conservative district, which stretches from Gilbert and Chandler to Queen Creek and eastern Mesa. Early contenders include former state Rep. Travis Grantham and ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely, with more speculated names like Gilbert Councilman Monte Lyons and home-builder Daniel Keenan, as well as Theologian and Army Chaplain (ret.) Alex Stovall.
A poll from NextGen Polling on October 12th, reflecting the Fifth Congressional District’s demographics, was based on 830 responses with a margin of error of ±3.3 percent at 95 percent confidence, according to the pollster. The poll showed Lamb with a commanding 54 percent lead in a ballot test among likely GOP voters against his top four likely challengers.
Lamb’s name recognition appeared to be a decisive advantage. NextGen Polling wrote, “In terms of name recognition, Keenen was identified by 49 percent of respondents, and Stovall by only 43 percent, indicating that more than half of likely voters are either unfamiliar with them or lack a clear opinion.” Meanwhile, 96 percent of respondents gave Lamb near-universal name recognition according to the poll.
“The polling is sending us a clear message,” said Gregg Pekau, managing partner at NextGen Polling. “Voters in congressional district 5 want to elect Sheriff Mark Lamb to Congress, and campaigning from other candidates is doing little to change their minds. After our last 3 quarters of polls, we’ve seen zero real improvement or movement from Feely, Grantham or Keenan. Without a major move by any of them soon, this race is over if and when Sheriff Lamb enters the race.”
Lamb’s platform details have yet to be announced, but his past campaigns emphasized border security and election integrity, America First tent poles he’s likely to carry forward. The district’s R+10 rating from Cook Political favors Republicans, but the late entrants could muddy the waters.
Lamb’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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 | Oct 23, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The controversy surrounding Axon’s headquarters expansion has reportedly prompted Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky to call residents to a public town hall. During the meeting, Borowsky will take questions directly from Scottsdale citizens in an open Q&A format.
The event, set for Wednesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. at the Mustang Library in Scottsdale, is intended to “foster accountability and direct dialogue between the mayor and her constituents,” according to Borowsky.
“This town hall is about transparency and accountability,” Borowsky said in a statement. “I want to hear directly from residents. Your questions, concerns, and ideas matter acutely as I fight to put the interests of Scottsdale first.”
The mayor’s office is encouraging attendees to come prepared with their questions, which they’ll have the chance to pose directly to the mayor. Mayoral staff and volunteers will be available as well to offer background information and updates on various topics in an effort to ensure a well-rounded discussion.
The public event is slated to run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., providing Scottsdale residents a focused opportunity to get unfiltered insights from Borowsky on matters affecting the community. The announcement, shared via the city’s social media channels, has already sparked online chatter, with some using the platform to press for clarity on hot-button issues likely to surface at the town hall.
Bob Littlefield, a former city councilmember, took to X to highlight divisions over a proposed city lawsuit against state Senate Bill 1543—dubbed the “AXON bill” for its push on affordable housing developments. Littlefield, who supports joining the suit, called out Borowsky and Councilmembers Whitehead, McAllen, and Kwasman for voting against it, despite polls showing 70% of Scottsdale voters favoring the defeat of the project.
“The issue is on Tuesday’s City Council agenda so hopefully Borowsky, Whitehead, McAllen and Kwasman will see the light and vote with their constituents,” he wrote. The post underscores the transparency themes Borowsky is championing, potentially setting the stage for some tense Q&A exchanges to come.
As previously reported by AZ Free News, the City of Scottsdale could be moving toward shortening the timetable for a referendum on the Axon Headquarters project, or on the city’s reaction to the lawsuit from Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE).
Adding potential fuel, the local advocacy group Scottsdale Voter questioned Borowsky’s recent appointment of Lamar Whitmer as chief of staff. In a post to X, the group labeled him a “failed real estate developer” and “polarizing” figure. Such scrutiny could amplify resident concerns at the town hall.
For more details or to submit questions in advance, residents can contact the mayor’s office through the City of Scottsdale website.
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.
