by Matthew Holloway | Oct 5, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) released a memo on Friday, detailing the state-level impacts of the government shutdown imposed by congressional Democrats and detailing the projected effects. The effects on Arizonans could be profound if the shutdown is not resolved quickly.
According to the Council of Economic Advisers, Arizona could face a decline of $296 million in Gross State Product each week or approximately $1.3 billion per month, and an increase in unemployment of about 1,000 people. Around 58,000 federal employees, or about 1.8 percent of Arizona’s workforce, could face furlough without pay.
For Arizona seniors and those who receive SSI disability benefits, they will be “likely delayed for those that(who) receive their Social Security benefits by check instead of direct deposit,” per the CEA. In Arizona, approximately 6,200 seniors currently receive their benefits by check.
If the shutdown extends beyond 30 days, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits of 887,000 total enrollees, including 344,000 children, could be impacted.
However, the council warned that families relying on WIC are at greater risk of disruption, saying, “Due to the government shutdown, federal funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program stops immediately and becomes reliant on very limited local contingency funding. If the government shutdown is prolonged, those reserves are likely to run out by the end of the first week. In Arizona, there are approximately 153,000 WIC recipients who rely on the program for nutritional support for themselves and their children.. “
Seventy-six million dollars in small business loans, such as those made available to the victims of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires, could also be delayed. Federal contract spending is expected to lose approximately $560 million should the shutdown persist for one month. Overall, the council warns that Arizona could lose $15 billion in GDP each week the government is shut down — a crisis that will ripple across every state.
Kush Desai, a White House Spokesperson, said in a statement emailed to AZ Free News, “President Trump and Republicans remain committed to ensuring families receive the support they deserve. Sadly, Democrats have chosen to shut down the federal government for political purposes…The Democrats’ shutdown is hurting the American people and letting millions of Americans’ livelihoods hang in the balance. Democrats need to vote on the clean, bipartisan funding extension.”
In a press release issued Thursday, Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) explained that Congressional Democrats are ultimately responsible for this shutdown. He stated, “This nonpartisan funding bill, passed 13 times under Biden, was rejected by Democrats solely due to their opposition to the new president. Their shutdown halts critical services like benefits for Veterans, military pay, and national security programs.”
Hamadeh added, “As the White House points out, the Democrats proposal would require Medicaid to pay more for emergency care provided to illegal aliens than it does for American patients who are disabled, elderly, or children.’ That is unacceptable. We can no longer afford to fund the results of the Biden Administration’s broken border scheme. Americans deserve a functioning government, and House Republicans delivered by voting to keep it open. Yet, Democrats voted to shut it down, prioritizing free healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens’ needs.”
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 4, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06), Andy Biggs (R-AZ05), and Eli Crane (R-AZ02) have publicly vowed to forego their paychecks until the government shutdown, imposed by Senate Democrats, has been resolved. In contrast, Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego told NBC News he can’t afford to miss one, saying, “I’m not wealthy, and I have three kids… So it’s not feasible, not gonna happen.”
In a post to X accompanying a letter to Congressional Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor, Ciscomani wrote Tuesday, “If our troops, border agents, and air traffic controllers aren’t paid in a shutdown, Congress shouldn’t get paid either. I’ll withhold my pay. Period. But it should never come to this – Washington, specifically Senate Democrats, must do its job and keep the government open.”
Rep. Eli Crane’s office issued a statement, saying, “As many of you are aware, the federal government officially entered a shutdown yesterday. While the House of Representatives passed a funding extension through November 21, 2025, the measure still requires 60 votes in the U.S. Senate before heading to the President’s desk.
“Unfortunately, only two Democrats and one Independent currently support this effort, meaning the government will remain shut down until five more Democrats vote in favor of the bill.
“In the meantime, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) has requested that his pay be withheld for the duration of the shutdown. He believes it is inappropriate to receive a salary while many Americans are furloughed or facing delayed paychecks.”
In a post to X, Biggs, amidst a campaign for Arizona Governor, also shared a letter to Szpindor, similarly asking that his pay be withheld, writing, “Members of Congress are no more important than American citizens. I’m asking for my pay to be withheld until the Democrats come to their senses and reopen the federal government. Many congressional Republicans made the same request. Our Democrat colleagues can’t say the same.”
According to NBC News, when asked about the vows from other members of Congress, Gallego responded, “I’m not wealthy, and I have three kids. I would basically be missing, you know, mortgage payments, rent payments, child support… So it’s not feasible, not gonna happen.”
Crane, alongside Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), has cosponsored a constitutional amendment designed to prohibit any congressional lawmakers from receiving any payment during future government shutdowns and would even prevent them from claiming back pay.
In a post to X, Norman was direct writing, “No back pay either!!” He also stated, “During shutdowns, federal workers are told to ‘do more with less.’ Meanwhile, Congress still cashes paychecks. That’s wrong.“
Rep. Ciscomani blasted Gallego’s response in a statement, saying, “Senator Gallego should be ashamed of himself. We represent thousands of federal government employees – men and women in our Armed Forces, the Border Patrol, air traffic controllers, and many, many others. They, too, have mortgage payments, rent payments, and child support. This shutdown isn’t ‘feasible’ for them, either. Senator Gallego’s response to this shutdown is an embarrassment. It’s selfish. He should be leading by example, not thinking of himself.”
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 3, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ01) announced his candidacy for Governor of Arizona on Tuesday and will face fellow Republicans Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ05) and Karrin Taylor Robson in the 2026 Primary.
In a statement to The Hill, Schweikert said, “Arizona is at a crossroads that will be decided by the outcome of next year’s race for governor. Arizonans will have the opportunity to decide if our future is one of economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans, or a future where we become another California.”
“I’ve spent my career fighting for conservative pro-growth policies that strengthen the economy, promote job growth, and protect taxpayers, and that’s exactly what I intend to do as Arizona’s next governor,” he added.
Speaking to James T. Harris on 550 KFYI on Wednesday, Schweikert said, “Washington, D.C., particularly Congress, is unredeemable,” adding, “Congress is unsavable. I think Arizona, though, is savable.”
The congressman’s decision to join the race has generated mixed responses within the Arizona Republican Party and among top conservative figures. Tyler Bowyer and key figures in Turning Point Action and Turning Point USA have thrown their endorsement behind Biggs. Both Biggs and Taylor Robson were endorsed by President Donald Trump in April, but he has not yet commented on Schweikert’s bid as of this report.
Robson campaign advisor Jeff Glassburner said in a statement, “Our campaign welcomes Congressman Schweikert to the campaign trail. He is a career politician with a well-documented history of opposing President Trump, including abandoning his district at a critical time when President Trump and House Republicans relied on his presence to secure re-election and maintain our House majority. This comes after earlier this year, when he ‘slept’ through and didn’t vote for the President’s marquee piece of legislation, the Big Beautiful Bill,” according to the Arizona Daily Independent.
The Biggs campaign reacted by stating, “No matter what the field looks like, polls have been clear: Arizona Republican primary voters are supporting our campaign. We’ll keep working and building on our lead over the coming months.” He also linked to a recent poll that shows Biggs in a commanding lead over both Robson and Schweikert.
Schweikert’s decision to challenge Arizona’s incumbent Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs will require him to vacate his District 1 Congressional seat, rated by Cook Political as an R+1 ‘Toss-up.’ By comparison, the district 5 seat opened by Rep. Andy Biggs’ run for Governor is far more secure at R+10. This state of affairs was commented upon by Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman, who openly criticized Schweikert for his decision and accused AZGOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda of influencing him to do so in a post on X on Tuesday.
Hoffman wrote, “Well, this tweet aged well. The AZGOP Chair worked behind the scenes to push Schweikert to run for Governor. Now one of America’s most important House swing districts is in jeopardy. And she’s put the congressional majority for @realDonaldTrump at risk. Very stupid.”
Swoboda denied the accusations, stating officially that she follows the AZGOP bylaws, which prohibit her from endorsing candidates in the primary.
The Arizona Freedom Caucus also criticized the retiring congressman, writing, “David Schweikert is losing his own congressional district to Biggs in the Governor’s race polling TRUE STORY: David was over being in Congress, but his ego, and the ego+bank acct of his consultant, refused to let him just gracefully retire They chose to divide the GOP instead.”
A recent Pulse Decision Science poll showed Biggs as the clear frontrunner in the Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary.
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 | Sep 28, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Governor Katie Hobbs has sparked controversy by appointing James “Jimmy” McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain, to the Arizona Board of Regents.
The decision raised eyebrows due to McCain’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, the Arizona GOP’s censure of the late senator, and James McCain’s role at Hensley Beverage Company, a key sponsor of Hobbs’ inaugural committee.
“Jimmy McCain is a veteran, a businessman, and native Arizonan who is passionate about connecting every Arizona community to the education they need to thrive,” Hobbs said in a statement about the McCain-Hensley family heir.
“His long track record of public service and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities of northern Arizona make him well-positioned to advocate for the students of the region,” she added. “With his deep Arizona roots and passion for serving the people of our state, I know he will be a tireless advocate for northern Arizona. I look forward to seeing Jimmy deliver for our students, universities and communities while serving on the Board of Regents.”
Absent from the Governor’s remarks were any references to the $10,000 donated to her inauguration fund from Hensley Beverage Company, as reported by the Arizona Republic in 2023.
“I am deeply honored that Governor Hobbs has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve on the Arizona Board of Regents,” said Jimmy McCain. “As the Regent representing northern Arizona, I am excited to help strengthen higher education across our state and ensure that students from every background, especially those in our Tribal and rural communities, have access to the educational tools they need to succeed. Arizona’s public universities are the economic engine of our state, and I look forward to working with my fellow Regents, President Cruz Rivera, President Crow, and President Garimella, to advance our collective mission.”
According to the Daily Courier, McCain, like his father before him, opposes President Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican movement, and departed the Republican Party in 2016 after Trump’s first electoral win. After registering as an independent for eight years, he changed parties and became a Democrat in 2024, stating that he would vote for then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Senator McCain’s widow, Ambassador Cindy Hensley-McCain, also endorsed former President Joe Biden in 2020 but told reporters she remains a registered Republican. She also remains Chairwoman of Hensley Beverage Company.
A press aide for Hobbs, Liliana Soto, told the Courier that McCain’s party change did not contribute to the Governor’s decision to appoint him. “Jimmy McCain has a strong track record of leadership, collaboration, and service,” Soto told reporters. She added that Hobbs believes he is, “committed to keeping Arizona’s universities affordable and innovative.”
Hobbs’ first pick for the Board of Regents, Liz Archuleta, was not given a hearing by the Republican-led state Senate.
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 | Sep 28, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Reps. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) and August Pfluger (R-TX11) introduced a bill directing the Treasury to mint 400,000 silver dollar coins honoring Charlie Kirk. The new coins will bear his image on the face and the biblical inscription, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” on the reverse.
Revealing the legislation to Fox News, Hamadeh told reporters, “Since 1892, Congress has authorized commemorative coins to celebrate and honor historic American patriots.” He described the slain co-founder of Turning Point USA as an “American Treasure.”
In a guest column for Townhall, Hamadeh described Kirk as “a fellow happy warrior for the America First agenda,” and “a soldier for God who defended traditional American values, armed only with his faith and a brilliant mind.”
“He tirelessly sacrificed his time, energy, and money to save this nation for future generations. Ultimately, at the hands of a radical leftist, he sacrificed his life,” Hamadeh told Fox. “His life must be commemorated, and this coin will allow us to pass a reminder of his remarkable life on to generations to come.”
In a post on X, Congressman Hamadeh’s Office wrote, “This commemorative coin will enable us to pass on this reminder of Charlie Kirk’s remarkable life to generations to come. Congressman Hamadeh thanks @RepPfluger for joining him in offering this small token of our appreciation for Charlie’s sacrifice.”
Congressman Pfluger emphasized the impact of Kirk’s life of 31 years, noting that the bill would make Kirk the youngest American honored on our currency. He described it as “a fitting honor that cements his extraordinary legacy alongside presidents and founding fathers who shaped our republic.”
Pfluger added, “Charlie Kirk was a conservative titan whose transformational impact on millions of Americans deserves permanent recognition alongside our nation’s greatest leaders and influential figures.”
Posting to X he wrote, “Charlie Kirk inspired millions of Americans, and his impact deserves permanent recognition. Proud to join @RepAbeHamadeh in his effort to honor Charlie’s life with a commemorative coin that will preserve his legacy for generations to come.”
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.
