State Rep. Gail Griffin (R-LD19) was recognized for achieving the longest active streak of “Above Expectations” performance among members of the Arizona House of Representatives, according to a new report from the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
The recognition was announced in a press release from Arizona House Republicans, which cited the Center’s State Legislative Effectiveness Scores for the 56th Arizona Legislature. The report found that Griffin maintained a three-session streak of “Above Expectations” ratings, the longest currently recorded in the Arizona House.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking is a nonpartisan research initiative operated jointly by Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia.
According to the report, Griffin received an effectiveness score of 5.50 for the 2023–2024 legislative session. That score ranked second-highest in the Arizona House and exceeded the scores of all members of the Arizona Senate during the same period. Griffin’s score was exceeded only by Rep. David Livingston (R-LD28), with 7.23.
The effectiveness scores evaluate lawmakers based on factors including bill sponsorship, legislative progress, and the ability to advance policy through the legislative process.
Griffin has focused her legislative work on areas including water policy, land use, natural resources, energy, job creation, and economic development.
In a statement, Griffin said, “I’m honored to be recognized for a record that reflects years of hard work on behalf of the people I represent. Southern Arizona expects results, not excuses. I come to the Capitol to protect our water, defend private property rights, support agriculture and mining, stand up for rural communities, and fight for the constitutional freedoms that matter to Arizona families. Good policy only matters if you can move it, pass it, and put it into law.”
✅Representative Gail Griffin Earns #1 Ranking for Longest Streak of Excellence in Arizona House Center for Effective Lawmaking highlights Griffin’s three-session “Above Expectations” streak
“I’m honored to be recognized for a record that reflects years of hard work on behalf of… pic.twitter.com/YAjIaHQEpM
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) April 6, 2026
U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) is renewing his call for a federal ban on ranked-choice voting (RCV) following a Maine court ruling that limited the system’s use in certain elections, citing concerns about election integrity and consistency in federal contests.
Debate over ranked-choice voting in Maine has included legal challenges to its application. In its ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court found that ranked-choice voting could not be used in certain general elections for state offices where the state constitution requires winners to be determined by plurality.
Responding to developments surrounding ranked-choice voting, Hamadeh renewed his call for federal action. His office reiterated that position in a recent post on X, calling for a nationwide ban on ranked-choice voting in federal races.
Hamadeh’s team wrote, “The Maine Supreme Judicial Court just ruled that Democrats’ latest attempt to force Ranked-Choice Voting on governor and state legislative races is unconstitutional. Ranked-choice voting creates chaos, disenfranchises voters, and destroys trust in our elections. That’s why it fails everywhere it’s tried, and exactly why Congressman Hamadeh introduced the Preventing Ranked Choice Corruption Act to ban this corrupt system once and for all in all federal elections.”
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court just ruled that Democrats’ latest attempt to force Ranked-Choice Voting on governor and state legislative races is unconstitutional.
Ranked-choice voting creates chaos, disenfranchises voters, and destroys trust in our elections.
That’s why it…
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) April 6, 2026
The Arizona congressman previously introduced H.R. 3040, the “Preventing Ranked Choice Corruption Act,” in April 2025. The legislation would amend the Help America Vote Act to ban the use of ranked-choice voting in elections for Congress and the presidency.
Hamadeh said the bill would prohibit what he described as a “confusing and disenfranchising voting scheme,” and raised concerns that ranked-choice voting can alter outcomes through multiple rounds of vote redistribution.
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting a single candidate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and those ballots are redistributed based on voters’ next selections. The process continues in rounds until a candidate secures a majority.
The system is currently used in a limited number of states for federal elections. Maine employs ranked-choice voting in congressional and presidential races, making it the first state to adopt the system at that level.
Alaska also uses ranked-choice voting for federal elections following voter-approved reforms. A repeal effort narrowly failed by 664 votes in 2024.
Opposition to ranked-choice voting has expanded across multiple states. Hamadeh’s renewed push reflects a broader Republican effort to prohibit the system, with several states enacting bans or considering legislation to prevent its use.
Hamadeh’s proposal would apply only to federal elections and require congressional approval before taking effect. If enacted, states would retain authority over their own election systems for state and local races.
The legislation has remained in committee since its introduction and has not advanced.
Maricopa County officials are highlighting updated options for voters who receive ballots by mail as part of preparations for the 2026 election cycle.
In a recent post on X, the county directed voters to information outlining “more options for voters who receive their ballot in the mail,” including guidance on how and where to return ballots.
Arizona is a predominantly a vote-by-mail state, with the majority of voters participating through the Active Early Voting List (AEVL), which automatically sends ballots to registered voters ahead of elections. According to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, early voting typically begins 27 days before an election.
A new state law taking effect in 2026 provides additional options for voters returning early ballots, including expanded in-person verification and tabulation procedures.
According to Maricopa County election officials in a recent video update, voters who bring a sealed early ballot in the required affidavit envelope to a Vote Center prior to Election Day may check in and provide identification, allowing the ballot to be processed without signature verification at the county’s central tabulation facility.
On Election Day, voters may also bring their early ballot to a Vote Center, check in, present identification, and have the ballot tabulated on-site using equipment designated for early ballots. County officials noted these tabulators are distinct from those used for ballots issued and cast in person on Election Day. Ballots tabulated at Vote Centers are included in Election Night results.
Voters may continue to return early ballots by mail or by depositing them in authorized drop boxes. Under Arizona law, early ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Maricopa County elections are administered jointly by the Board of Supervisors and the Recorder’s Office, which oversees voter registration and early voting.
Ongoing disputes between the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the Recorder’s Office over election administration responsibilities have resulted in litigation and disagreements regarding control over certain election functions since Recorder Justin Heap took office in January 2025.
Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko also addressed election administration in recent statements, emphasizing coordination between county offices responsible for conducting elections.
Speaking to KTAR News’ The Mike Broomhead Show on March 6, Lesko said, “We need to work together to run smooth elections, and what has transpired is frustrating, but we’re working it out between the Recorder’s Office and the Board of Supervisors.”
In a March ruling, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge denied a request from the Board of Supervisors to introduce testimony compelled from Heap, finding the board’s actions fell outside proper legal procedures and could interfere with ongoing proceedings.
The court also raised concerns about the board’s use of subpoenas and attempts to introduce evidence obtained outside the judicial process, while the broader legal dispute between the two offices remains unresolved.
Supervisor Mark Stewart, however, expressed optimism at the time, saying that the parties were nearing a resolution following the Court’s ruling.
“Regardless of the back-and-forth or expressed frustrations from the Recorder’s office and the Board Chair, we are making progress and working together. It may not be perfect, but it is happening,” Stewart said.
County officials have continued to provide voter education materials and updates as part of ongoing preparations for the 2026 election cycle.
The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) grew by two new members last week.
On Monday, Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed Michele Halyard, an oncologist specializing in breast cancer, and Steve Peru, formerly Coconino County’s manager.
“Dr. Michele Halyard is a leader in medical education who will provide expertise to the Board as the universities work to meet the state’s healthcare needs,” said Hobbs in an announcement. “Steve Peru is a longtime public servant with decades of experience who will bring his pragmatic leadership and focus on accountability to the Board. Our public university students deserve the best, and I’m confident Michele and Steve will help ensure the continued excellence of higher education in Arizona.”
Halyard’s past and present accomplishments included in Hobbs’ announcement referenced a fellowship with the American Society for Radiation Oncology, professorship of radiation oncology, vice deanship of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, board membership with the Arizona Community Foundation, and membership with the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee.
One thing not mentioned in Hobbs’ announcement was Halyard’s career-long DEI goals on reforming health care with health equity.
Halyard has spent her 40 years in medicine advocating for affirmative action and health equity in medicine, according to Mayo Clinic profiles on the doctor published in 2023 and 2024.
Halyard expressed her belief in the existence of structural racism in medicine, and its disparate impacts on patient suffering and mortality.
“I didn’t see a lot of people of color at the clinic either working or as patients, and I really thought what a shame that was because of the preeminence of healthcare that we deliver,” said Halyard. “People who, perhaps, feel shut out from the healthcare system, people who experience structural racism that prevents them from getting in for the best care, that really results in excess death, excess suffering among populations of people.”
It was under Halyard that Mayo Clinic initiated “antiracism efforts” by using affirmative action in recruiting.
Halyard’s husband is Phoenix City Councilman Kevin Robinson, a Democrat and former Phoenix Police Department assistant chief.
Peru’s historic dedication to DEI initiatives wasn’t mentioned in Hobbs’ press release, either.
Shortly after joining Coconino County as their manager, Peru took on a years-long effort by the county to recruit an individual for a DEI directorship position.
In the weeks following Trump’s inauguration last year, Peru posted a comment agreeing with another colleague’s LinkedIn post advocating for DEI in K-12 in the wake of the new administration’s policies.
Prior to joining Coconino County, Peru was the chief development and government relations officer at Coconino County Community College and former CEO and president of United Way of Northern Arizona.
Last September Hobbs appointed Jimmy McCain, the youngest son of John McCain, to ABOR. McCain’s appointment stirred controversy, not only for his conflict with Arizona legislative leaders and President Donald Trump, but with his role at a company that was a key sponsor of Hobbs’ inaugural committee.
Hobbs has also appointed Lee Stein, former assistant U.S. attorney and special assistant attorney general within the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
The governor’s two picks for student regents have backgrounds in gun control advocacy. Their contributions to ABOR include expanding time and resources for students’ mental health.
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A bill advancing through the Arizona Legislature would require schools to notify parents and staff within 24 hours of serious threats or incidents involving violence on campus.
House Bill 4109 was approved by the Arizona Senate Rules Committee last week and now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The measure previously passed the Arizona House of Representatives in early March by a 35–17 vote, with seven members abstaining and six Democrats joining Republicans in support.
Sponsored by Rep. Lydia Hernandez (D-LD24), the bill would require schools to notify parents and employees within 24 hours of “life-threatening violence, threats of life-threatening violence, or threats that involve a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.”
Schools would also be required to provide information about the nature of the incident and how administrators responded.
Under the legislation, law enforcement would be required to be notified immediately following serious threats or acts of violence. Schools would also be required to confiscate any deadly weapons and hold them until police arrive.
HB 4109 would further require school districts to submit annual reports detailing campus safety incidents, including lockdowns, shelter-in-place events, evacuations, weapon-related incidents, and referrals to law enforcement. Districts would also be required to provide a summary of their safety policies.
The bill mandates that school districts adopt a formal public safety policy outlining emergency procedures and designating the superintendent as the responsible authority for implementation.
Superintendents and school board members could face misdemeanor charges for failing to comply with the law’s requirements. Superintendents may be charged if they fail to notify parents, contact law enforcement, or follow established procedures after serious threats or violence. School board members could face charges if they fail to adopt a safety policy or retaliate against individuals who report violations.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne told The Center Square that schools in the state face ongoing safety concerns, citing 500 recorded incidents in 2025 involving students bringing firearms onto campus.
“Schools that don’t yet have police are playing Russian roulette with the lives of the students and the teachers and the staff,” he said.
Horne said the number of police officers assigned to schools has increased from 190 in 2023 to 565 and encouraged schools to work with the Arizona Department of Education to expand campus security coverage.
Horne has repeatedly urged school leaders to allow the Arizona Department of Education (AZED) to “provide them with police officers.” He added, “We pay for the police officers. It doesn’t cost them anything.”
Newsrooms: Video of Horne comments is available here: https://t.co/2VQXTI0ccR For immediate release: March 9, 2026 Contact: Communications@azed.gov
Horne says recent gun incident at elementary school shows need for added safety funds Legislature, Governor to consider more… pic.twitter.com/MObTWTELjX
— Arizona Department of Education (@azedschools) March 9, 2026
“We need to do everything we can to protect the safety of our students, teachers [and] staff,” Horne said. He added that reporting requirements would provide transparency about incidents involving weapons or threats on school campuses.
Horne blasts Democrats for voting against school safety bill Legislation would require schools to report life-threatening incidents.
State schools superintendent Tom Horne says Democrats who voted against HB 4109, a bill requiring schools to report life-threatening on-campus…
— Arizona Department of Education (@azedschools) March 26, 2026
In a statement on March 26, Horne was critical of Democrat legislators who voted against the measure, stating, “It is reckless and irresponsible for these legislators to ignore the reality that school campuses are at risk and need every resource at their disposal to protect lives.”
“It is ironic that the bill is sponsored by Democrat Representative Lydia Hernandez,” he added. “She deserves credit for this effort. I am pleased the bill passed out of committee even with the opposition from members of her own party.”
