Arizona state lawmakers requested the U.S. Supreme Court to take up an appeal on the state’s proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Last February, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down two laws which established proof of citizenship requirements. That court declared Arizona’s laws attempting to add more requirements on voter registrations were preempted by the simpler registration requirements of federal voting rights laws under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and were therefore invalid.
Those laws, passed in 2022 under then-Gov. Doug Ducey, restricted mail-in voting for registrants lacking citizenship verification in addition to requiring recorders to check federal citizenship databases and applicants to provide documentary proof of citizenship and residence. These pieces of legislation emerged following the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision against an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Several years later, in 2018, the state entered into a consent decree requiring county recorders to search Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) records for state registration forms lacking proof of citizenship. Those applications without verifiable citizenship proof through ADOT would only be allowed to cast ballots in the federal election, otherwise known as “federal-only voters.”
A number of progressive activist organizations joined in a lawsuit to challenge these laws: Mi Familia Vota, Voto Latino, Living United for Change in Arizona, League of United Latin American Citizens, Arizona Students Association, ADRC Action, Arizona Coalition for Change, Poder Latinx, Chicanos Por La Causa and their affiliated action fund, Democratic National Committee, Arizona Democratic Party, Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander for Equity Coalition, Promise Arizona, and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.
The Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Gila River Indian Community also were among the challengers to proof of citizenship laws, citing concerns with challenges tribal members face to obtain proof of residency. Several tribal members were named independently in the lawsuit: Keanu Stevens, Alanna Siqueiros, and LaDonna Jacket.
The leaders of the Republican-led Arizona legislature filed their petition with the Supreme Court this week.
Sen. President Warren Petersen (R-LD4) issued a press release announcing the Supreme Court petition in which he accused the Ninth Circuit judges of having “rewrote” federal law and ignored Supreme Court precedent.
“For more than two decades, Arizona has required proof of citizenship to register to vote, because only American citizens should decide American elections,” said Petersen. “This case is about whether states still have the power to enforce commonsense safeguards to ensure only eligible voters participate in our elections. Arizona is standing up not just for our state, but for every state’s constitutional authority to secure its own elections.”
The filing argues that the Ninth Circuit ruling against Arizona law stretches federal voting law far beyond its allowable interpretation.
“This case, which comes to the Court on a non-expedited basis and underpinned by a comprehensive evidentiary record, offers an ideal vehicle for clarifying the NVRA’s preemptive scope, affirming that federal consent decrees cannot perpetually paralyze state legislative bodies, and vindicating the presumption of legislative good faith,” read the filing.
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The Republican-led Arizona Senate is advancing legislation aimed at increasing oversight of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ handling of contracts.
On Wednesday, the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee passed Senate Bill 1186 (SB1186) along party lines: Republicans in support, Democrats against.
State Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-LD12) said she opposed the bill because it wasn’t “ready for primetime.” Epstein raised a concern that private companies could be impacted under the current way the bill is written. Epstein was the only one to explain her vote.
“Influence peddling is a bad thing, and we want to make sure in all aspects of government, including in this body, that people cannot pay for play,” said Epstein.
The bill would require companies currently holding or vying for state contracts or grants to disclose anything of value provided within the preceding five years to the governor, including anything beneficial provided to campaign or inauguration-related activities or outside organizations supporting or opposing the governor politically.
It would also prohibit state agencies and state employees from destroying any notes taken during evaluation of a company responding to a request for proposal on a state contract or grant. Should any state agency or state employee destroy their notes, any agreed-upon contracts could be solicited again.
Gov. Hobbs remains under legislative investigation over allegations of a “pay-to-play” relationship with Sunshine Residential Homes. That company received a unique rate increase following their donations to Hobbs. This legislation was inspired by that ongoing controversy.
Senate leadership to include President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16), Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28), and Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) all issued statements endorsing the legislation preceding the committee vote.
“State government has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are awarded through a fair and competitive process people can trust,” said Petersen. “When billions in public funds are at stake, the rules must be clear, consistent, and focused on delivering the best value for Arizona families.”
“After vetoing our bill last year, the Governor came back this session with her own proposal, but it still leaves the biggest gap untouched,” said Shope. “Her plan focuses on releasing information after contracts are awarded. Our bill requires transparency before decisions are made, when it actually matters.”
“The scandals we’ve seen show what happens when government oversight fails,” said Carroll. “When billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent, mistakes or favoritism don’t just stay inside government, they affect services families rely on and erode public confidence.”
“Arizona’s contracting laws were written for a different era and leave gaps that agencies can’t effectively police today,” said Kavanagh. “SB 1186 modernizes the rules by setting clear disclosure standards and establishing enforceable safeguards that strengthen the contracting process itself.”
Earlier this month the bipartisan advisory team put together by the Republican-led Arizona House brought on outside counsel from out of state for an independent investigation of the connection between Hobbs and Sunshine Residential Homes. The counsel, Justin Smith, is representing President Donald Trump in his defamation lawsuit against E. Jean Carroll; Smith’s law group was founded by Trump’s solicitor general, D. John Sauer.
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The Arizona Republican Party is picking sides in the ongoing spat between the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and County Recorder Justin Heap.
The party’s new chair, Sergio Arellano, issued a press release on Tuesday commending Supervisor Mark Stewart for speaking out against the rest of the board for their posturing to oust Heap from office.
“I appreciate those Republicans who are able to ignore the rancor being generated by those outside the process, and who are willing to listen to the voices of those of us who want a solution that unites Republicans behind the proposition that Arizona voters deserve a process that respects their choices, and that the power of the people, exercised through their vote, prevails and is honored,” said Arellano.
Arellano advised voters to focus on the merits of policy over the noise of personal conflicts in the matter; the chair agreed with Stewart that Heap should have full restoration of elections administration duties under the Shared Services Agreement (SSA).
“Ignore the fake news and those who are intent on whipping up hysteria to further their own personal ambition, but we as a Party must deliver on real and effective reform and restore full faith in our elections,” said Arellano. “Recorder Heap must be allowed to do his job and then he must do it properly. The same goes for our County Supervisors. I am grateful to Supervisor Stewart for seeking a path that accomplishes all of this and encourage everyone involved to follow his lead and reach an agreement of which we might all be proud.”
The board ordered Heap to appear on Wednesday to provide a report and testify on his administration and allegations of voter disenfranchisement made by his office.
It is the latest escalation in the public spat between the two over who has primary control over elections via the SSA. The current SSA, all but gutting the recorder’s office of elections duties, was put in place by a “lame duck” recorder, Stephen Richer, and board majority in their final months in office. After Heap failed to convince the board to reverse course on that SSA, Heap sued last summer.
Supervisor Stewart announced on Monday that he sought outside legal counsel to negotiate with Heap over the SSA, since the board and recorder’s office appear to have hit a stalemate.
Stewart retained counsel after failing to receive a response to his request to postpone Wednesday’s meeting from Chair Kate Brophy McGee. The supervisor said all members of the board ought to have additional time to consult with counsel about negotiations with Heap.
“My counsel requires additional time to fully evaluate the issues raised, assess the scope and legal basis for the required direct report, and advise me accordingly. Proceeding before that review is complete would not allow me to participate in the discussion or any potential vote with the preparation and confidence that such a consequential action demands,” said Stewart. “Out of respect for the institution, the Recorder’s Office, and most importantly, the residents we serve, I believe it is prudent to delay consideration of this item until all members of the Board have had sufficient opportunity to consult with counsel and fully assess the implications.”
A Call for a Pause and Clarity
This morning I sent a letter to the Board Chair requesting we postpone Wednesday’s discussion to allow time for full staff participation and so the Board can meaningfully review the sworn report, Shared Services Agreement, and signature… pic.twitter.com/ITiVfuK8Gx
— Mark Stewart Maricopa County Supervisor District 1 (@MarkStewart_AZ) February 14, 2026
Stewart also denounced the possibility of Heap’s removal should he refuse to show on Wednesday.
A legislative committee advanced a bill to take away some of Attorney General Kris Mayes’ authority over the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Monday.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) said in his committee explanation of the bill that Mayes’ recent “political theatrics” had “endangered” law enforcement officers, therefore justifying the existence of this legislation. Mayes said in a January interview that individuals had legal justification for shooting ICE and other law enforcement agents based on Arizona’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
In a press release, Montenegro said Mayes no longer deserved the responsibility of providing legal protection to DPS.
“Attorney General Mayes does not get to put officers at risk with reckless talk and then expect DPS to trust her office for legal protection,” said Montenegro. “The House censured her, and we are taking the next step. HB 2993 gives DPS the authority to hire counsel it trusts, without political strings attached. It also moves $5 million out of the Attorney General’s control and into GIITEM, the mission that targets gangs, cartels, and transnational criminals. Arizona is choosing officer safety and enforcement over Mayes’ political games.”
Nick Debus with the attorney general’s office wrote down their office’s opposition to the bill during the committee hearing on Monday, but did not appear to testify against the bill.
The bill passed along party lines, with Democrats against and Republicans for the proposed legislation. Those Democrats who explained their vote did not address the “why” behind the bill — Mayes’ provision of a legal defense for shooting law enforcement — but rather the taking of CPCF Funds from the attorney general’s office.
State Rep. Lorena Austin (D-LD9) said Montenegro’s bill was also political posturing by impeding the administration of another democratically elected official.
“I don’t think this is a way to instill trust in our public entities, I think when someone is doing a good job regarding consumer protections we should continue to let them do those things,” said Austin.
Likewise, Minority Whip Quanta Crews (D-LD26) expressed concerns that depleting the CPCF Fund would result in further harm to consumers. State Rep. Kevin Volk (D-LD17) said the current economic climate made this “tit for tat” legislation more harmful than helpful.
Republicans argued the legislation killed two birds with one stone: mitigating wasteful spending as illustrated by recent consumer fraud actions while freeing law enforcement of their reliance on an individual who had jeopardized their safety.
State Rep. John Gillette (R-LD30) said Mayes was guilty of “frivolous spending” related to consumer fraud actions. As an example, Gillette cited the consumer protection lawsuit filed last year against the Reynolds Corporation for its labeling on bags intended to collect recycling because they’re not suitable for recycling. Mayes’ press release on the lawsuit did acknowledge the bags came with a warning that they were not suitable for recycling but intended as temporary containers for sorting and collecting recyclable materials.
“We spent millions of dollars for this lawsuit to go absolutely nowhere. I can think of no better use of that money than to give it to law enforcement,” said Gillette. “Let’s get the drugs, the criminals, the bad people off the streets so we can live freely.”
State Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-LD3) said Mayes had created a “permission structure” for committing violence against law enforcement.
“When you’re telling people how to kill me and you’re going to let me get away with it, that’s not going to create that trust and confidence that’s necessary for effective representation,” said Kolodin.
The Arizona House passed a resolution censuring Mayes over her remarks on justified shootings earlier this month.
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Senator Mark Kelly was spotted at the Munich Security Conference cozying up to George Soros’ successor son, Alex Soros.
The annual conference in Germany gathers policymakers and various industry leaders to discuss international security policy. Soros, chair of the Open Society Foundations, posted a picture with Kelly, as well as other top Democratic lawmakers.
Alex Soros’s photo dump (posted on Facebook, not here) from the Munich Security Conference. A hug with Gavin Newsom, a tender hand-hold with Nancy Pelosi, pointing out something on a piece of paper to Chris Murphy pic.twitter.com/bPeQiqDJdT
Among the keynote speakers was Secretary of State Marco Rubio: his speech denounced “globalist policies” to include unchecked free trade and open borders approaches to immigration. Rubio said the Trump administration was focused on the “renewal and restoration” of America’s Western heritage by reversing on deindustrialization, mass migration, and globalization.
“But the euphoria of [the Berlin Wall] triumph led us to a dangerous delusion: that we had entered, quote, ‘the end of history’; that every nation would now be a liberal democracy; that the ties formed by trade and by commerce alone would now replace nationhood; that the rules-based global order — an overused term — would now replace the national interest; and that we would now live in a world without borders where everyone became a citizen of the world. This was a foolish idea that ignored both human nature and it ignored the lessons of over 5,000 years of recorded human history. And it has cost us dearly. In this delusion, we embraced a dogmatic vision of free and unfettered trade, even as some nations protected their economies and subsidized their companies to systematically undercut ours – shuttering our plants, resulting in large parts of our societies being deindustrialized, shipping millions of working and middle-class jobs overseas, and handing control of our critical supply chains to both adversaries and rivals.”
Kelly criticized this approach of national interests over the current globalist tendencies within international governance as destabilizing for the U.S. Kelly claimed that the U.S. has lost its allies under Trump.
“It took a World War and eight decades to build the strongest alliance that this world had ever seen. It took less than a year to practically destroy it. When Secretary Rubio said the ‘old world order was dead’ during his speech in Munich he was right. It’s dead because Donald Trump blew it up,” said Kelly. “This means these countries are looking elsewhere for trade and security — that makes you poorer and less safe.”
Observations From The Munich Security Conference –
It took a World War and eight decades to build the strongest alliance that this world had ever seen. It took less than a year to practically destroy it. When Secretary Rubio said the “old world order was dead” during his speech…
Also present and critical of Rubio and the Trump administration was Sen. Ruben Gallego; he spoke as a panelist on “Western Hemisfever: Security in the Americas.”
Gallego called the Venezuelan strike a “bad precedent,” which he characterized as “escapism of rules-based order.” Gallego criticized Trump’s approach to Latin America, arguing the U.S. should have increased capital there to compete with China.
“Our relationship with Latin America does not have to take one of a defensive posture. We have aligned interests of keeping China out,” said Gallego. “We need to have another entity, another region that is just as powerful as the European Union to help us counterbalance the market that China gets to command. Going into the future, if we don’t have a prosperous Latin America, and a prosperous European Union, and a prosperous United States, we’re not going to be able to meet the demands of China.”
Gallego predicted a regime change in Cuba would come next.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari spoke as a panelist on “Under Reconstruction: A World Order for the Next Generation.” Much of her remarks were critiques of the Trump administration.
Ansari said the U.S. has done “not enough” for younger generations to provide “transformational change.” Ansari said the Trump administration was the “most corrupt and authoritarian administration in United States history.” Ansari said climate policies needed to be more aggressive than the Paris Climate Accords.
Ansari said it wasn’t necessary to “fix” things at home before approaching fixes for a world order. She said her ideal administrations going forward would implement a wealth tax, abolish all immigration enforcement, and subsidize health care, homeownership, and childcare.
No Republicans representing Arizona were scheduled to speak at the conference.
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