by Jonathan Eberle | Oct 15, 2025 | Must Read, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen hailed a “victory for Arizona” on Monday after Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Michael Valenzuela dismissed all challenges to the Secure the Border Act — a voter-approved initiative known as Proposition 314.
The ruling, issued October 10 and electronically filed October 13, upheld the will of voters who passed the measure in November 2024. In a statement on X , Petersen said the decision upheld “the will of voters who passed Prop 314 to protect our communities from illegal crossings and fentanyl,” calling border security “non-negotiable.”
“President Donald Trump truly delivered the most secure border in U.S. history,” Petersen wrote. “If our nation ever sees a repeat of lawlessness from an administration like we witnessed with Biden-Harris, Arizona will be ready to uphold the rule of law.”
The lawsuit, Living United for Change in Arizona et al. v. State of Arizona, challenged several provisions of Proposition 314, arguing the law violated Arizona’s constitution. Plaintiffs included Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), the Arizona Center for Empowerment, and two individual plaintiffs.
According to court documents, the Secure the Border Act — approved by voters and enacted in November 2024 — created new state laws addressing immigration enforcement and public benefits eligibility.
Judge Valenzuela’s 10-page ruling rejected all three counts brought by the plaintiffs, determining that counts 1 and 2 were not “ripe” for review, as the challenged provisions are not currently enforceable; plaintiffs lacked standing to bring certain claims, particularly regarding separation of powers and legislative delegation arguments; and the SAVE Provision did not violate Arizona’s Revenue Source Rule, because participation in the federal verification program does not impose costs on state or local agencies.
The court concluded that the plaintiffs’ complaint “fails to state a claim on which relief can be granted” and dismissed it with prejudice, making the decision final under Arizona civil procedure rules.
The ruling allows Proposition 314 to stand as enacted by voters, although parts of the law will remain unenforceable until triggered by developments in Texas or another state with similar legislation. The decision represents a significant victory for Arizona lawmakers who championed the measure, including Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro, both of whom intervened in defense of the law.
Supporters say the ruling reinforces Arizona’s right to protect its borders and uphold voter-approved laws. For now, however, the court’s dismissal marks a legal and political win for backers of Proposition 314 — and for state leaders pushing for stricter border enforcement at the state level.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Oct 15, 2025 | Must Read, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Michael Calles, a fourth-generation Arizonan, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Veteran, and retired Phoenix Police Officer with 25 years of experience, has officially announced his candidacy for Glendale City Council in the Barrel District.
Running against incumbent Councilmember Bart Turner, Calles aims to restore transparency, accountability, and ethical governance to City Hall while addressing the growing concerns of Barrel District residents.
Calles, a political newcomer, brings a lifetime of public service to his campaign with a platform centered on strengthening public safety, investing in families and youth, revitalizing neighborhoods, and advocating for lower taxes, lower utilities, and robust economic investment in the Barrel District.
His announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Barrel District citizens express frustration with what they describe as Councilmember Turner’s lack of responsiveness and transparency.
In a press release announcing the launch of his campaign, Calles wrote, “Glendale residents deserve safe neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, and a City Council that works for them, not one that wastes taxpayer dollars. I’m running to restore trust, strengthen public safety, and deliver real results for families in the Barrel District.”
The Calles campaign is gaining momentum as residents rally for change in the Barrel District. His commitment to transparent governance and fiscal responsibility appears to resonate with voters seeking a City Council that reflects their values and priorities.
“I’m tired of seeing Glendale residents ignored while political insiders look out for themselves,” said Calles. “I believe city leaders should listen, respond, and lead with integrity — values I have lived every day through decades of service in law enforcement, the military, and as a mentor to local youth. Now, I am ready to bring that same honesty, discipline, and responsiveness to City Hall.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Oct 14, 2025 | Must Read, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Maricopa County Democratic Party is expected to launch removal proceedings against former State Representative and current Tolleson Union High School Board president, Leezah Sun, from her official party positions this month. Sun, a precinct committeeman and Legislative District 22 chair, is expected to be ousted during the party’s Oct. 27 executive meeting.
The news of the party’s plans comes in the wake of the latest fallout from Sun’s conviction and sentencing to 24 months probation for violating a restraining order against three Tolleson city employees.
Sun, an activist politician known for her consistently disruptive tactics, was slapped with probation last week after a judge extended the restraining order for two years, stemming from repeated contacts with city staffers. The Democrats’ removal request, filed by local activists, cites her legal troubles as a “liability” to the party, according to documents obtained by 12News reporter Brahm Resnik.
Resnik explained in a post to X on Thursday, “Former Dem state lawmaker & current Tolleson Union School Board President Leezah Sun sentenced to 24 months’ probation for violating restraining order to stay away from 3 City of Tolleson employees. Restraining order extended for 2 years.”
On Friday, the situation evolved to include Sun’s possible ouster by Maricopa County Democrats with the 12News reporter writing, “UPDATE Leezah Sun faces removal as precinct committeeperson & #LD22 chair by @MaricopaDems during Exec Ctte meeting Oct. 27.”
He later provided a screenshot of a letter from Patti O’Neil, Chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party.
In the letter provided by Resnik, O’Neil wrote in part:
“I am writing to express my serious concern for the safety and well-being of MCDP Precinct Committeepersons (PCs) and volunteers in Legislative District 22. It has come to my attention that Chair Leezah Sun has once again violated the order of protection against her. For this reason, I feel it is necessary to take the steps to remove her as a PC. Under the MCDP Bylaws, the Chair can appoint a District Board from another District to conduct the removal proceeding.”
O’Neil justified Sun’s removal and laid out the process under Democratic Party bylaws before concluding, “I have been very patient about this individual’s behavior. She has consistently displayed aggressive behavior. For the safety and security of those volunteering in LD 22, I hope you consider accepting the duty of reviewing the facts to remove her as a PC.”
This isn’t Sun’s first brush with controversy. She resigned from the state House in 2024 amid ethics complaints and has been the subject of several issues among Tolleson Democrats since winning her school board seat in 2024.
The attempt to remove Sun comes as LD22—a battleground district in the West Valley—gears up for 2026 midterms. As the October 27 meeting looms, LD22 Dems appear to be seeking replacements in the event of Sun’s removal.
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 Ethan Faverino | Oct 14, 2025 | Must Read, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has publicly criticized Attorney General Kris Mayes and Arizona Democratic leadership for their silence regarding inflammatory statements made by Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General.
Jones recently came under fire for text messages in which he fantasized about the murder of the Republican Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and expressed a desire for the Speaker’s children to die. “If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves,” said Jones in a text message to Carrie Coyner, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. “Three people, two bullets… Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
Instead of taking responsibility for his remarks, Jones has deflected blame on Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares for the release of the messages.
In an era marked by escalating political violence, including recent high-profile incidents that have shaken the nation, Petersen emphasized the critical need for elected officials to unequivocally condemn such rhetoric.
Petersen condemned Jones’ comments and subsequent refusal to accept accountability, calling them unfit for a candidate seeking a leadership role.
“Our nation has been suffering from an unprecedented amount of political violence,” said Petersen. “Now more than ever, we need leaders to condemn such evil behavior. Mayes’ and Arizona Democrats’ silence is disturbing and unbecoming of their respective offices.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
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