A review of Arizona State University (ASU) professors’ voter registration data found that there were 15 times more Democratic professors than Republican ones.
According to an analysis of voters by The College Fix, nearly 300 professors out of over 500 total were registered as Democrats — or, 52 percent of the professors.
Comparatively, just under 20 professors were registered as Republicans, just over a dozen were registered with a third party, about 140 were unaffiliated, and just under 100 were unidentified.
The outlet identified voter registrations using Maricopa County records. Their study excluded lecturers, adjunct, and emeriti faculty.
One significant finding noted by The College Fix: a vast majority of psychology professors were Democrats: 48 to one Republican.
The English department displayed a similar disparity: 64 Democrats to six Republicans. More professors were unaffiliated in that department (about 20) or unknown (just over 10).
Sociology also had a similar disparity: 38 professors registered as Democrats compared with just two Republicans. Nine were unaffiliated, 11 were unknown.
History professors were 22 in number registered as Democrats, with just two Republicans.
Politics and global studies professors were 25 in number unaffiliated, 21 registered as Democrats, and two registered as Republicans.
In a similar prior study by The College Fix, the University of Arizona was also found to have a predominance of Democratic professors.
The predominance of Democratic registrations among professors would explain last year’s faculty controversy over a watchlist of professors accused of discrimination against conservative students.
The university had shut down the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development within the Barrett Honors College after its principal funder withdrew funding due to the “left-wing hostility and activism” of Barrett Honors College faculty.
39 of the 47 faculty members in the college had launched a campaign for action to be taken following an event featuring three conservative speakers on campus: Charlie Kirk, the founder and president of Turning Point USA; Dennis Prager, a radio talk show host and founder of PragerU; and Robert Kiyosaki, an author and presenter with PragerU.
ASU removed on-campus marketing of the event following the Barrett Honors College faculty opposition campaign.
Those faculty members also recruited students to oppose the event beforehand.
Following the controversial event featuring the three conservative speakers, ASU let go of two faculty members: Ann Atkinson, who had been the executive of the Lewis Center, and Lin Blake, who had been the operator of the venue where the event was held, the Gammage Theater.
The predominance of Democrats within ASU faculty hasn’t deterred students from registering Republican and turning out for president-elect Donald Trump this year.
About a month before the election, thousands of students and young adults turned out for a voter registration event, “Greeks for Trump,” spearheaded by Turning Point USA. Spectators observed a sea of students donning “MAGA” hats.
The surge in youth support for Republican candidates translated to the state flipping back red this election from the last, and the state legislature expanding its Republican majority.
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Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, the 33-year-old Guatemalan illegal immigrant arrested in connection with the horrifying murder of a woman riding a New York City subway, first entered the U.S. near Sonoita, Arizona, on June 1, 2018. Federal immigration officials told the Associated Press (AP) that Zapeta-Calilis came across the border illegally. NBC News specified that the suspect was deported back to Guatemala approximately a week later on June 7, 2018.
According to authorities cited by the AP, Zapeta-Calil approached the unidentified victim, who may have been asleep on the train, and set her clothes on fire with a lighter. He then allegedly fanned the flames with a shirt, causing the woman to become engulfed in flames, according to Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg.
Rottenberg told the court on Tuesday that the suspect then sat on a subway platform bench and watched the woman burn. Zapeta-Calil reportedly told responding detectives that he did not know what happened, but he later identified himself in footage of the attack.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, “Officers who were on patrol on an upper level of that station smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames.” Gothamist reported via a statement from Jeff Carter, a spokesman for ICE, that Zapeta-Calil was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in June 2018 and was deported. He later reentered the U.S. and ultimately made his way to New York City.
The suspect, like hundreds of other illegal immigrants in New York, was reportedly living at the sprawling, crime-riddled 3,000-migrant tent shelter on Randall’s Island. A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams told the outlet that Zapeta-Calil arrived well before the massive influx of illegal immigrants that began in 2022 but added he’d been in and out of city-run shelters since his arrival.
Responding to the shocking murder on Fox 5 Monday, Adams told reporters “Yes, this is a country of immigrants. It’s a country of those who want to seek to pursue the American dream. But those who violate that pursuit, we need to immediately remove them from our country. After they served their time, I don’t want to turn them back into a country just to have them sneak back in and the family members are not receiving justice for what happened.”
ICE spokesperson Marie Ferguson, told Newsweek in a statement, “The New York City Police Department arrested Zapeta-Calil as part of its investigation into the murder of a woman on a subway in Coney Island, New York. Once he is charged and a holding location is released, ERO will lodge an immigration detainer with the NYPD location where he is being held.”
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, a grand jury has indicted Zapeta-Calil on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder as well as one count of first-degree arson. The suspect was remanded back into custody and has pleaded not guilty. He reportedly told police that “he drinks a lot of liquor” and “doesn’t know what happened,” prosecutors told the court.
The Buckeye Police Department announced the seizure of 8,000 fentanyl pills and the arrest of four people in connection with a traffic stop near Yuma Road and Verrado Way. The lethal fentanyl M-30 pills were seized when a Buckeye police officer observed an SUV committing several traffic violations and initiated a pull-over. According to a statement from the department posted to social media, the officer determined that the driver of the vehicle had a suspended driver’s license and some of their passengers had active arrest warrants.
A search of the vehicle revealed eight bags containing 1,000 of the deadly pills each. All four occupants were placed under arrest.
Buckeye Police reporting shows that drug/narcotic offenses were down in 2023 compared to 2021 figures but are trending upward after a multiyear low in 2022. Behind theft/larceny and destruction of property, drug related charges represent approximately 12% of the city’s overall crime.
As reported by AZ Free News in June, the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI) released a comprehensive report on “Arizona’s Ongoing Fentanyl Crisis,” for 2024. The grim findings revealed that opioid-related encounters in Arizona hospitals leapt from 41,400 to 56,600 or approximately 37% from 2015-2019, and the DEA seized enough fentanyl in the state of Arizona to kill every resident fourteen times over. From 2020 and 2022, Fentanyl seized by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) increased 665% from 239 to an estimated 1,828 pounds, CSI stated, citing data shared by DPS. National seizures of fentanyl reported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency increased by 320% from 6,800 pounds in 2019 to 29,200 in 2024.
🚨 The DEA seized enough fentanyl in Arizona alone to kill every Arizonan 14 times over, if the seizures were of pure fentanyl and assuming a potentially fatal dose is at least 2 mg.
— Common Sense Institute Arizona (@CSInstituteAZ) June 25, 2024
In the DEA’s National Drug Threat Assessment 2024, the agency reports that, “Fentanyl manufactured by the Mexican cartels is the main driver behind the ongoing epidemic of drug poisoning deaths in the United States… China-based chemical suppliers are the main source of the chemicals used in the production of illicit fentanyl.”
An individual with Arizona ties was just selected as one of America’s next international representatives.
Earlier this month, President-elect Donald J. Trump announced that he had nominated Leah Campos to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.
NEW: President Donald J. Trump announces the nomination of Leah Francis Campos (@Leah4Az) as Ambassador to the Dominican Republic pic.twitter.com/gBB8z1BUSR
In a statement released to Trump’s Truth Social, he said, “I am pleased to announce that I will nominate Leah Francis Campos as United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Leah served our Country as a CIA Case Officer before becoming Senior Advisor for the Western Hemisphere on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Leah is a mother to four beautiful children, and comes from a family of Patriots. Her sister, the outstanding Rachel Campos-Duffy, of FoxNews, and brother-in-law Sean Duffy, who will be Secretary of Transportation, are also wonderful Patriots.”
President-elect Trump added, “Leah will take her love of Country, and commitment to our National Security and Prosperity, to her post as U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Congratulations Leah!”
The selection of Campos was immediately greeted with praise from those who knew her. U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani said, “Congratulations to my friend Leah Campos! Very proud of all that you’ve done and excited for what you will continue to do.”
Congratulations to my friend Leah Campos! Very proud of all that you’ve done and excited for what you will continue to do. 🇺🇸 @Leah4Azhttps://t.co/C7uOMcfMzo
Heather Nauert, the former spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department under the first Trump Administration, weighed in on the nomination, saying, “Trump made phenomenal choice picking Leah Campos to be his ambassador to Dominican Republic. We first met when she was senior advisor for W Hemis at House Foreign Affairs Cmte. She has deep knowledge of the region & has done it all – counter narcotics etc. America will be safer!”
Trump made phenomenal choice picking Leah F Campos @Leah4Az to be his ambassador to Dominican Republic. We first met when she was senior advisor for W Hemis at House Foreign Affairs Cmte. She has deep knowledge of the region & has done it all – counter narcotics etc. America will…
The Executive Director for the Center for a Secure Free Society, Joseph M. Humire, wrote, “Leah Campos has been quietly helping that US-Latin America relations stay strong for more than a decade. She will be one of our strongest ambassadors in the region. The Trump admin and the Dominican Republic are lucky to have her.”
Leah Campos has been quietly helping ensure that US-Latin America relations stay strong for more than a decade. She will be one of our strongest ambassadors in the region. The Trump admin and the Dominican Republic are lucky to have her.
The newly elected Sheriff of Pinal County, Republican Ross Teeple, was sworn into office by his predecessor, former Sheriff Mark Lamb, earlier this month. Sheriff Teeple will report for duty effective January 1, 2025.
Teeple is a U.S. Navy veteran with 16 years of service with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. He has held a wide range of positions including Patrol Deputy, Search and Rescue Deputy, Honor Guard member, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Sergeant, Internal Affairs Supervisor, Human Resources Manager, Patrol Lieutenant, and Lieutenant over Aviation, Search and Rescue, according to his campaign website.
Prior to his time with Pinal County, Sheriff Teeple served as a Corrections Officer for 12 years with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Over his 28 years in law enforcement, he has been decorated with several awards and commendations. During his career in the U.S. Navy, he served on a fast attack submarine as a Sonar Technician in Operation Desert Storm.
"It's a huge responsibility that I am so prepared for and really thankful for the voters of Pinal Co. for placing their trust in me."
Wednesday, Sheriff Elect Ross Teeple was sworn in to his new position by Sheriff Mark Lamb.
In a statement posted to X, Teeple said, “It’s a huge responsibility that I am so prepared for and really thankful for the voters of Pinal Co. for placing their trust in me.”
Lamb sat down with Teeple in a semi-casual video message in which Lamb bid goodbye to his friends, Deputies, and staffers and introduced Teeple.
After being introduced by Lamb, Teeple spoke highly of the soon-to-be-former Sheriff and praised his legacy saying he had “big shoes to fill.”
“I want to thank the citizens of Pinal County, especially for you guys having the trust and the gratitude and the strength to vote for me and wanting to continue on with the legacy that is Mark Lamb. I can tell you I’ve been all over this county speaking to as many people as I possibly can, getting out there knocking on as many doors, and when I talk to the people, it’s overwhelming how many people just absolutely adore this man and the way that he has run Pinal County and made us the safest large county in Arizona. And that’s directly related to you. I appreciate it,” said Teeple.
He continued, “I’m going to tell you right now, I’m probably one of the only people in Pinal County that wishes you would have done a less better job. I have really big shoes to fill because you did an amazing job. In stepping into them, there’s nowhere to go but up, but there’s a lot of way to go down, and I’m not going to allow that to happen.”
In the 2024 General Election, Teeple defeated his Democratic opponent, Patrick Melvin, a retired Deputy Chief with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office by a massive margin of 27.2%, or 55,176 votes, indicating wide voter support for a continuation of Lamb’s policies.
The Arizona Republican leader instrumental in delivering her state for the 47th President of the United States is reportedly running for re-election for chair of her party.
Earlier this month, Garrett Archer, a journalist with ABC15 News, revealed that Gina Swoboda, the current chair of the Republican Party of Arizona, would be running for re-election to her post in January, and that she would be supported by President-elect Donald J. Trump.
The news quickly spread among Arizona Republicans, and several expressed their delight with this reported decision. Arizona Senate President Pro-Tempore T.J. Shope posted, “She has Donald Trump’s support and she has my support! Let’s all rally behind Gina Swoboda for AZGOP Chair!!!”
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp added, “The Boss knows she is the best woman for the job! And so does Arizona! Looking forward to winning 2026 with Gina Swoboda as the State Party Chair!”
The Boss knows she is the best woman for the job! And so does Arizona! Looking forward to winning 2026 with @GinaSwoboda as the State Party Chair! https://t.co/1Db3wy4k8c
Swoboda was unexpectedly pressed into action as chair of state Republican party in January after a vacancy occurred. After quickly securing the endorsement of former President Donald J. Trump, Swoboda had no trouble sailing to victory in the snap election among state committeemen. Her top priority as chair was to re-deliver Arizona’s electoral votes for Trump in November, which she did last month for the General Election.
On Election Night, Swoboda issued a statement of victory after seeing a number of positive results around her state, writing, “This victory is a testament to the grit and determination of Arizonans who believe in the American Dream. We focused on what matters – keeping families safe, bringing down the cost of living, securing our border, and reviving American greatness. We have sent a clear message to Washington: Arizona is red, and when we unite, WE WIN!”
🚨AZGOP On Track for Huge Wins as Trump and Vance Claim Victory🚨
The @AZGOP proudly congratulates President-Elect @realDonaldTrump and Vice President-Elect @JDVance on their HISTORIC victory! As we await the final count of all ballots, the energy and enthusiasm for Republicans…
One night later, after her state was called for Trump, Swoboda posted, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to help elect 45/47. Thank you for believing in me Donald Trump. Thank you AZGOP for allowing me to make history with our beautiful State 48.”
When Trump visited Tempe in late October, he made sure to address Swoboda’s tireless work to help turn out the votes for him and other Republicans across the state, saying, “This woman has done a job […] especially early voting, and we are doing record successful numbers, and I think it’s gonna stay that way. Gina Swoboda, great job – thank you!”
“The @AZGOP Chairwoman has done a job […] especially early voting and we are doing record successful numbers, and I think it’s gonna stay that way. @GinaSwoboda, great job, thank you.”
Under Swoboda’s leadership, Trump won Arizona with a greater margin than he did in 2016; Republicans expanded their majorities in the state House and Senate; incumbent Republican U.S. Congressmen held their seats; Republicans swept the three statewide Arizona Corporation Commission positions, and a key border security measure sailed to victory.
Swoboda’s reported intent to run for re-election for AZGOP chair would likely set up a match-up with State Representative Cory McGarr, who announced his decision to run for the party’s top post earlier this month after losing his seat in the Arizona Legislature. Former Republican candidate for Arizona Governor and U.S. Senate, Kari Lake, thanked McGarr “for getting in this race.”
The AZGOP chair for the next election cycle in 2026 will be critical for Republican efforts to take back major statewide offices – Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. Arizona Republicans will have the chance to decide who is the best fit to lead them forward when they reconvene in the new year at the annual AZGOP meeting in Phoenix.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
