by Matthew Holloway | Mar 26, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes lacked the authority to approve a political party’s name change, invalidating the transition of the No Labels Party of Arizona to the Arizona Independent Party (AIP).
In a ruling issued March 25, Judge Greg Como found that Arizona law does not permit a recognized political party to change its name without completing the statutory process required for ballot access under the new name.
“Arizona does not have a procedure for a party, once formally recognized, to use a different name on the ballot,” the ruling states. “There is no other path for a party to appear on the ballot, under any name … To do so, the party must complete the process of obtaining the required number of valid signatures under the name it seeks to use on the ballot.”
The No Labels Party of Arizona originally qualified for ballot access after gathering the required number of signatures in 2023, allowing it to appear on ballots through the 2026 general election.
In October 2025, the party filed a notification with the Secretary of State’s Office to change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. Fontes approved the request, and the new name was set to take effect in December 2025.
The Secretary of State’s Office then issued guidance directing county recorders to update voter registrations to reflect the new party name.
The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, along with the Arizona Democratic Party and Republican Party, filed a lawsuit challenging the name change, arguing that it could create confusion among voters.
In his ruling, Como determined that while the No Labels Party had met statutory requirements to gain recognition, the Arizona Independent Party had not completed the required process for ballot access under that name.
Como reasoned, “When a person signs a petition on behalf of an aspiring party, it is reasonable to infer that they are largely motivated by how the party describes itself, i.e., the party’s name. Would the same 41,000 people who signed petitions to recognize the No Labels Party have signed to support the ‘Arizona Nazi Party’ or the ’Arizona Anarchists’?”
He stated, “By approving a party’s requested name change, without it obtaining the necessary signatures for party recognition, the Secretary permits a political bait and switch. A party can gather signatures using an innocuous-sounding name and then change it to something completely different. If the Secretary is to have such power, it must be prescribed by the Arizona Constitution or state statutes. It is not.”
The judge also found that the Secretary of State did not have the authority to direct how voters are registered with political parties.
“The Secretary does not have statutory authority to dictate which party a voter belongs to,” the ruling states. “The decision belongs to the voter.”
The ruling voided the name change and restored the party’s prior designation under state law.
“The Republican Party of Arizona is grateful for the judge’s ruling in the matter before him, finding Secretary of State Adrian Fontes exceeded his authority and allowed a fraudulent party to appear on the ballot. The judge noted that even Fontes admitted this issue would cause confusion for the voters, but Fontes disregarded that concern and the obvious truth, and proceeded to allow them to continue the charade,” stated AZGOP Chairman Sergio Arellano.
“Secretary Fontes announced he will not appeal this ruling. That is wise, as he has already cost taxpayers too much money, and his effort to sow confusion with this stunt, allowing the No Labels Party to unilaterally change their name to the Arizona Independent Party, has further eroded trust in our election officials at a time when that trust is already at an all-time low,” continued Arellano. “We are pleased that Secretary Fontes recognizes that the voters are a now a priority for him. They have always been a priority for Republicans, and we welcome all of them into our very big tent to usher conservative candidates into office on every level of government this November.”
According to 12News, former Phoenix Mayor and AIP Chairman Paul Johnson said via text message that he intends to appeal the ruling. Secretary Fontes said on social media that he would not join the appeal.
“I acted in favor of the law as I saw it,” Fontes said. “Considering the fast approach of the election and the challenging job election administrators have before them, we will not participate in an appeal.”
Axios reported that Johnson said he believes that the 11 candidates who qualified for AIP will be permitted to run under the No Labels name pending appeal. However, he told the outlet he suspects Arizona’s Democratic and Republican parties will challenge this, adding, “They hate us existing.”
The case stems from broader disputes over election procedures and ballot access in Arizona, where multiple lawsuits have been filed in recent years over the administration of elections and political party recognition.
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 Staff Reporter | Mar 26, 2026 | Economy, News
By Staff Reporter |
Republicans in the Arizona Senate are moving on legislation they believe will reduce gas prices.
A strike everything amendment to HB 2400 proposes to mitigate price spikes at the pump by filing an emergency waiver to increase Maricopa County’s fuel supply during emergencies.
Arizona policymakers anticipate prices to spike with pending supply constraints due to a forecasted California refinery closure in April. Federal environmental regulations require Valley drivers to use a more expensive and limited specialized fuel blend year-round, a requirement that expands to affect residents elsewhere in the state during the summer months.
Should the bill be enacted, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Arizona Department of Agriculture would submit an emergency fuel waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 30 days.
State Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) introduced the strike everything amendment. Bolick said the state does have recourse, but it’s up to executive leadership to allow for the remedy to occur.
“We see the warning signs. Refineries are shutting down, and if we don’t act now, prices will go up. HB 2400 will make sure Arizona can quickly access additional fuel when shortages hit, instead of waiting and hoping for relief,” said Bolick in a press release.
According to Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment, the California refinery shutdowns were caused by multiple factors: depleting crude oil fields, declining in-state gasoline sales, consolidating oil infrastructure, and increasing availability of imported finished fossil fuel products.
A similar issue occurred in 2023. Gov. Katie Hobbs declined to file an emergency fuel waiver with the Biden administration despite a request from petroleum refiner HF Sinclair.
The company’s senior vice president, Jerry Miller, advised Hobbs in a letter of a critical supply shortage of several counties’ Cleaner Burning Gasoline (CBG), the special gasoline formulations required in certain parts of the state by the EPA under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
These formulation requirements are laid out in Arizona’s State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP establishes different CBG requirements depending on the season. CBG is required in Maricopa County and certain parts of Pinal and Yavapai counties year-round (called “Area A”). CBG requirement expands to include more of Pinal County during the summer months of May through September (called “Area C”).
As in 2023, it will mostly be Maricopa County drivers who will feel the brunt of forecasted supply constraints.
Senate lawmakers will also consider HB 2955, which would expand the state’s fuel options by modifying the state’s fuel standards for CBG in order to expand supply options.
Sen. Bolick shared that she and other Republican lawmakers have laid the groundwork with the Trump administration to ensure that the fuel standard updates and emergency fuel waiver would be processed immediately upon filing.
“We are coordinating with the Trump Administration so Arizona is ready to act the moment these bills are signed into law,” said Bolick. “This is about getting ahead of the problem and making sure families aren’t stuck paying the price for decisions made in other states.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Mar 26, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Senate has passed a comprehensive package of transportation bills designed to enhance roadway safety, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support long-term economic development across the state.
The measures, which advance critical infrastructure projects in both rural and urban areas, were approved this week without raising taxes or imposing new fees on Arizona drivers.
The legislation targets high-priority corridors experiencing pressure from population growth, increased freight traffic, and tourism demand. Key components of the package include targeted safety and capacity improvements on several major routes.
SB 1062, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund for FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The funding will support planning, design, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for an additional left-turn lane and related intersection improvements at the busy intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Pinal County. These enhancements aim to ease traffic flow and improve safety along this heavily traveled corridor.
SB 1063, also sponsored by Senator Rogers, allocates $11,100,000 for critical safety improvements on U.S. Route 70 between Mile Post 225 and Mile Post 301. This rural route serves commuters, freight operators, and emergency services in eastern Arizona. The project addresses longstanding roadway deficiencies to enhance travel reliability and safety for users across the region.
SB 1064, another measure sponsored by Senator Rogers, appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation for distribution to the City of Flagstaff. The funding will support the design and construction of improvements along U.S. Route 66 between I-40 and Milton Road. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation must enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Flagstaff by September 15, 2026, and, if executed, distribute funds to the city by November 1, 2026. The project will help modernize infrastructure along one of northern Arizona’s busiest tourism and business corridors.
“Transportation is about safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” stated Senator Rogers. “These projects address real pressure points on our highways, keep traffic moving, and support the continued growth of communities across Arizona.”
SB 1204, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29), provides $5,500,000 for planning and environmental analysis for future interchange improvements at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Loop 303 in the rapidly growing West Valley. The area continues to see significant residential expansion and rising freight traffic.
“The West Valley is growing at an incredible pace, and our infrastructure has to keep up,” stated Senator Shamp. “This project prepares one of our most important corridors for the traffic we know is coming, improving daily commutes while supporting job growth and regional commerce, as well as preventing traffic fatalities.”
SB 1455, sponsored by Senate Appropriations, Transportation & Technology Committee Chair David Farnsworth (R-LD10), appropriates $500,000 for surveying, design, and study work on the future extension of State Route 24 east of Ironwood Drive in the East Valley—one of Arizona’s fastest growing regions.
“As families and businesses continue moving into the East Valley, transportation planning has to look ahead, not behind,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Extending SR 24 will strengthen regional connectivity, reduce future congestion, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with responsible growth.”
The measures now move to the Arizona House as part of the ongoing state budgeting process.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 25, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Maricopa County officials announced that a recent determination from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will not trigger additional air quality regulations for the region, maintaining its current “moderate” nonattainment classification under federal ozone standards.
According to Maricopa County, it remains designated as a “moderate” nonattainment area under the 2015 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), meaning ozone levels in parts of the region continue to exceed federal limits. However, the county has avoided a “serious” classification, which would increase regulatory burdens on industry.
The Clean Air Act requires areas that exceed those standards to implement measures to reduce ozone-forming pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The EPA had been evaluating whether to reclassify the Phoenix-Mesa area since at least 2024. The agency has now issued its final determination that the region would have met federal standards if not for emissions originating outside the United States and other uncontrollable factors, allowing Maricopa County to avoid additional mandates. As a result, the county will continue operating under its current regulatory framework.
“For years, Maricopa County has taken significant steps to reduce air pollution through outreach programs and practical compliance tools for businesses. But we don’t think we should face further regulations that harm business for the types of pollution we can’t control,” Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee stated. “I’m pleased the EPA agrees with our position. We remain committed to pursuing programs and initiatives that improve air quality in Maricopa County.”
County officials said the decision reflects years of local mitigation efforts, including outreach programs, compliance tools for businesses, and coordination with regional and state air quality agencies.
The announcement follows a series of state and federal actions related to air quality policy that Arizona leaders have closely monitored.
Then-Congresswoman Debbie Lesko and other officials pushed back in late 2024 against a potential EPA reclassification of Maricopa County, warning that stricter standards could have economic and national security implications.
In December 2025, the EPA moved to vacate a contested Biden-era air quality rule as part of a multi-state legal challenge, signaling a shift in federal regulatory posture.
Arizona lawmakers have also raised concerns at the federal level. Earlier this year, State Sen. Frank Carroll (R-LD28) urged Congress to clarify the EPA’s authority over air quality standards, warning that regulatory uncertainty could impact economic growth in the state.
“Americans deserve clean air, land, and water, but they also deserve an economy that can grow without unnecessary federal interference,” Carroll said in a statement at the time. He added, “While the Clean Air Act allows for specific emissions regulations, the EPA must not exceed its authority or violate fundamental principles of separation of powers. By preventing bureaucratic overreach, we can protect both the environment and the economic opportunities Arizona families and businesses rely on.”
The issue has also intersected with Arizona’s economic development efforts, with Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) highlighting the importance of regulatory stability in May 2025 as major employers, including semiconductor manufacturer TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.), continue to invest billions of dollars in facilities in the Phoenix area.
Air quality regulations tied to ozone nonattainment status can influence permitting requirements, industrial expansion, and transportation planning, making federal classification decisions a key factor in long-term economic planning.
Maricopa County was reclassified from “marginal” to “moderate” nonattainment status in 2022 according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) after failing to meet federal ozone standards, triggering additional planning requirements under the Clean Air Act.
County officials said they will continue pursuing strategies to reduce emissions and improve air quality while working within the existing regulatory framework.
Philip McNeely, Director of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, said, “By maintaining moderate nonattainment status, Maricopa County can continue to focus on reducing pollution and finding solutions specific to our area. These include outreach, incentive programs for residents, practical compliance tools for business, and the pursuit of innovative emission-reduction credit rules. We are committed to clean air initiatives that make Maricopa County a healthier place to live.”
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 Staff Reporter | Mar 25, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Maricopa County leaders say it’s time to bring federal monitoring to an end for a judgment made nearly 15 years ago.
President Barack Obama’s Department of Justice (DOJ) and the ACLU alleged racial profiling in a lawsuit against the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) under former Sheriff Joe Arpaio. A federal court found MCSO to be guilty in 2011, and placed the department under a federal monitor to achieve reforms.
Last December, Maricopa County filed a motion to end that federal oversight. Then, last month, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Debbie Lesko followed up on that termination request before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Joining Lesko were MCSO Community Advisory Board member Felix Garcia and Goldwater Institute’s vice president for litigation and general counsel Jon Riches.
The trio emphasized in their individual testimonies how county spending has gone on “indefinitely” to meet the “moving goalposts” of federal oversight.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), gubernatorial candidate, led the subcommittee hearing, “The Monitoring Racket: The Grift That Keeps on Giving.”
This month, another Maricopa County leader spoke up to advocate once again for an end to federal oversight. Supervisor Mark Stewart published a Substack article criticizing the federal government’s lack of interest in removing the federal monitor.
Stewart and county leaders say the oversight has cost the county nearly $350 million (though proponents of the oversight such as the ACLU argue that county inflated this total with unrelated costs and the real total is far less: around $60 million).
“Notably, over the past five years, there has not been a single sustained claim of racial profiling. Yet federal oversight remains in place, costing Maricopa County taxpayers nearly $350 million,” stated Stewart. “Even as compliance has been achieved and maintained, Maricopa County residents continue to bear the financial burden of prolonged oversight. Hindering resources that could otherwise be invested directly into public safety, training, hiring, and community engagement.”
The county’s millions spent in compliance efforts over the years have yielded reforms to include the implementation of body-worn cameras, structured constitutional policing curriculum, and data-driven accountability policies.
About ten percent of the $350 million estimate given by the county for compliance payments, over $30 million, was given to the court monitor Robert Warshaw.
Warshaw has faced allegations of capitalizing on a financial incentive to continue his federal oversight, not only in Arizona but in municipalities within other states. He has earned tens of millions over his years as a federal monitor.
Elected officials say MCSO has met and exceeded criteria for resolving the issues found by the court, yet the monitoring activities have not only continued but in recent years gone beyond the initial scope of the court findings.
The ACLU and the district judge in the case, G. Murray Snow, acknowledged last October that MCSO reached Phase One compliance with the 2011 court order.
“Courts are often called upon to correct past failures. They are also uniquely positioned to recognize when those corrections have taken hold,” said Stewart. “Maricopa County has reached that point. The progress is undeniable, leadership is strong, and the time has come to move forward.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Mar 25, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Senate Republicans have moved forward with a targeted plan to strengthen local law enforcement and safeguard vulnerable children, particularly runaway and at-risk youth in the child welfare system.
Senate Bill 1550, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman David Farnsworth (R-LD10), passed the Senate this week and now heads to the House for consideration as part of upcoming FY27 budget negotiations.
The bill appropriates $1,255,500 from the state general fund to the Town of Queen Creek for its Police Department to launch a three-year specialized law enforcement pilot program. The initiative focuses on five key areas: preventing runaway incidents among youth; protecting at-risk children from exploitation; enhancing investigative capabilities; strengthening collaboration with care providers and state agencies; and developing a replicable model framework that could be expanded statewide.
“Protecting our children is crucial and should unite us all, beyond political lines,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Every moment counts when a child is in danger or in state care, and we must ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools to act swiftly and effectively to prevent exploitation. Our child safety system should be transparent and prioritize placing children in loving, safe environments, ideally with family.”
Queen Creek has emerged as a critical testing ground for these reforms due to a notable concentration of missing-from-care incidents at residential treatment facilities serving some of Arizona’s most vulnerable youth.
The adjacent Canyon State Academy (serving boys) and Desert Lily Academy (serving girls), operated by the Nevada-based Rite of Passage under contract with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), have seen significant police activity since the Queen Creek Police Department’s establishment in 2022.
According to Fox10 Phoenix, officers have responded to more than 2,000 calls for service at the campuses, with annual calls reaching 430 at Canyon State and 306 at Desert Lily by 2024.
Between January 2024 and December 2025, police recorded 208 missing persons reports for boys at Canyon State Academy and 119 for girls at Desert Lily Academy—averaging roughly one child going missing every two days across the two facilities. Many of these runaways have escalated into exploitation and trafficking investigations.
Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice emphasized the urgency: “If we don’t find them within that first few hours, our concern is that they’ll be trafficked, and we have to put a lot of resources into solving those quickly.”
A notable case involved Wendell Whyte, who was sentenced in July 2025 to 20 years in prison for trafficking three girls (ages 14, 16, and 17) from Desert Lily Academy. Court records indicate that Whyte has previously exploited one of the victims in Phoenix’s “The Blade” area, a known corridor for prostitution near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road.
The girls reportedly ran from the facility, were provided drugs and alcohol, and were coerced into sex work.
Additional concerns have surfaced regarding facility operations. In September 2025, former Desert Lily Academy Supervisor Christopher Lamont Allen was arrested and later indicted on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor after a 17-year-old resident alleged he had sex with her on two occasions, with surveillance video reportedly capturing the encounters.
Fox 10 Phoenix investigations have also documented prior cases of staff physically assaulting students at both academies, including incidents involving punching, tackling, and pinning youth to the ground.
Senator Farnsworth, who collaborated with group homes and local leaders to develop a three-pillar strategy of prevention, response, and investigation, highlighted the bill’s broader goals.
“This bill enhances support for law enforcement, encourages collaboration among agencies, and underscores our commitment to caring for our most vulnerable,” added Farnsworth. “We aspire to create a model that can be emulated across Arizona, ensuring that every child feels safe and valued. Together, we can guarantee that protecting our children and strengthening law enforcement remain top priorities.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
