Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) received an endorsement for reelection from the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW), which recognized him as a “Taxpayer Hero” for his voting record on federal spending, government accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
The endorsement was part of an announcement in which CCAGW backed Republican candidates across the country based on their lifetime scores in the organization’s 2025 Congressional Ratings.
Gosar was among four Arizona Republican candidates endorsed by the organization, alongside Congressmen Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), who is running for governor.
Gosar received a lifetime rating of 93% from the organization, reflecting his voting record on legislation involving federal spending, taxation, transparency, and government accountability.
“During their tenures in the Senate and House, these members of Congress have been strong and reliable votes to curb government waste and reform Washington,” stated CCAGW President Tom Schatz. “On top of their impressive voting records, they fought for increased accountability and transparency while opposing efforts to increase federal spending and adopt burdensome new regulations.”
Gosar welcomed the endorsement, pointing to his efforts to reduce federal expenditures and oppose regulations he argues increase costs for American families.
“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste,” stated Congressman Gosar. “I voted to claw back wasteful spending and have opposed unnecessary spending and burdensome regulations that drive up costs for Arizona families. It’s your money, and Washington has a responsibility to spend it wisely. I’ll keep fighting to make sure every taxpayer dollar counts.”
I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, @GovWaste, and its recognition of my record as a Taxpayer Hero.
Since 1989, they’ve evaluated every member of Congress on their votes on spending, taxes, and transparency. I voted to… pic.twitter.com/Z7Lbtr5B4N
Among the legislative actions highlighted in Gosar’s record was his support for the Rescissions Act of 2025, which canceled previously approved federal spending.
Since 1989, CCAGW has evaluated members of Congress through its Congressional Ratings, which examine votes on legislation affecting government expenditures, taxation, and fiscal accountability. The organization uses these ratings to identify lawmakers it considers supportive of taxpayers’ interests and efforts to reduce government waste.
The endorsement comes ahead of Arizona’s November 3 general election, when Gosar will seek another term representing the state’s Ninth Congressional District.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The city of Tucson is tasking employees to track the bathroom visits by the homeless in public parks.
The city is assigning employees to create a weekly census of the homeless people who use park bathrooms, in addition to ramadas. These city employees work within the Parks Assistance and Community Engagement (PACE), a newer unit within its Parks and Recreation department created over the summer specifically to observe and address the homeless.
PACE refers to its responses to homelessness-related concerns as “Homeless Protocol assessments.”
PACE consists of one supervisor, three coordinators, and five groundskeepers. The city considers PACE the Parks and Recreation department’s dedicated response team for homelessness-related concerns in parks, and the leader for community engagement initiatives.
In total, the city department employs 55 people to manage the bathrooms and ramadas across its 130 parks.
PACE works alongside the city’s Homeless Outreach, Environmental Services, and the Tucson Police Department to respond to homelessness-related issues.
A memorandum issued during the city council’s study session last Tuesday revealed that the city will apply the PACE-collected data to measure the effectiveness of localized cleanups; resources offered by the city’s Community Safety, Health, and Wellness team; and Tucson Police Department enforcement of the after-hours no-camping ordinance.
The city council banned camping in parks, along with city washes, earlier this summer in a 5-1 vote in an effort to address the mass homeless encampments taking over in those public areas. Those who violate the ban may face misdemeanor charges that may result in a $250 fine and community service or up to 10 days in jail.
The city was moved to pass the ordinance, which mainly impacts the homeless, after residents successfully sued the city for intentionally failing to address the homeless encampments in public areas. A court ruled last year that the city intentionally adopted a protocol that consented to the nuisance and crimes committed by the homeless in their encampments.
The pressure of that court decision was compounded by Proposition 312, a measure voters passed, also last year, that awards a tax credit to certain property owners burdened by homeless encampments. Individuals may file for reimbursement if they’re required to take protective measures, like installing protective bars or video cameras, against a public nuisance that their local government has declined to address.
Residents have routinely complained during public comment at city meetings that the homeless encampments are hotbeds for crime, including public indecency, public defecation, open-air drug use, arson, physical and sexual assaults, and even murder.
According to the Point-in-Time count from this year, the city had around 2,130 recorded homeless in Tucson and Pima County. This latest count reflected a 4% decrease, or 88 fewer individuals, compared to the count in 2025.
This slight decline fails to make a dent in recent the explosive growth in homelessness in recent years. From 2019 to 2020, the city reported that homelessness in the area increased by 300%.
The ongoing problem of homelessness prompted city leaders to declare an emergency earlier this year. The emergency declaration is set to expire next February, and it enables expeditions of permit requests from nonprofits and charitable entities who aid the city with providing resources to the homeless.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
A man who attempted to murder a Phoenix police officer was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday.
Essa Williams, 28, shot and critically wounded Officer Tyler Moldovan in the early morning hours of Dec. 14, 2021.
Moldovan responded to reports of vehicles speeding and doing doughnuts around 2 a.m. One of those vehicles belonged to Williams.
Williams shot Moldovan eight times, once in the head; reports reflect that he continued firing even after Moldovan was on the ground, and attempted to pull Moldovan’s handgun from his holster.
Moldovan was placed on life support; his recovery is considered a miracle.
It is unclear how Williams was in public that December night. At the time of the shooting, Williams was a convicted felon freed after three years into a 23-year sentence for multiple counts of armed robbery and aggravated assault.
For the attempted murder of Moldovan, Williams received two life sentences plus 25 years, and will be eligible for parole after 50 years.
Williams smiled throughout his sentencing. In a 20-minute statement to the judge, Williams said that the shooting was justified and that the situation was “forced” onto him. Williams said the cops had targeted him because of his race.
“I did nothing wrong and was hunted for their amusement,” said Williams.
He expressed no remorse for shooting the officers, comparing them to the Ku Klux Klan. Williams said he should have been given a traffic stop and a warning or citation instead of being followed.
“There was no ambush. Nothing about this was ever premeditated. There was never even a motive. I was never offered a plea, let alone a lesser charge, and I get it,” said Wiliams. “I’m certain freaking and spooking out black kids at 2:30 in the morning, that’s not their duty. That’s the duty of the Ku Klux Klan in a sundown town.”
Erika LaRae Williams, Williams’ mother, has also gone to prison in connection with her son’s criminal activities. Erika bought Williams a firearm in the months following his release from prison in 2020, though that firearm was not the one Williams used to shoot Moldovan. Erika was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in 2023.
Moldovan’s recovery is ongoing to this day. He has gone through eight neurological rehabilitation programs, four different hospitals, and nearly 20 outpatient doctors.
Moldovan gave an impact statement at Williams’ sentencing in which he denounced Williams’ actions as “wicked and malicious.” Moldovan explained that it had been a dream of his since high school to become a police officer. Now, Moldovan said he struggles with basic tasks, and cannot do activities with his loved ones, like playing with his nieces and nephews or going camping with friends, without “significant” help.
The Moldovans also say they can never become parents because of the debilitating injuries Moldovan sustained.
“My life is vastly altered. I will never be the same because of this brutal and unnecessary attack,” said Moldovan. “The simplest everyday tasks present immense challenges. The constant burning and debilitating nerve pain only adds to the daily difficulties.”
Moldovan said Williams was selfish and unrepentant. Williams smiled and nodded throughout Moldovan’s impact statement.
“He wasn’t scared of the police, he was scared of facing the consequences of his unlawful and culpable actions. Because of his selfish behavior, I will live the rest of my life in agonizing pain and suffering,” said Moldovan. “He has a chance to rehabilitate and prove that he can be better while he was on probation for other violent offenses, but he has shown that he cannot. He is nothing but violent and a danger to society.”
Moldovan is working to heal to a point where he can rejoin the Phoenix Police Department.
Moldovan’s wife and high school sweetheart, Chelsea, has been his full-time caregiver since the attack. Chelsea was reportedly forced to resign from her job at a hospital, where she was working toward attending school to become a physician assistant.
The Moldovans released a statement thanking God for Moldovan’s life, the community for its support, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for securing William’s conviction.
“We are eternally grateful and blessed for mcaoaz’s amazing prosecution team that poured countless hours to bring forth justice. For @phoenixpolice’s support all these years as Tyler continues to give his all to be able to serve once again as your officer. For your support to our family and squad in the darkest days,” said the Moldovans. “And the greatest thank you of all to our dear family and friends. Who have showed up in more ways than we could describe. God knew who we would need in the midst of our greatest trial, our heaviest season. Thank you God for your goodness, faithfulness and everlasting love.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
Arizona state Rep. Chris Lopez (R-LD16) received the Arizona Retailers Association’s 2026 Legislator of the Year Award for his work on legislation authorizing pharmacists to test for and treat certain common illnesses.
The association presented the award on Oct. 21. In a press release, the Arizona House cited Lopez’s work on healthcare access and support for Arizona businesses.
Lopez introduced the pharmacy proposal as House Bill 2444. The policy became law through Senate Bill 1713 after receiving bipartisan legislative support and the governor’s signature in June.
👏Rep. Chris Lopez Named Arizona Retailers Association’s 2026 Legislator of the Year Award recognizes Lopez’s leadership in expanding access to affordable healthcare through new pharmacy test-and-treat law
“People shouldn’t have to miss work or drive across the county just to get treated for the flu or strep throat,” Lopez said. “This law gives families a faster, more affordable option at their local pharmacy while keeping important patient safeguards in place. I’m proud we got it passed, and I appreciate the Arizona Retailers Association recognizing that work.”
The law, authorizes pharmacists to independently order, perform, and interpret qualifying tests under a statewide written protocol approved by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
Pharmacists may initiate treatment for eligible patients with test results indicating influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, or other coronavirus respiratory illnesses. Patients must be at least 12 years old or meet the treatment’s authorized minimum age, whichever is higher.
The protocol must address screening, medical history, eligibility exclusions, treatment instructions, training, follow-up care, and referrals. Pharmacists must obtain written parental or guardian consent before independently testing, screening, or treating a minor. The law does not require pharmacists to offer the services.
The House described the measure as intended to expand access in rural communities where patients may otherwise need to travel for treatment.
Lopez said after the legilsation’s passage, “In rural Arizona, a routine infection can mean missing work, driving an hour or more, and paying urgent care or emergency room prices because there is no closer option. This law allows trained pharmacists to provide fast, appropriate treatment under strict statewide protocols. It gives families a safe, affordable option close to home while requiring a referral when a patient needs a higher level of care.”
The House’s announcement at the time also outlined requirements for communicating with patients’ existing healthcare providers: “Pharmacists must make a reasonable effort to identify a patient’s primary care provider and notify the provider within 72 hours after treatment begins. The provider must be notified within 48 hours of any reported or observed adverse reaction.”
The legislation also prohibits pharmacists from independently initiating opioid treatment.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes recently suggested the state “probably” has too many golf courses during an interview on water shortages, conservation, and restrictions on new data centers, drawing criticism from Republicans.
Speaking with host Zack Colman on the POLITICO Energy podcast, Mayes advocated tax incentives for removing grass and installing rainwater collection systems before questioning the number of golf courses operating in Arizona.
“We could do tax incentives to advocate for rainwater catchment systems. We could do tax incentives for taking out grass. We have way too much grass in Arizona,” Mayes said.
“We probably, frankly — and I’m sure the golf industry is not going to like this when I say this — we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now.”
YIKES: @KrisMayes pledges to get rid of golf courses if re-elected:
"We have way, way too much grass in Arizona. We probably frankly — and I'm sure the golf industry is not going to like this when I say this — we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now." #AZAGpic.twitter.com/MjrQfFxUuu
The remarks came after Colman asked about the imbalance between Arizona’s water supplies and consumption and whether difficult options were being left unexplored.
Mayes responded by criticizing Republican lawmakers.
“Well, the Republican legislature out here has left everything off the table,” she said. “I mean, they really haven’t done anything when it comes to promoting conservation. We could do a hell of a lot more when it comes to conservation.”
Her subsequent golf-course comments circulated on X. Brian Anderson characterized the remarks as a pledge “to get rid of golf courses if re-elected.”
Tyler Bowyer also criticized Mayes, writing, “She wants to get rid of GOLF COURSES.”
In the interview exchange, Mayes did not identify courses she wanted closed, propose a prohibition on new courses, or describe an enforcement mechanism for reducing the number.
The words immediately following her golf course statement were Colman’s question shifting the discussion to data centers.
“So could they also, the legislature, pass laws on data center water use? Because I do want to get to data centers,” he said.
“Yes, 100%,” Mayes replied.
Mayes then outlined possible restrictions on data-center development, including a ban and requirements for developers to secure water supplies.
“And I think you’re going to see multiple pieces of legislation this next session to rein in data centers,” she said. “There could be a ban proposed, like I have already proposed.”
Later in the exchange, she described her position as supporting “a pause and a temporary ban.”
Mayes argued that demands from data centers on electricity generation also affect water consumption. She said facilities using closed-loop cooling systems could still increase demand for power plants that consume water.
Colman challenged her position, asking whether the alternative was to forgo data-center development.
“Correct. You can build them in Mississippi,” Mayes responded.
Asked how that position fit Arizona’s efforts to become a technology hub, she pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s expanding presence and argued that semiconductor production did not require locating additional data centers in Arizona.
“You can be a tech hub and not build data centers,” she said.
Mayes said her staff’s research identified approximately 50 additional data centers planned or under construction in Arizona. She suggested other locations, including Illinois and areas near the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River, as possible locations for data centers.
The interview also addressed Colorado River litigation, groundwater pumping, and Mayes’ use of nuisance law. Discussing an investigation into a data center under construction in Ahwatukee, Mayes said individual enforcement actions had limits.
“But I will say, using nuisance law is a little bit like playing whack-a-mole,” she said. “Again, we need a statewide plan.”
Responding to criticism in a post on X, Mayes wrote, “Relax, nobody’s closing golf courses. My point is we need incentives to help all Arizonans and major industries swap thirsty grass and catch rainwater.”
Mayes also accused her opponent of making false claims. Her response did not retract her earlier statement that Arizona probably has too many golf courses.
The Maricopa County recorder is alleging the dissemination of “election misinformation” regarding the signature verification process.
ABC15 reporter Garrett Archer said mail-in ballot signature rejection rates have been higher this year because the recorder’s office removed certain identifiers that previously helped signature verifiers validate voters’ signatures.
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap rejected the claim as false.
Heap said that the only identifiers removed from the view of signature verifiers were the voter’s personally identifying information, which includes party affiliation. Heap said the lack of personally identifying information doesn’t impact verifiers’ ability to determine whether ballot signatures match the signatures on voter records.
Heap said the personally identifying information was extraneous and not necessary for signature verification processes.
“Put simply, the verifiers should not know anything about a voter other than whether the current signature matches the other historic signatures for the individual,” said Heap. “This protects all voters and has no bearing on rejection rates.”
Let me be very clear, Garrett Archer is trafficking in election misinformation.
The only “identifiers” that have been removed from the view of verifiers during the Signature Verification process is the voter’s personally indentifiable information, including party affiliation.… https://t.co/kxAgqsLqZL
— Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap (@azjustinheap) October 28, 2026
However, Archer claimed that Heap’s response only served as confirmation for his claims. Archer pointed to the uptick in signature rejection rates last year and earlier this year, arguing that the increased signature rejection rates were directly caused by the removal of personally identifying information.
“The removal of identifiers will result in an increase in signature rejections,” said Archer. “We’ve already seen this in previous elections this year.”
Maricopa County's signature rejection rate this November was enormous.
Election integrity advocates countered that the increase in signature rejection rates may not necessarily be a bad thing.
Merissa Caldwell, EZAZ founder, said that the disclosure of political party affiliation may have had some influence on signature verifiers in past elections.
“The puppet admits that since the Maricopa County Recorder removed the Party identifier from the signature review screen, affidavit signatures are no longer being reviewed with bias to push signatures through that don’t match the voter’s signature attributes,” said Caldwell.
🚨The puppet admits that since the Maricopa County Recorder removed the Party identifier from the signature review screen, affidavit signatures are no longer being reviewed with bias to push signatures through that don't match the voter's signature attributes pic.twitter.com/VsBO9iIoAK
A rejection of a signature on a mail ballot doesn’t mean the ballot is outright rejected. Voters have the opportunity to cure their signature until November 8. Voters may cure their signature using the Voter Dashboard or via phone call.
Maricopa County voters who are unsure about the status of their ballot may either subscribe for text or email notifications, or check up on it using the Voter Dashboard.
As of Tuesday — the last day for voters to return their mail ballot through USPS — Maricopa County has received mail ballots from approximately 630,000 voters. Arizona only accepts ballots received in hand by an election official by 7 p.m. on November 3, Election Day, not according to the postmarked date on the ballot.
Voters who have yet to cast their ballot may still cast their mail ballot early by dropping it off at a polling location, vote center, or official drop box. Or, voters may vote in person. Early in-person voting ends this Friday, October 30.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
