by Matthew Holloway | Apr 9, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
State Rep. Gail Griffin (R-LD19) was recognized for achieving the longest active streak of “Above Expectations” performance among members of the Arizona House of Representatives, according to a new report from the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
The recognition was announced in a press release from Arizona House Republicans, which cited the Center’s State Legislative Effectiveness Scores for the 56th Arizona Legislature. The report found that Griffin maintained a three-session streak of “Above Expectations” ratings, the longest currently recorded in the Arizona House.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking is a nonpartisan research initiative operated jointly by Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia.
According to the report, Griffin received an effectiveness score of 5.50 for the 2023–2024 legislative session. That score ranked second-highest in the Arizona House and exceeded the scores of all members of the Arizona Senate during the same period. Griffin’s score was exceeded only by Rep. David Livingston (R-LD28), with 7.23.
The effectiveness scores evaluate lawmakers based on factors including bill sponsorship, legislative progress, and the ability to advance policy through the legislative process.
Griffin has focused her legislative work on areas including water policy, land use, natural resources, energy, job creation, and economic development.
In a statement, Griffin said, “I’m honored to be recognized for a record that reflects years of hard work on behalf of the people I represent. Southern Arizona expects results, not excuses. I come to the Capitol to protect our water, defend private property rights, support agriculture and mining, stand up for rural communities, and fight for the constitutional freedoms that matter to Arizona families. Good policy only matters if you can move it, pass it, and put it into law.”
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 Terri Jo Neff | Nov 13, 2022 | News
By Terri Jo Neff |
Opening day for the first regular session of the 56th Legislature is Jan. 9, and the various legislative caucuses are wasting no time getting ready.
On Nov. 10, the Senate Republican Caucus and both Democratic caucuses announced the results of their internal election.
Sen. Warren Petersen was voted in as Senate President after reportedly beating out Sen. David Gowan by one vote. Taking part in the vote were the 15 Republican candidates who clearly won their seats in the General Election along with current LD2 vote leader Steve Kaiser.
In addition, three other Republican candidates (Sen. Nancy Barto, LD4; Robert Scantlebury, LD9; and Gary Garcia Snyder, LD23) were allowed to vote even though they were not leading in their respective races.
Serving with Petersen will be Sen. Sonny Borrelli as Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Sine Kerr as Majority Whip. It is unclear whether any of the declared Republican write-in candidates for LD22 Senate participated in last Thursday’s vote.
Also on Nov. 10, the Arizona Senate Democrats elected Sen. Raquel Terán as Caucus Leader. Her Assistant Leader will be Sen.-elect Mitzi Epstein, with Sen. Lela Alston serving as Democratic Caucus Chair and Sen. Rosanna Gabaldón as Whip.
Meanwhile, the Arizona House Democrats elected Rep. Andrés Cano as their Caucus Leader with Rep-elect Lupe Contreras as Assistant Leader. Rep. Melody Hernandez and Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez will serve as Co-Whips.
The House Republican caucus initially announced its leadership vote for Saturday, but that was put off until Nov. 15 due in part to three legislative districts still being too close to call.
In LD13, the first seat was handily captured by current House member Jennifer Pawlik, a Democrat. But as of press time about 250 votes separate Republicans Liz Harris and Julie Willoughby for the second seat.
In LD16, Republican Teresa Martinez won the first seat, while fellow Republican Rob Hudelson is less than 700 votes behind Democrat Keith Seaman for the second seat.
In LD17, the three top vote getters are separated by only 1,309 votes, with Republican Rachel Jones currently up 833 votes on Republican Cory McGarr, who in turn is up only 476 votes on Democrat Dana Allmond.
