by Matthew Holloway | May 20, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Police Association endorsed Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani this week as renewed scrutiny emerged over past comments by Democratic congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza supporting reallocating police funding.
The endorsement comes as Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District is expected to remain one of the nation’s most competitive House races heading into the 2026 election cycle.
According to a report published by the Arizona Globe, Mendoza is facing renewed criticism following the resurfacing of comments made during a June 11, 2020, debate hosted by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission for Legislative District 11 candidates.
In footage cited by the report, Mendoza discussed policing and public safety amid the nationwide unrest surrounding policing in 2020.
“Seeing a police officer is fear,” Mendoza said during the debate. “There are hundreds of murders at the hands of police brutality.”
The report also cited additional statements attributed to Mendoza criticizing law enforcement and immigration enforcement operations. According to statements circulated by Republican operatives this year and referenced in the report, Mendoza said law enforcement officials “are not going out to catch criminals, as a matter of fact, it’s the complete opposite. And they’re even killing American citizens.”
“Reallocating funds from the police is the same as defunding the police, and everyone with a brain knows that,” RNC spokesman Nick Poche said in a statement, according to the Globe. “Mendoza thinks Arizonans are stupid, but her rabid anti-law enforcement rhetoric speaks for itself, and voters know she’s a defund the police extremist who hates law enforcement.”
The Arizona Globe report stated Mendoza also advocated reallocating portions of police funding toward other community programs during the 2020 debate, aligning with positions associated with the national “defund the police” movement that gained prominence following the death of George Floyd.
Meanwhile, Ciscomani secured the Arizona Police Association’s endorsement this week. In a statement released by the campaign, the organization cited Ciscomani’s record on border security, public safety, and support for law enforcement officers.
Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District remains one of the key battleground districts nationally as Republicans seek to maintain control of the U.S. House and Democrats attempt to reclaim a majority. Ciscomani first won the seat in 2022 and was reelected in 2024 following closely contested races.
In a district where public safety and border security remain major voter concerns, Republicans are likely to use Mendoza’s resurfaced comments aggressively as they seek to hold the seat in 2026.
As of publication, Mendoza’s campaign had not publicly responded to the resurfaced video or criticism surrounding the remarks referenced in the Arizona Globe report.
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 Matthew Holloway | Jan 17, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Sen. Kevin Payne (R-LD27) has introduced legislation he claims will ensure law enforcement’s use of modern crime-fighting technology doesn’t slide into unchecked government surveillance. But critics say otherwise.
The bill, SB 1111, would create statewide standards governing how automated license plate readers, popularly known as Flock cameras, are used by police and other agencies across Arizona. The measure comes as concerns grow among residents and local leaders about the privacy implications of expanding surveillance tech in everyday life.
Under the proposal, data collected by these systems could only be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes, such as solving serious crimes or locating missing and endangered persons. The bill would explicitly ban the use of license plate data for general surveillance, political purposes, or non-law-enforcement activities. In an effort to ensure accountability, it also requires strict access controls, mandatory user training, detailed audit logs, and regular compliance reviews.
“This bill draws a clear line. We’re protecting innocent Arizonans from government overreach while making sure our law enforcement officers have the modern tools they need to keep our communities safe,” Payne said in a statement.
“Arizonans shouldn’t have to choose between their privacy and their security. This bill proves we can do both—defend individual freedom and back the men and women who put their lives on the line every day.”
Critics of the bill believe it is vaguely worded and would open the door to broad government surveillance with few safeguards.
“This is among one of the weakest bills I’ve seen when it comes to regulating license plate readers,” Dave Maass, director of investigations at Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), told the Arizona Mirror. “This bill is not going to do what the author says it is going to do.”
Flock cameras have been under heavy critcism from groups like the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, who wrote in an op-ed in November that “Arizona is home to some of the most Flock-saturated cities in the country.” The group warned that “Flock monitors your movement constantly, often without your knowledge, and always without your consent. You can turn off your phone. You can’t turn off a camera mounted on a pole. Every car you drive and every route you take is automatically logged, creating a permanent record you never agreed to.”
Flock Safety, the company behind the mass surveillance cameras used throughout Arizona, was compromised in December.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the absence of clear statewide guidelines has left residents uncertain about how and when sensitive data is collected, shared, and stored. Some cities and counties have already wrestled with local policies as questions about oversight and civil-liberty protections have surfaced.
Law-enforcement advocates say the technology has helped solve serious crimes and locate missing persons, while acknowledging that clear guardrails are necessary to maintain public trust.
Joe Clure, Executive Director of the Arizona Police Association, stated, “SB 1111 provides the tools law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe while putting firm protections in place against government overreach and privacy assurance to that same community. Cameras used to detect and apprehend suspects are invaluable in maintaining public safety and preventing criminal and terrorist activity. They also aid in the investigation and solving of crimes long after they were committed.”
SB 1111 will now proceed through the legislative process, where it is expected to draw fierce debate over how to strike a balance between crime-fighting effectiveness and individual privacy rights.
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 Matthew Holloway | Jun 5, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick’s recently introduced bill to combat animal cruelty in Arizona was greeted with widespread support from prosecutors and the state’s law enforcement community on Monday.
Letters from Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, the Arizona Police Association, and the Arizona Association of Counties, all urging the passage of SB 1658, were received by members of the Arizona House of Representatives. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell also expressed her support in a recent press conference.
In a post to X, Bolick asked supporters to engage House Leadership in support of the bill which is expected to be voted on this week. She wrote, “The most recent disturbing case of animal abuse, where several dogs were left without food, resorting to feeding on the remains of deceased canines on a property in Gila Bend, highlights the significance of this bill. It’s disheartening to see misinformation clouding a straightforward measure that simply aims to do right by our animals.”
“Under current law, vague definitions can limit our ability to hold offenders accountable in animal cruelty cases. SB 1658 would address some of these shortcomings by providing law enforcement with the legal clarity needed to take action in cases where animals are in need of protection,” Sheridan wrote. “This bill represents a vital step forward in combating the growing issue of animal cruelty.”
The proposed bill, if enacted, would expand the legal definition of animal cruelty “to include failing to provide medical attention and broadens the definition of cruel neglect,” establishing this form of animal cruelty as a class 1 misdemeanor. The new law also expands the definition of cruel neglect to include “failure to provide a domestic animal with:
a) food fit for consumption, as appropriate for the species;
b) water suitable for drinking, as appropriate for the species;
c) access to shelter, except for a dog that primarily resides outdoors; and
d) access to shelter that meets specified requirements, for a dog that primarily resides outdoors.”
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio offered a similar sentiment saying, “As Sheriff of Maricopa County, I saw many egregious animal cruelty cases while fighting crime and working to make our communities safer. We seized a lot of animals during my 24-year tenure as sheriff. I always told my deputies, if they find people breaking laws against animals, there is always room for them in my jails. Let’s not allow people to treat animals in a way that causes them to suffer. Please vote yes on SB 1658 when it comes to the House floor for a vote.”
“Animal abusers are more likely to commit crimes like assault, property offenses, drug offenses, and they do so at higher rates than other defendants,” Mitchell said in a press conference livestreamed to Facebook in February.
Miller added in a statement, “Tougher animal cruelty laws give prosecutors the tools we need to hold offenders accountable and send a clear message: cruelty of any kind has no place in Arizona or in a just society.”
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 | Aug 31, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
A Republican embedded in a Democrat-leaning legislative district is key to her party’s chances of retaining control of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Michele Peña is running for re-election for the state House of Representatives in Arizona Legislative District 23. Though the district leans to the left, Peña surprised many in the state by winning a spot in the chamber during the November 2022 General Election. She will attempt to recreate the same strategy and momentum that previously propelled her campaign to victory.
As a member of the Arizona House, Peña serves as the Vice Chairman of the Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, and on the Education and Regulatory Affairs Committees.
In the primary election on July 30, Peña was the only Republican in the race for state House and finished with more votes than her two eventual Democrat opponents (9,597). After her strong finish, she posted, “Dear friends and supporters, I am incredibly grateful for your overwhelming support and for making me the top primary vote-getter in my race. This accomplishment is a testament to the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and I am deeply honored. A special thank you goes out to everyone in Legislative District 23, in Yuma, Maricopa, Pima and the 2 from Pinal. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our success.”
The election result wasn’t solely for her benefit as Peña makes clear in her continuing statement: “If this trend continues, we will help maintain our majority, ensuring that our values and priorities are well represented. With your continued support, I am committed to serving you with dedication and integrity, just as I have over the past two years. Together, we can achieve even greater things for our community. Thank you once again for your faith in me.”
Peña has a heart for service to her community, which drove her desire to represent the men, women, and children of her district at the Arizona Legislature. On her website, she shares the reason for her motivation to serve, writing, “As the daughter of an immigrant and a resident raised in Yuma with experience in Pima County, love anchors my family in this district. Our priorities are rooted in God, Country, Family, and Community. I’m committed to addressing economic concerns, safeguarding our children, and meeting the unique needs of rural communities.”
The first-term lawmaker adds, “In my role as a representative, I’ve championed these values, winning a write-in race in 2022. I believe in policies that benefit all Arizonans while preserving our freedom and way of life. Your trust and vote for re-election in 2024 would be an honor. God bless Arizona.”
Representative Peña has a heart for the veterans’ community in her district and around the state. Earlier this month, she revealed a meeting with a veteran while campaigning. She said, “As I went door knocking this evening, I met a wonderful veteran who gave me great support. When re-elected, I will continue to work hard for our veterans in the AZ State House.”
She also recently promised to continue to “keep AZ safe & grow our economy” should voters return her to the state legislature, highlighting, “As your State Rep, I’m fighting for a balanced state budget, secure border, resources for law enforcement, & our local businesses.”
Back in June, Peña received the coveted endorsement of the Arizona Police Association.
On Peña’s campaign website, she lists several priorities for her current and future terms in office. The first is education, where she writes that “Your zip code shouldn’t dictate your future, and I will always advocate for choice and access in education.” The second is agriculture, where she writes that “my family’s long-standing connections to southern Arizona and the agricultural industry have provided me with firsthand insight into these issues.” The third is fiscal responsibility, where she writes that “our children’s future shouldn’t be jeopardized for immediate gains.” The fourth is water, where she writes that “water is the lifeblood of our communities, and I will resist any efforts to diminish or restrict water access for the people of Arizona – especially our farmers.” The fifth is health care, where she writes that “Accessible healthcare is crucial, and individuals should not face exploitation by insurance companies or hospitals.” The final issue Peña addresses is opposing corruption, where she writes that “I stand unabashedly opposed to all forms of corruption in our government.”
According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, Legislative District 23 has a competitive vote spread of 16.9% between Democrats and Republicans over the past nine state elections. Out of those elections, Democrats have won all nine contests.
Peña will run in November’s General Election against Democrats Mariana Sandoval and Matias Rosales, who both emerged from the July 30 Primary Election for the Democrat Party. In July, Sandoval obtained 9,194 votes, and Rosales acquired 6,811 votes. James Holmes finished third in the primary, garnering 2,919 votes.
Both Sandoval and Rosales will face off against Peña, who will again employ the “single shot” strategy on behalf of her party in an attempt to keep the Democrat-leaning seat in Republican hands. In November 2022, Peña had more votes than either of her Democrat opponents with 12,850, compared to 10,101 for Sandoval and 8,030 for Jesus Lugo Jr.
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