by Staff Reporter | Apr 30, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona Republican Party’s former treasurer and GOP candidate for the 2026 state treasurer’s race warned lawmakers against Governor Hobbs’ nominee for the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI).
In a letter to Arizona state senators, state treasurer candidate Elijah Norton said that Hobbs’ DIFI nominee, Barbara Richardson, not only displayed troubling behavior during her two Director Nominations (DINO) committee hearings but had a poor performance record as director of DIFI. Norton owns multiple insurance and insurance-related businesses regulated by DIFI — some of which he says have been targeted by Richardson in the past.
Norton alleged that Richardson retaliated against him for testifying before DINO against her by asking the agency she formerly led — the Nevada Department of Insurance (NDI) — to investigate him. Norton said that one week after his DINO testimony, his company received an email from NDI demanding an National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) biographical affidavit.
“I believe that Ms. Richardson contacted a mid-level sympathetic bureaucrat in her old office and asked them to do this in retaliation for the well-documented part I played in bringing several issues to light that resulted in her failing the DINO confirmation vote,” said Norton.
Norton further attested that one day after he went public to Arizona lawmakers and political leaders about the NDI request he believed was prompted by Richardson, NDI called him to retract their request and ask instead for his Social Security number — information which NDI has had on file for over a decade, per Norton.
“The person on the phone sounded very nervous, and it appeared to me they were trying to ‘cover their tracks,’” said Norton.
According to Norton, this retaliation wasn’t new to him — or others. Norton also alleged Richardson targeted not only him but Barry Goldwater Jr. (son of late Senator Barry Goldwater) in the past with “regulatory retaliation.” According to Norton, Richardson banned him from calling the NDI while she was the Nevada Insurance Commissioner because he challenged a certain regulation. Goldwater Jr. allegedly faced similar problems after he voiced his opposition to Richardson to Arizona Senate leadership.
“[I] pushed back on a ridiculous minor change on a form that was going to cost my company over $10,000 and over 100 hours of time due to one of her unreasonable bureaucrats wanting me to underline one immaterial sentence — that would require me resubmitting the form to all of the various states. The requested change wasn’t even contained in the statute, rather the bureaucrat relied on the ‘promulgation clause’ (resembling the way she abused SERFF in Arizona),” stated Norton. “She retaliated by sending me a letter saying I was ‘banned’ from calling the Nevada DOI (despite paying them over $1,000 per year in regulatory fees), simply because I pushed back against an unreasonable regulation – violating my constitutional rights. This is the only time in my entire career this has occurred before and since.”
Norton also alleged Nevada lost its NAIC accreditation under Richardson, but available records reflect the state maintained its accreditation.
Norton also revisited key points of concern raised by Republican lawmakers over Richardson’s time as DIFI director during the first DINO hearing last month. Hobbs appointed Richardson to the DIFI position in March 2023.
In the first DINO hearing, Richardson was questioned about her service as chairwoman to a NAIC committee which considered variable insurance pricing based on race. The committee dissolved a day before her first DINO hearing last month.
That first hearing also revealed that, under Richardson’s directorship, System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing (SERFF) abuse occurred, significant increases to licensing times piled on, and services rendered decreased continually — of note, DIFI was found to have restricted its licensing hotline to voicemail only at certain times under Richardson’s tenure.
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by Matthew Holloway | Feb 16, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona legislature has passed the combined SB 1011 / HB 2703, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk. SB 1011 and HB 2703 would streamline the state’s election day processes to dramatically speed up election results and bring frustrated voters same-day returns.
To achieve the desired result of a speedier and more precise election outcome, the bills cut off all ballot drop-offs at collection locations to the Friday prior to election day and require voters in Arizona’s most populous counties to confirm their address every election cycle to receive a ballot by mail. For more sparsely populated counties, this would be every four years.
Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, celebrated the passage of the bill saying, “After one too many Election Nights (and weeks) of delayed results, Arizona legislators have done the right thing, crafting a bill that gives our state same-day results.”
He added, “Voters are exhausted of watching this slow-motion train wreck every November. Other states have same-day election results, and it is high time that Arizona enters the 21st Century in this regard. We call on Governor Katie Hobbs to sign this carefully crafted and negotiated bill into law.”
Following the passage of the bill in the State Senate, President Warren Petersen told Fox10, “After the election, we heard from our constituents who were extremely frustrated after waiting days and days to find out who won the election. The first bill to hit the Governor’s desk is a bill that will give us election results the night of the election.”
In a post to X, the AZGOP hailed the passage of the bill and demanded that Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs sign the bill writing, “GREAT NEWS FOR ARIZONA! Both the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate have passed the bill that would give our voters SAME-DAY results in future elections. This is what the people of Arizona have asked for, and our legislators have delivered. Now, it’s up to @GovernorHobbs to listen to the voices of Arizonans who are tired of waiting days and days for the results of critical election races. Governor, leave your partisan politics outside your office and SIGN THE BILL!”
On Friday, the party account posted morning, afternoon and evening calling upon Hobbs to sign the bill and “Give Arizona same-day election results!”
As reported by Fox, Hobbs has voiced serious opposition to the bill, arguing that it makes it harder to vote by cutting off early drop-off and effectively shuttering the state’s Active Early Voting List. “Legislators are attempting to jam through a partisan bill that guts vote by mail and makes it harder to vote,” she claimed. “I offered common sense compromises to count votes faster, and they were rejected. I refuse to let extremists make it harder for Arizonans to vote.”
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 22, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The inauguration of President Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was the most prominent over-arching news story of the day on Monday. The reactions of Arizona’s elected leaders ranged from joy, excitement, and relief to cautious rapprochement, vehement rejection, petulant accusations, and denial.
Support for Trump by Republican members of Congress and other prominent figures has been consistent in Arizona, while unexpectedly some Democrats have taken a moderate, even conciliatory stance toward the President.
Tucson-area Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani posted from within the Rotunda writing, “Honored to attend the inauguration of our 47th President — Donald J. Trump! And I look forward to working together and delivering for the American people[.] Congratulations, President Trump!”
In a subsequent ‘selfie’ with Trump, Ciscomani quoted the President’s inaugural address writing, “’In America, the impossible is what we do best.’ —President Donald J. Trump [.] Now we get to work fighting for the American Dream!”
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) posted to the social network writing, “It’s a new day in America. Our long nightmare is soon over. 4 yrs of divisiveness, failures, corruption, weakness will be replaced w/ hope, strength, prosperity & American greatness. I look forward to working w/Pres Trump 2 make the future of this great country great, once again.”
Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) told AZCentral, “As President Trump retakes office, here’s my promise: I’ll work to find common ground when it’s in Arizona’s best interest.” Stanton emphasized that he would remain loyal to the “fundamental freedoms,” of Arizonans.
District 5 Republican Andy Biggs, who announced his exploration of a gubernatorial run on Tuesday, posted “Hail to the Chief,” and told Trump, “Welcome back, Mr. President.”
Freshman Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh appeared with Trump’s Voice of America Director Designee Kari Lake in a Newsmax spot during the President’s arrival at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He shared video to X writing, “We will pass President Trump’s America First Agenda as quickly as possible.”
During the inaugural festivities, District 4 Rep. Eli Crane wrote, “We made it. Today is January 20th, and Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States. The greatest political comeback of all time. Now the real work begins. Let’s go!”
He added a short panoramic video of the Capital Rotunda’s interior in the lead up to the ceremony adding, “So thankful to all of the Arizonans that put in the work to get to this moment.”
Meanwhile Freshman Democrat Rep. Yassamin Ansari ,who took the seat of now-Senator Ruben Gallego, blew off the inauguration, eschewing it for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event in Phoenix. Posting to X, Ansari derisively noted the attendance of big tech figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, X’s Elon Musk, and Google’s Sundar Pichai: “Nothing to see here… just Donald Trump’s inauguration… front row featuring the richest men on Earth excited to get even richer at the expense of working people.”
Follow Democrat Rep. Raúl Grijalva issued a call for his fellow radical leftists to resist Trump writing, “Democrats must stand up to Trump’s worst impulses and grifting tendencies if we are to come away from this a stronger, more prosperous nation.” He also criticized Trump for his recent successful meme-coin launch, calling it a “brazen and unethical money grab.”
Sharing video of the historic moment, the AZGOP called Trump’s inauguration, “The beginning of a new era for this country!”
Pointedly, the Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) opted not to mark the inauguration at all with neither a post to social media nor a press release on its website. Rather, the ADP chose to publish a post honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. almost as if in denial that the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States happened.
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 3, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. His death followed nearly two years in hospice care and the death of his wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at age 96 in November 2023. In response to Carter’s passing, Arizona political leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties offered rare and non-partisan expressions of sympathy and mourning.
The Arizona Republican Party succinctly posted, “Rest in Peace President Carter,” a simple direct message to address the passing of a political opponent.
The Arizona Democratic Party meanwhile offered a lengthier post writing, “The Arizona Democratic Party mourns the passing of Jimmy Carter, a man of profound humility, compassion, and dedication to humanity. President Carter moved our nation forward, from brokering peace in the Middle East to championing women’s rights.”
Arizona Senate Democrats courted controversy in their post writing, “Rest in Power,” as opposed to the traditional “Rest in Peace.”
One commenter replied, “Rest in power? Don’t disrespect a legendary man by saying something he wouldn’t have said. Recognize him for who he was.” Another chastised the AZ Senate Dems writing, “What dei hire wrote this? Rest in power? Lame.”
Embattled Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs offered the following: “President Jimmy Carter lived an exemplary life of service, fighting for peace and prosperity across the globe. On behalf of the State of Arizona, we send our love to the Carter Family and the millions worldwide whose lives are better because of President Carter’s legacy.”
Arizona’s Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes wrote a lengthier post, sharing the story from The Washington Post: “America has lost a true servant leader. President Jimmy Carter’s century-long life was defined by his integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving his country and his fellow man.”
She continued, “From his military service to his leadership in the White House — and his tireless work with Habitat for Humanity and global humanitarian efforts — he showed us what it truly means to live for others. Rest in peace, President Carter.”
Democrat Senator Mark Kelly highlighted Carter’s philanthropy after his presidency, in addition to his human rights work writing, “Always humble, President Carter showed us that public service isn’t limited to elected office. He leaves a legacy not just as a president, but as a great American who wore the uniform, built homes for his neighbors, and worked for human rights across the globe.”
Senator-elect Ruben Gallego, like his fellow Democrat Kelly, offered a short post of condolences writing, “A life dedicated to peace, justice, and compassion. Rest in peace, President Jimmy Carter. Sydney and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family.”
Democrat Congressman Greg Stanton released a statement addressing Carter’s service as a naval officer, the Governor of Georgia, and his presidency. He wrote, “Above all, he was an honorable man with unimpeachable character. Guided by his deep Christian faith, he built homes for the needy and taught Sunday School well into his 90s. He set a fine example for each of us for what it means to love thy neighbor.”
On the Republican side of Congress, Congressman Andy Biggs called upon supporters to join in prayer “for the friends and family of President Jimmy Carter.” He wrote in full, “Please join me in praying for the friends and family of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter passed away this afternoon at the age of 100. I pray that peace surrounds all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.”
Congressman-elect Abe Hamadeh also highlighted Carter’s humanitarian work writing, “Yesterday, we lost a great humanitarian. President Jimmy Carter was a proud Navy veteran and compassionate humanitarian. He dedicated his life to serving his country and community. His legacy of kindness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, President Carter.”
Rep. Juan Ciscomani kept his comment brief and simply stated, “May he rest in peace.”
Carter’s upcoming state funeral is slated for January 9th and could potentially run for ten days until the 19th, just one day prior to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Amidst calls from the radical left for Trump to be barred from the proceedings, Arizona’s political figures largely kept remarks on the death of Carter civil and solemn in an example the rest of the nation could hopefully follow.
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 Daniel Stefanski | Dec 27, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
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!!!”
State Representative Teressa Martinez wrote, “Gina Swoboda has done an amazing job and I absolutely back her for Chairwoman of the AZGOP!”
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!”
State Senators Wendy Rogers and Frank Carroll also weighed in with their support for Swoboda’s candidacy.
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!”
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!”
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.
