by Staff Reporter | Mar 9, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation to establish a memorial license plate honoring the late Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder, Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was assassinated last September while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s assassin, Tyler Robinson, was motivated by Kirk’s Christianity and conservatism. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the ongoing case.
Hobbs said license plates should remain nonpartisan, though she said she condemned the political violence that killed Kirk.
Gubernatorial candidate, Congressman Andy Biggs blasted Hobbs’ veto.
“Charlie Kirk was one of America’s most influential voices and leaders. He made his home in Arizona, building a company and raising a family in this state before he was assassinated because of his political beliefs,” said Biggs. “Katie Hobbs had a chance to honor Charlie and she vetoed it. A simple license plate for Arizonans to show they stand with Charlie for freedom and Katie Hobbs vetoed it. We should not forget this petty and callous act.”
“Charlie Kirk’s assassination is tragic and a horrifying act of violence. In America, we resolve our political differences at the ballot box. No matter who it targets, political violence puts us all in harm’s way and damages our sacred democratic institutions,” said Hobbs. “I will continue working toward solutions that bring people together, but this bill falls short of that standard by inserting politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan.”
The state does offer at least one other license plate that could be considered partisan: Arizona Life Coalition has a “Choose Life” license plate.
Hobbs has exhibited zero tolerance for advocacy for political violence in her office. Months into office, Hobbs’ press secretary at the time, Josselyn Berry-Barker, resigned after promoting the shooting of those opposed to transgenderism.
Several months after her resignation, Berry posted on Threads that she wasn’t “sorry for sh*t,” and bragged about her immediate hiring by the progressive nonprofit, ProgressNow, which reportedly hired her on with a six-figure salary. According to her social media and LinkedIn posts, Berry no longer lives in Arizona, is no longer employed with that nonprofit, and has been out of work since early 2025.
Sen. Jake Hoffman, the bill sponsor, issued a response calling Hobbs “hypocritical” and partisan for her veto. Hoffman said Hobbs’ reduction of Kirk’s legacy to partisanship was an inappropriate diminishment of his impact on civic education and voter turnout.
“Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader — an Arizona resident and her own constituent — being assassinated in broad daylight for his defense of the First Amendment, Hobbs couldn’t find the human decency to put her far-left extremism aside simply to allow those who wish to honor him to do so,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman cited other cases of the memorialization of individuals that could be said to invoke partisanship, such as the freeway named after Democratic Congressman Ed Pastor.
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by Ethan Faverino | Mar 9, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) strongly condemned Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1439, a measure he sponsored that would have authorized an optional specialty license plate to honor the late Charlie Kirk and support related efforts.
In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs stated that the legislation “inserts politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan.”
Governor Hobbs just vetoed a specialty plate “For Charlie” that was passed by the Arizona Legislature,” tweeted Turning Point Action’s CEO Tyler Bowyer. “They’re very worried about Arizonans wanting to support the cause of Charlie.”
Hoffman, who is closely associated with Turning Point, called this reasoning hypocritical, deeply disappointing, and inconsistent with Arizona’s long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals and causes through state designations, including specialty license plates.
“Katie Hobbs’ grotesque partisanship knows no bounds,” stated Senator Hoffman in a press release condemning the Governor’s decision. “Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader — an Arizona resident and her own constituent — being assassinated in broad daylight for his defense of the First Amendment, Hobbs couldn’t find the human decency to put her far-left extremism aside simply to allow those who wish to honor him to do so. Katie Hobbs will forever be known as a stain on the pages of Arizona’s story.”
Senator Hoffman highlighted the inconsistency in Hobbs’ position, noting that Arizona has historically honored public figures across the political spectrum without similar objections. “It’s absolutely absurd for Hobbs to suddenly claim that honoring someone through a state recognition is ‘too political.’ Arizona highways, buildings, and memorials have been named after elected officials and public figures for decades,” added Senator Hoffman. Congressman Ed Pastor, a proud Democrat, has a freeway named in his honor. No one suggested that recognition was inappropriate simply because he held political views.”
Arizona currently offers dozens of voluntary specialty license plates supporting various causes and organizations, allowing drivers to opt in and contribute if they choose. SB 1439 would have provided the same opportunity to honor Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk inspired millions of young Americans to engage in their communities, exercise their First Amendment rights, and participate in our democratic system,” continued Hoffman. “Hobbs’ veto sends a chilling message that honoring someone who championed free speech is unacceptable if their views do not align with her political ideology. This was a simple, voluntary way for Arizonans to honor a man whose life’s work centered on civic engagement and the peaceful exchange of ideas. Katie Hobbs chose petty politics instead.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 27, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona Senate approved legislation to facilitate coordination between law enforcement and federal immigration agents.
SB 1055 passed 16-11, with all Republicans in support and all Democrats against.
The bill requires law enforcement to notify either Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immediately following the arrest of an individual who is discovered to be an illegal alien.
The bill sponsor, Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), says this will give law enforcement the sense of security they deserve to appropriately process individuals with deportation orders. Rogers said her legislation was necessary to support safe neighborhoods and consistent enforcement within public safety.
“When someone is under arrest and unlawfully present in our country, law enforcement should never have to hesitate, second-guess, or worry about whether doing the right thing will jeopardize their career,” said Rogers. “For too long, unclear policies and political pressure have created confusion that undermines public safety and puts officers in an impossible position.”
Given the partisan nature of the bill, it’s highly likely the legislation will die under Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto pen should it pass the House.
The first to speak against the bill during Monday’s floor vote was Assistant Minority Leader Catherine Miranda (D-LD11). She said the bill wasn’t needed. Miranda discouraged the idea that Arizona law enforcement needs to support ICE in deportation proceedings, since ICE agents were “terrorizing” communities across the nation.
“[SB1055 is] unnecessary and strives to increase fear in communities and empowers all law enforcement to act as ICE agents,” said Miranda.
During the committee hearing on the bill last month, Miranda said she carries all of her sensitive personal documents in her car — her birth certificate, Social Security card, and passport — just in case law enforcement questions her citizenship.
Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales (D-LD20) claimed the bill would cause racial profiling.
“Our communities are already, you know, not feeling well, not wanting to go to work, school, or otherwise because of what is happening in our communities with the federal immigration process that’s happening in and around our communities,” said Gonzales.
Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-LD24) called it an “anti-public safety bill” and “cruel.” Ortiz said the detainment facilities were “death camps.” She opposed the concept of deporting illegal aliens
“It is going to invite a violent, armed paramilitary force to have more unnecessary interactions with our communities,” said Ortiz. “ICE out of Arizona, ICE out of our communities.”
Similarly, Sen. Lauren Kuby (D-LD8) said ICE was too dangerous and relying on poorly trained and violent forces.
Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) said it was effective government to have local law enforcement cooperating with federal law enforcement. Kavanagh lamented the likely veto from Hobbs.
“People who are accused of being here illegally need to be brought to justice,” said Kavanagh. “We shouldn’t be trying to hamper [the lawful execution of our laws].”
Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) reminded his colleagues across the aisle that the bill impacts individuals who were already arrested for committing a crime and in custody.
“It’s absurd that you would not want the criminals who come over illegally removed from this country. Apparently it’s just lawlessness run amok in this chamber. We are hearing [Democrats] advocate for not turning over illegal alien criminals to federal immigration law enforcement,” said Hoffman.
As a response to Democratic lawmakers citing the Minnesota deaths of anti-ICE activists Alexi Pretti and Renee Good, Hoffman read off a handful of the names of individuals murdered by illegal aliens, which prompted an outburst from the audience.
Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18) dismissed Hoffman’s list of victims, saying all illegal aliens who committed those crimes were facing charges unlike the officers involved in the Pretti and Good deaths. Sundareshan took issue that individuals arrested for civil violations, not just criminal violations, may face deportation.
“In this country we are innocent until proven guilty,” said Sundareshan.
Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-LD12) said this would allow “perfectly innocent” individuals to be arrested and attacked.
“ICE has become an agency of thugs who do not follow the law,” said Epstein. “I am afraid of ICE agents.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by AZ Free Enterprise Club | Feb 26, 2026 | Opinion
By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |
It’s not an accident that the top issue talked about by politicians these days is affordability. Over the last 5 years the cost of pretty much everything has gone through the roof, largely caused by the trillions in reckless spending by Joe Biden and the Democrats in Washington.
Taming inflation must remain our top economic priority, and the good news is that Arizona Republicans are taking meaningful steps to bring costs down. After adopting a 2.5% flat income tax under Governor Doug Ducey in 2022, state lawmakers have fought to slash grocery taxes, residential rental taxes and eliminate regulations that are driving up the cost of energy and housing.
Yet while the Republican controlled legislature is doing everything it can to make sure hardworking taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, municipalities throughout Arizona are passing an avalanche of tax and fee increases that are costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year…
>>> CONTINUE READING >>>
by Ethan Faverino | Feb 23, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona Senate Republicans passed two measures to commemorate the life, contributions, and enduring legacy of late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The bills, SB 1010 and SB 1439, recognize Kirk’s dedication to promoting civic engagement, free speech, faith, liberty, patriotism, and traditional values, particularly amongst young Americans.
Sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), SB 1010 designates the Loop 202 as the “Charlie Kirk Loop 202.” The bill requires the new designation to appear in all official state records, documents, and reports related to the loop.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will install appropriate signage reflecting the name. Importantly, the designation does not supersede any existing names assigned (such as Red Mountain Freeway, Santan Freeway, and Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway) and is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on the state’s general fund.
“Charlie devoted his life to public discourse and political participation,” said President Petersen, in a press release announcing the passing of the bills. “He believed Americans could disagree and still engage one another civilly and respectfully. He encouraged people, especially young people, to get involved in civic life and help shape the future of their communities. Designating Loop 202 ensures his contribution to civic engagement and public participation won’t be forgotten. Let this name stand as a daily reminder of the importance of promoting American ideals.”
SB 1439, sponsored by Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15), establishes a “Conservative Grassroots Network” memorial specialty license plate, creating an opportunity for Arizonans to support the legacy and mission of Charlie Kirk. To initiate the program, a qualifying entity must provide $32,000 to the Department of Transportation for implementation, after which the payer may design the plate (subject to departmental approval).
Proceeds generated by the plate will be directed toward educating and empowering students—particularly on high school and college campuses—advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring its continued impact.
“These bills exist because Charlie intentionally built something far bigger than himself. The world will never truly understand the magnitude of the loss we suffered, but Charlie’s legacy was never meant to end with his life,” said Hoffman. “He fought tirelessly for the soul of America and inspired tens of millions to stand boldly for truth, faith, and freedom. His voice was not silenced—it was multiplied. His legacy lives on, his voice is stronger than ever, and today we recognize that we are now the movement he began. This legislation turns his sacrifice into action and ensures that the mission God placed on his heart continues to grow. Thanks to Charlie, America is being called back to its rightful place—a shining city upon a hill, fortified by conviction, faith, and courage.”
Both SB 1010 and SB 1439 passed the Senate on February 18 and now move to the House for further consideration.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
