by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 19, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans were excited to return to work at the state legislature for another year.
Earlier this week, the Arizona Legislature restarted its engines for the beginning of the 57th Regular Session, commencing the third year of a divided state government between Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs.
State Representative Quang Nguyen posted, “Getting ready for the opening day, AZ Legislature.”
Nguyen also said, “I look forward to this 2025 session as Chairman of Judiciary Committee. Nothing radical will survive my shredder.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Happy Opening Day Arizona!”
Representative Rachel Jones shared the oath of office with a picture of her being sworn into the new term: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of House Representative according to the best of my ability, so help me God.”
Senator Janae Shamp was honored with the position of her chamber’s Majority Leader, becoming the third female in that role in the state’s storied history. The X account for the Arizona Senate Republicans wrote, “Today, Senator Shamp made history as only the third female Majority Leader of the Arizona Senate! At the Senate Opening Day Ceremony, Majority Leader Shamp had the distinct honor of introducing State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, formerly known as Senate Majority Leader Yee from 2017-2019. Majority Leader Shamp joins the ranks of Kimberly Yee and the legendary Sandra Day O’Connor as just one of three women to serve as the Arizona Senate Majority Leader in Arizona history. This achievement marks a significant step forward for women in political leadership positions, setting the stage by inspiring future generations of women in leadership.”
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee shared praise for Shamp, saying, “It was an honor to recognize Senator Shamp as the 3rd female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona’s history. As the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader, I was honored to congratulate Leader Shamp on this accomplishment and offer her words of wisdom as she begins this important role.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick posted, “Earlier today, I took my oath to uphold our state’s and US Constitution and laws governing us against foreign and domestic enemies. It is an honor to serve my second term in the State Senate representing District 2. Thank you to everyone who helped us retain this legislative seat.”
Representative Michael Carbone added, “Honored to be sworn in as Majority Leader in the State House this past Monday, along with these fellow State Representatives and Senator. We’re ready to get to work!”
State Representative Michele Peña wrote, “I’m privileged and honored to have been sworn in last Monday to represent LD 23 for two more years. Thank you to my constituents, friends and family for your support. I’m ready to continue working hard for you.”
Representative Justin Olson stated, “It was an honor to be sworn in to the 57th Arizona State Legislature today! I look forward to serving my constituents while working to protect and preserve the conservative principles of our country’s founding. We are so blessed to live in a land where freedom reigns!”
These Republicans – and the others in their caucuses – will be counted upon to hold the line against their Democrat counterparts and Governor Katie Hobbs in, what will certainly be, another contentious installment of an Arizona state government.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
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.
by Daniel Stefanski | Nov 30, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A legal verdict for a case with national attention earned responses from some Arizona officials.
Last week, the trial for Laken Riley’s murderer concluded, with a guilty verdict and the sentence imposed. Riley, a young nursing student, rose to national prominence posthumously, after she was horrifically and tragically killed by an illegal immigrant on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp reacted to the news, writing, “Justice for Laken! I still don’t have the words to describe how sickened I’ve been following this trial, but the monster who killed her will now forever be behind bars! My heart hurts for Laken Riley’s family as there isn’t a verdict or sentence that will take away their pain and heartache.”
Shamp added, “Criminals and murderers don’t have a place in our country, and I pray no other family ever has to endure this type of horrific tragedy again. President Trump’s inauguration cannot come soon enough!”
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Senate President Warren Petersen said, “While Laken Riley’s family received justice, they will forever live with this heartbreaking and senseless loss because the United States federal government failed to enforce the law and protect our citizens. We must do everything in our power to secure the border and remove these criminals from our communities to prevent similar heinous attacks from threatening innocent American lives. I’m confident President Trump and his Administration will do just that, and the Republican-led Arizona Legislature stands ready to help in this critical endeavor.”
State Senator Shawnna Bolick told AZ Free News that, “Far too often we have seen countless issues stem from illegal immigration, including the senseless murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. Throughout the investigation it was apparent no verdict could ease the pain of the community or the heartbreak felt by her loved ones from this tragic incident. While last week’s verdict closes the chapter of Laken’s death, another angel family has sadly been born. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child.”
Republican State Representative Travis Grantham said, “I’m glad the murderer has been convicted but he never should have been here to begin with. The entire Biden administration has her blood on their hands. What happened to her is a disgrace.”
President-Elect Donald J. Trump, who has promised to renew his efforts to secure the border when his second term in the White House begins in January, also responded to the verdict, saying, “JUSTICE FOR LAKEN RILEY! The Illegal who killed our beloved Laken Riley was just found GUILTY on all counts for his horrific crimes. Although the pain and heartbreak will last forever, hopefully this can help bring some peace and closure to her wonderful family who fought for Justice, and to ensure that other families don’t have to go through what they have. We love you, Laken, and our hearts will always be with you. It is time to secure our Border, and remove these criminals and thugs from our Country, so nothing like this can happen again!”
Most – if not all – of the reactions for this verdict from Arizona public officials appeared to be from Republicans, with Democrats remaining silent in the aftermath of this case.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Nov 17, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Fresh off their successful efforts to keep a majority in the Arizona Legislature, Senate Republicans voted to keep their chamber’s leader for another term in office.
On Tuesday, Senate President Warren Petersen won reelection from his colleagues in the chamber. Petersen faced a brief challenge from another member, but earlier that day, it was reported that the incumbent president would have a clear field to the nomination.
In a statement after his victory, Petersen said, “My esteemed colleagues of the AZ Senate have re-elected me by acclimation as Senate President. I am grateful for their confidence. The media got something right. This is the most conservative legislature in history. We will continue to deliver a conservative agenda that will protect liberty and promote prosperity.”
Petersen added, “With our expanded majority we will make sure our communities are safe and that our kids have the best educational opportunities possible. We will continue to lower taxes and eliminate government waste. We will work with the Trump administration to make sure our border is safe. We will secure our water supplies and our elections.”
Senator Janae Shamp was elected as the Majority Leader, and Senator Frank Carroll as the Majority Whip.
Shamp wrote, “I am truly honored and humbled by the trust The Republican Majority Caucus has placed in me to lead the Arizona State Senate. Together, we will work toward policies that strengthen Arizona, promote opportunity for all, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and personal responsibility. We will move forward with a united vision, grounded in our shared values, and with a commitment to serving the people of Arizona with integrity and purpose.”
Both Petersen and Shamp are two of the most conservative members of the Arizona Senate. According to the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, Shamp has a 93% lifetime score, and Petersen has a 94% score. Senator Carroll also checked in with a 96% score in the 2024 legislative session.
The leadership elections for Republicans in the Arizona Senate this month marked a drastic change from two years ago, when Petersen faced large uncertainty due to races that had not been called yet and a very competitive challenge for the role of the chamber’s President. Since winning that election and becoming Senate President, though, Petersen has staked a claim to his leadership responsibilities, He has united his caucus in deft opposition to Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs’ radical agenda, managed to advance some conservative priorities in the face of a bitterly divided Arizona government, and joined state and national efforts to defend several laws in the absence of Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Petersen also spent much of his time in the lead-up to the November General Election campaigning for vulnerable and new members of his conference, earning even more goodwill among Republicans. Despite vicious attempts from local and national Democrats to overturn control of the state legislature, Petersen’s efforts to keep the majority paid off in a big way as Republicans expanded their majority after votes across the state were eventually tabulated.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Nov 13, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved a border security proposal in the November General Election.
Last week, Proposition 314 passed in the state of Arizona with more than 62% of the vote. The measure, which was referred by the Arizona Legislature earlier this year “makes it a crime for persons not lawfully present in the United States to submit false information in applications for public benefits and employment, and to enter Arizona outside ports of entry, or refuse to comply with orders to return; [and] criminalizes selling fentanyl that causes the death of a person.”
Republican state Senator Janae Shamp, who was instrumental in the policy within the proposition, issued a comment after the result, saying, “Our state law enforcement asked me to create this measure because their hands were tied when it came to protecting our communities from the atrocious Biden-Harris border crisis. When Governor Hobbs chose to ignore our laws, our law enforcement, and our state’s citizens by vetoing the Secure the Border Act, I knew sending it to the ballot was necessary. It’s what the people of Arizona wanted, and now, they’ve spoken.”
Shamp added, “The people of Arizona want safe communities again. Communities free of crime, deadly drugs, sex trafficking, murder, and harmful fraud. I’m proud to have sponsored this measure and to have seen it through to pass at the polls, but I was merely doing what I promised to do when I was sworn into office. I will always fight for what’s best for Arizonans! In this case, I believe it’s also what’s best for our country.”
After a state superior court judge ruled against efforts to keep the measure from the ballot in July, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen reacted to the decision in a statement, emphasizing the importance of the proposition being enacted by voters. He said, “It’s unthinkable Democrats and our Governor would stand with Biden and radical left activists, instead of the hardworking Arizona families who are begging for their elected leaders to secure our border and promote safety within our communities. As expected, the court ruled in favor of sanity instead of chaos, and we’re grateful we are able to provide this opportunity to voters to have the final say on.”
In June, former President Donald J. Trump was asked about this ballot measure when he was in Arizona for a campaign stop. He replied, “I endorse anything that is going to make it more difficult for people to come into our country illegally.”
The efforts from Arizona legislators to send this referral to state voters came months after Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed SB 1231, the Arizona Border Invasion Act, which would have “ma[de] it unlawful for a person who is an alien (unlawful immigrant) to enter Arizona from a foreign nation at any location other than a lawful port of entry and outline[d] penalties for violations of illegally entering Arizona and provide[d] immunity from civil liability and indemnification for state and local government officials, employees and contractors who enforce this prohibition” – according to the purpose from the state Senate.
Senator Janae Shamp, the sponsor of SB 1231, had vowed in the aftermath of the governor’s veto that members of her party would continue to push forward solutions to combat the border crisis. Republicans in both the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate came together to pass HCR 2060 in the spring, sending the border-related policies to the November General Election ballot.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
