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 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.
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