by Matthew Holloway | Feb 6, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
On Monday night, hundreds of protesters organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation took to the streets of Phoenix. They marched against the mass deportation policy of the Trump administration in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Central Avenue and the Capitol Museum.
The demonstrators blocked traffic and paraded with obscene signs and Mexican flags. The protests, which included several distinct marches throughout the city, were part of a “Day Without Immigrants,” opposed to the enforcement of U.S. immigration law. AZ Central reported that several incidents of reckless driving near a protest at 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road were observed with at least one person detained by Arizona State Troopers after fireworks were set off in the street. The radical leftist group posted to Instagram on Sunday, “Join us tomorrow to stand against the attacks on our communities. We refuse to let ICE tear apart our families and terrorize our people. Arizona says NO to raids, NO to deportations, NO to family separation!”
AZCentral noted that, among the signs visible, some read: “Families belong together” and “Donald Trump is a racist to all nations,” as well as “No more ICE,” “Don’t bite the hands that feed you,” “We speak for those that can’t” and “Mexicans Aren’t Going Anywhere.”
Metro Light Rail service was impacted by the protestors taking over the intersection as they approached Monterey Park, as reported by Arizona Family. ABC15 reported that the intersection was later closed by Phoenix Police responding to “reckless and unsafe” activity there.
Arizona Senator Wendy Rogers posted video of the march in front of the Capitol Museum, referring the gathering to ICE writing, “Hey @ICEgov! Right now. One-stop shop our in front of the @azcapitolmuseum”
Independent journalist ‘The Stu Studio’ posted a video of protestors to X chanting “Chinga La Migra!” which roughly translates to “F**k the Border Patrol,” in front of the ICE field office in Phoenix.
A Phoenix Police Spokesman Sgt. Robert Scherer told AZCentral that Phoenix PD was notified of the protest in advance and had officers monitoring the situation. “The Phoenix Police Department respects the rights of all community members to peacefully express their first amendment rights,” he said in a statement.
“To ensure the safety of our community, resources were organized, and we began to monitor activity related to this event,” said Scherer. “This included working with our partners with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.”
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 | Jan 31, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Senate Republicans are wasting no time in getting down to business in a new legislative session.
In the recent newsletter published by Arizona Senate Republicans, two legislators reported on the progress made by the caucus in advancing priorities and bills in the first few weeks of the 57th Regular Session.
Senator Janae Shamp wrote, “Senate Republicans have hit the ground running this session, and I’m thrilled to share the 2025 Senate Majority Plan to guide our efforts! With Arizona’s future in mind, our agenda is built on three unshakable pillars: Securing Our Cities from the Front Door to the Border, Preserving the American Dream in Arizona, and Embracing Federalism and State Sovereignty. We stand on the threshold of possibility, entrusted with a majority that carries the hopes and expectations of every Arizonan.
Shamp added, “This session offers an opportunity to reaffirm the principles that have made Arizona a beacon of freedom and prosperity. As Senate Majority Leader, I am fully committed to advancing these priorities for the benefit of all Arizonans. By the power of the Republican-led Legislature, Arizonans can expect fiscal responsibility and commonsense bills to make it to the Governor’s desk this year. Together, we will remain unified in protecting the freedoms and constitutional rights of every citizen in Arizona.”
Senator Wendy Rogers reported on some of the key bills that her colleagues had already taken action on in various committees across the chamber. She said, “We’ve had a number of Senate bills pass out of their respective committees over the past two weeks. This is an important step in the legislative process because it allows the public and stakeholders to weigh in on legislation. As Chair of the Judiciary & Elections Committee, I’m happy to report SB 1011 passed and continues its journey through the Senate. This will provide voters results on election night, alleviating a lot of frustration and increasing confidence in the system.”
The northern Arizona lawmaker also shared the progress of three additional bills, saying, “My bill, SB 1015, passed out of Government Committee. This legislation prohibits a city, town, or county from imposing a tax or fee on the use of blockchain technology. Additionally, SB 1013 passed out of Government Committee. This bill requires a two-thirds vote of support from a local government before taxes and fees can be raised, or before new taxes can be imposed. In Senate Health Committee, SB 1076 passed and would provide newborn screening for early detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”
Supporters says that despite a divided state government shared with Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, Senate Republicans have deftly managed to defend Arizona’s interests against the chief executive’s attempts to proliferate her radical agenda. They – and Arizona House Republicans – are being counted upon yet again to stand up to Hobbs and to advance key priorities that affect the state’s future.
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 Matthew Holloway | Dec 18, 2024 | News
Matthew Holloway |
Republican Congressman-elect Abe Hamadeh shared an announcement on Monday that he will serve on two of the House of Representative’s most military-centric committees: the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. These appointments will essentially allow the retired Army Reserve Captain & Intelligence Officer to act on matters impacting service members at all stages of their careers—from new recruits to retired veterans.
In a post to X, Hamadeh wrote, “Proud to join my colleagues on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Together with President Trump we will make our warfighters the most powerful force and treat our veterans with the respect they’ve earned.”
According to Politico’s Connor O’Brien, alongside Hamadeh, the House GOP Steering Committee selected seven new members for the Armed Services Committee including Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Mark Messmer (R-IN), John McGuire (R-VA), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Jeff Crank (R-CO).
Responding to the announcement, Arizona Senator Wendy Rogers wrote, “These are the TWO BEST COMMITTEES for Abe to do Arizona and our country GOOD!”
Two days before, Hamadeh congratulated President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Allen Grenell in a post to X writing, “Congratulations to @RichardGrenell, President Trump’s Envoy for Special Missions! Ric has been a loyal supporter and fighter for President Trump and will lead the America First agenda around the world.” The congressman’s new committee roles could result in significant overlap and coordination with Grenell.
Hamadeh, the son of Syrian immigrants, commented on the recent collapse of Bashar Al Assad’s government advising that as the Trump administration considers multi-lateral responses to the successful rebellion, the Turkish government must step up.
He told Fox News, “As we evaluate Turkey’s recent airstrikes on Syrian Kurds and reports of Hamas operatives in Turkey, it’s clear that our alliances must be anchored in mutual respect and shared goals. For decades, Turkey has been a strategic partner, but hosting groups like Hamas without clear steps toward dismantling their operations undermines that relationship. Turkey must seize this opportunity to demonstrate it is committed to fighting terror, not enabling it.”
In an interview with James T. Harris on 550 KFYI, he observed the potential for normalization of relations between the new Syria and Israel after decades of war. “Some people in the Syrian opposition say that they want to normalize relations with Israel. Now if that’s the case, that is going to be a huge seismic shift to have a country that has been at war with Israel for so long normalize ties with Israel,“ he told Harris.
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 | Nov 22, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republican officials have met with the State of Florida’s chief of elections to ascertain necessary changes to their own systems of counting and reporting votes.
On Tuesday, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen led a call with the Florida Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, for the purpose of gleaning information about the Sunshine State’s efficient ballot tabulation for Election Day.
In a post on his X account, Petersen marked the meeting, saying, “Just finished a great meeting with Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and his staff discussing what they do to get election results quickly. As expected a big difference is that we do not have a cutoff for early ballot drop-offs at polling places like they do. But we also learned of other ways to be more efficient. I look forward to passing legislation so that AZ will have election results night of.”
Petersen also thanked the Republicans who joined him on the call, including Representatives Steve Montenegro, John Gillette, Senators Shawna Bolick, John Kavanagh, JD Mesnard, incoming Senator Mark Finchem, Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin, incoming Supervisor Debbie Lesko, and Republican Party of Arizona Chair Gina Swoboda.
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Petersen shared more of his thoughts about the meeting, stating, “What I came away with is that the biggest thing we can do to speed up results, that would be the easiest to implement, would be having a cutoff of 7 p.m. on the Friday before the election to drop off ballots.”
Secretary Byrd acknowledged the meeting on social media, posting, “Yesterday, I and my team at the Florida Secretary of State spoke with legislative leaders from Arizona including the Senate President and Speaker of the House about how Florida’s election code allows for the timely and accurate counting of ballots. We are happy to share the Florida blueprint.”
Senator Bolick, who was also on the call with the Florida Secretary of State, told AZ Free News that, “In the past, I have worked with folks who helped fix the Florida issues. We also have tried different solutions over the past few years only for bills to be vetoed or killed by fellow GOP legislators because they didn’t sponsor the bill. I believe late earlies are the biggest hinderance in getting results on election night. Our voters are tired of being the laughingstock of the country, especially voters in Maricopa County. We shouldn’t be waiting two weeks for results. Early voting ends the Friday before the election as should mail-in ballots.”
Bolick added, “Florida’s voters know they can’t walk their vote by mail ballot into a polling place on election day. They can only walk it into their supervisor’s (aka our recorder’s) office on election day. Voters I have spoken to would be okay modifying these changes if it means getting results on races on election night. I am certain the legislature would be interested in appropriating funds to ensure timely, accurate results.”
State Senator Wendy Rogers also indicated her presence on the call and cheered the opportunity “to learn from Florida’s successes!”
Lesko made sure to note the call on her X account, writing, “Today, I was privileged to join AZ Senate President Warren Petersen, House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Supervisor Thomas Galvin, and several state legislators, on a call with Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd to discuss their policies for elections that have made Florida into an admirable model. Republicans and Democrats must unite to make necessary reforms to Arizona elections. I look forward to working with legislators to accomplish this worthy goal on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.”
Republicans in the Arizona Legislature have vowed to make these reforms their top priority in the next legislative session, which starts in January. However, they are expected to meet resistance from Democrats, especially Governor Katie Hobbs, who has vetoed other commonsense elections bills in her previous two years in office.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
