Author: Christy Kelly

Arizona Democrats Eye Seven Key State House Races in Bid to Claim Majority

Christy Kelly
Arizona Capitol

In Arizona the stakes are high, as the Democrats are attempting to win statewide control of the legislature in Arizona. We previously featured the State Senate races to watch, here we detail the State Houses that are competitive. 

Early ballots for the upcoming elections will be mailed out on October 7. The Arizona State Legislature is currently divided and under Republican control by a narrow margin. Republicans hold a 2-seat majority in the State Senate, while in the State House of Representatives, the Republicans maintain a single-seat edge, meaning Democrats need to flip just one seat in each chamber to achieve a tie and two to take the gavel.

For those who want to get involved, Turning Point Action has launched a major initiative called “Commit 100,” as part of their broader “Chase the Vote” campaign aimed at mobilizing conservative voters in key battleground states like Arizona. This initiative encourages volunteers to chase 100 early ballots and 100 Election Day ballots, focusing on ensuring that low-propensity voters turn out.

The last day to register to vote is October 7. The General Election will be held on November 5.

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JD Vance Tours Ping Facility and Energizes Volunteers at Trump Force 47 Office in Arizona

Christy Kelly
JD Vance

Senator JD Vance (R-OH) visited the PING headquarters in Phoenix on Thursday during his trip to Arizona, highlighting the importance of local manufacturing in driving economic growth and sustaining communities.

JD Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, spent significant time touring the facility, speaking with employees on the assembly line, and learning about their concerns. Many workers shared their appreciation for the company’s family-centered culture, with one employee stating, “People don’t want to leave this company.”

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JD Vance and Charlie Kirk Lead ‘Chase the Vote’ Event at Mesa Church in Arizona, over 500 Volunteers Sign Up

Christy Kelly
JD Vance and Charlie Kirk

At a Turning Point USA event in Mesa, Arizona, on Wednesday, Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) and its founder, Charlie Kirk, took the stage to energize conservative voters ahead of the 2024 elections. In a fireside chat format, both speakers spoke on critical issues such as immigration, crime, and the economy, linking them directly to Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies.

Vance criticized Harris’s handling of immigration, emphasizing the halt on former President Donald Trump’s border wall construction on the first day of her term. He argued that this decision opened the door for cartels and drug dealers to exploit weak border enforcement. “Kamala has Trump’s border wall in her ad, yet she stopped construction on Day 1,” Vance said. He described the disastrous human toll of her policies, claiming, “320,000 kids are missing. This is the wage of Kamala Harris’s border policy.”

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Arizona Voters to Decide on Thirteen Ballot Propositions in 2024

Christy Kelly
Voting Stations

Arizona voters will face thirteen propositions on the 2024 ballot. The Republican-led state legislature referred 11 propositions, covering a range of issues from election reforms to judicial term limits. Notably, two citizen-led initiatives also made the ballot: the Arizona for Abortion Access Act and the Make Elections Fair Act.

Propositions 133-140 are constitutional amendments, while propositions 311-315 are state statutes. 

The full, official language for each proposition on the 2024 Arizona ballot is available on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.

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Arizona State Senator Matt Gress Vows Reforms Following $39 Million Santa Cruz County Treasurer Embezzlement Scandal

Christy Kelly
Santa Cruz County Courthouse

A newly released report from the Arizona Auditor General has unveiled what appears to be a massive financial fraud allegedly orchestrated by former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr, who is accused of embezzling over $39 million from county funds over a ten-year period. The report details a series of unauthorized transactions, falsified documents, and systemic failures in financial oversight that allowed the fraud to continue unchecked.

Republican State Senator Matt Gress told The Arizona Sun Times, “The level of deception involved is staggering.”

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Arizona Legislative Races Heat Up as Democrats Seek Historic Statewide Victory

Christy Kelly
Arizona State Senate

For the first time in a half-century, Democrats are poised to win statewide control in Arizona. Early ballots for the upcoming elections will be mailed out on October 7 as the state braces for some of the most competitive races in recent years.

The Arizona State Legislature is currently divided and under Republican control by a narrow margin. Republicans hold a 2-seat majority in the State Senate, while in the State House of Representatives, the Republicans maintain a single-seat edge, meaning Democrats need to flip just one seat in each chamber to achieve a tie and two to take the gavel.

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RFK Jr. Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Trump

Christy Kelly
Donald Trump Rally Arizona

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he was suspending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. Speaking at a packed press conference in Phoenix, Kennedy cited dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and his promise not to be a spoiler as key factors in his decision.

“These are the principal causes that persuaded me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to throw my support to President Trump,” Kennedy stated. He emphasized that, although he is withdrawing his candidacy vin ten swing states, his name will remain on the ballot in several states, allowing his supporters to continue backing him where their votes are unlikely to sway the outcome.

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U.S. Senate Hopeful Rep. Ruben Gallego’s Record on Public Safety Under Fire Ahead of November Election

Christy Kelly
Ruben Gallego

As voters prepare to cast their vote in the November election, Rep. Ruben Gallego’s (D-AZ-03) record on public safety has emerged as a central issue in the hotly contested U.S. Senate race. Gallego, who has served in Congress since 2015 and previously in the Arizona House of Representatives, faces scrutiny from his opponent, Kari Lake, and other critics over his stance on law enforcement and public safety.

Gallego’s efforts to reform police practices and limit military-grade equipment for law enforcement, as well as his public appearances and fiery social media posts has become a major focus in the contentious Senate campaign.

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Republican Congressional Candidate Abe Hamadeh Demands Accountability After Veteran’s Death at Phoenix VA Hospital

Christy Kelly

Abe Hamadeh, a veteran and Republican candidate for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District is pressing for answers and accountability after a troubling incident at the Phoenix VA Hospital may have contributed to the death of a veteran. The incident prompted the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Denis McDonough, to call for a systemwide review of VA policies.

Abe Hamadeh, told The Arizona Sun Times that it is “encouraging to see the VA taking steps to improve its policies and procedures, but it’s deeply tragic that these changes come only after the loss of one of our nation’s heroes.”

Hamadeh emphasized the importance of proactive measures.

“The life of a veteran is too precious to be the catalyst for change—these brave individuals have already sacrificed so much for our country,” he said.

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Maricopa County Arizona Sheriff Race: High Stakes Amidst New Possible MCSO Sanctions

Christy Kelly
Tyler Kamp, Jerry Sheridan

The 2024 race for Maricopa County Sheriff is shaping up to be a significant battleground, with Republican candidate Jerry Sheridan and Democrat Tyler Kamp emerging as the main contenders. 

Recently, the Melendres Compliance federal oversight of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has recommended new sanctions due to the ongoing failure to resolve a substantial backlog of misconduct complaints. These complaints primarily concern racial profiling and other civil rights violations. Despite years of oversight, the MCSO has not made adequate progress in addressing over 1,400 unresolved complaints. The oversight has cost Arizona taxpayers over $240 million dollars. 

In a statement to The Arizona Sun Times, Sheridan addressed the complexities of federal court oversight on law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding internal investigations. “Federal court oversight is a complicated issue for any organization, especially a law enforcement agency. Internal investigations are necessary to ensure people are doing their jobs right, following policies, and not abusing people’s rights,” Sheridan remarked.

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Ruben Gallego’s Move Toward Moderation Under Fire from Kari Lake as U.S. Senate Race Heats Up

Christy Kelly
Rep. Ruben Gallego

Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03), who was once known for his staunch progressive positions, has notably shifted toward a more centrist approach as he faces Republican Kari Lake in a competitive bid for the U.S. Senate. Gallego, who built his political career championing far-left causes, is recalibrating his platform to appeal to a broader spectrum of Arizona voters. This strategic pivot comes as Republicans increase their voter registration efforts. Gallego aims to counter Lake’s strong conservative base by courting moderate and independent voters in this must-win key battleground state.  According to voter data, Republicans hold a significant lead over registered Democrats, with July being a particularly good month.

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Arizona Governor Hobbs Labels Some Republicans ‘White Supremacists’ in Post-Primary Warning to Voters

Christy Kelly
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement on Tuesday after Arizona’s primary elections, labeling Arizona state Republicans as “insurrectionists, white supremacists, and indicted fake electors.

“Insurrectionists” refers to the January 6 riot. The Supreme Court ruled that federal prosecutors improperly charged hundreds of people with obstruction. The majority opinion noted that the government’s expansive construction “would criminalize a broad swath of prosaic conduct, exposing activists and lobbyists alike to decades in prison.”

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Senator Mark Kelly’s Endorsed Candidate for US House Raquel Terán Trails in Primary: Surprising Results from the Arizona Democratic Primary

Christy Kelly

This year, primary voter turnout for Democrats was notably low, with critics attributing this to a lack of competitive races. Key races to watch include who Republican Jerry Sheridan will face for Maricopa County Sheriff and whether Democrat Phoenix City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari or State Senator Raquel Terán will face-off against Republican Jeff Zink to succeed Representative Reuben Gallego in the U.S. House. 

Many are closely watching to see which challenger will emerge to compete against Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-01) in the general election.

Democrat Kirsten Engel, who did not have a primary, will face incumbent Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) in the general election. This is a repeat matchup from 2022. Ciscomani defeated newcomer Kim George in his Republican primary.

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Arizona Republican Primary: Key Developments as Election Day Nears

Christy Kelly
Kari Lake, Blake Masters, Abe Hamadeh

The 2024 Arizona primary features fierce competition and high stakes. Garrett Lewis recently hosted an all-star panel on “The Afternoon Addiction,” featuring Abe Hamadeh, State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek), and Senate hopeful Kari Lake. They explored the current dynamics of the primary, dissecting key issues, candidate strategies, and the overall political climate.

Stephen Richer, the current Maricopa County Recorder, declared on social media, “As of July 28, we were up to 555,254 early ballot packet returns.” He noted that these numbers lag behind the 2022 primary total of 866,924 and the 2020 primary total of 860,704, predicting, “I suspect we will be in the 700s for this election.”

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Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Transportation Improvement Plan Approved by Metro Council May Face Legal Challenges

Christy Kelly
Freddie O'Connell

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s ambitious $3.1 billion “Choose How You Move” transportation improvement program, was unanimously approved by the Metro Council this week, is facing scrutiny from anti-tax activist Ben Cunningham. The opposition raises serious legal questions that could significantly impact the plan’s implementation.  With the passage this week from the Council, the initiative will be on the November ballot.

Cunningham, known for his staunch opposition to tax increases, is challenging the legality of the plan, which aims to enhance Nashville’s transportation infrastructure. His argument centers on whether the proposed spending aligns with the provisions of the 2017 state law known as the Improve Act. This law permits local governments to establish dedicated funding sources for mass transit but has specific stipulations on allowable expenditures.

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Open Primary Proponents Sue Lawmakers over Ballot Language for ‘Make Elections Fair Act’

Christy Kelly
People Voting

The Make Elections Fair PAC has filed a lawsuit against Arizona lawmakers, claiming that the description of the ballot measure provided to voters is misleading and confusing. The group argues that the language, crafted by the Arizona Legislative Council, inaccurately suggests that the initiative would mandate ranked choice voting. Sarah Smallhouse, chairman of the campaign, stated that lawmakers refused to amend the description as requested, protecting their own interests in closed primaries. The PAC is asking the court to rewrite the description in a neutral tone. They claim placing ranked choice voting in the description is deceptive. 

According to the group’s website, the Make Elections Fair Act aims to eliminate partisan primaries, placing all candidates on the same ballot regardless of political affiliation and allowing voters to choose their favorites without separate ballots. The website states the initiative seeks to “dismantle the current system”, which often excludes independent and unaffiliated voters from primary elections. The PAC believes it will promote competition, reduce polarization, and ensure that elected officials are more representative of the entire electorate.

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Kamala Harris’ Nomination for President and Arizona’s Radical Abortion Amendment May Spur Record Turnout on Both Sides, Polling Suggests

Christy Kelly

Political analysts suggest that Harris’ clear stance on abortion could be a decisive factor in Arizona, a swing state that could play a critical role in the upcoming election. Recent polling data indicates that a majority of Arizona voters support some form of abortion rights, a trend that Harris’ campaign is likely to capitalize on. By highlighting her commitment to reproductive freedoms, pundits say that Harris aims to galvanize key voter demographics, including women and younger voters, who are increasingly prioritizing this issue.

The presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee has consistently positioned herself as a staunch defender of reproductive rights, arguing that access to abortion is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of gender equality. In April, Harris went to Tucson after the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the 1800s abortion law.

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CBP’s Operations ‘Plaza Spike’ and ‘Apollo’ Intercept Cartel Drug and Weapons Trafficking Across U.S. Borders

Christy Kelly
Illegal Firearms

As a result of intensifying efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in a series of statements that record amounts of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, as well as hauls of illegal weaponry have been seized.

Through two programs dubbed “Operation Plaza Spike” and “Operation Apollo,” officials say that as of June in FY 2024, over 15,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized, exceeding the total amounts from the previous eight fiscal years combined. Despite a 17 percent decrease in nationwide drug seizures from May to June, CBP notes that significant quantities of drugs and firearms continue to be intercepted at the border.

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Arizona Delegation at the 2024 Republican National Convention

Christy Kelly
Kari Lake

The Arizona delegation is poised to significantly impact the 2024 Republican National Convention, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week. The delegation includes several high-profile figures, including Kari Lake, election security expert Shelby Busch, and three alternate electors with pending court cases. The path to Milwaukee was tumultuous because of internal disputes, such as the attempted replacement of six delegates. The delegation has maintained a strong presence at the convention, and according to the delegates, there has been a powerful show of unity.

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Randy Barnett: A Libertarian Scholar’s Memoir and the Making of an American Originalist

Christy Kelly
Freedom Fest

FreedomFest is an annual largely libertarian conference that brings together people from various fields to discuss and promote ideas related to liberty, free markets, and individual freedom. This year in Las Vegas, The Arizona Sun Times interviewed Randy Barnett, whose memoir, “A Life for Liberty: The Making of an American Originalist,” offers an insightful look into his life, philosophy, and professional achievements. As one of the most influential legal scholars in constitutional law, Barnett champions liberty and originalism in his book. Originalism, he explains, is the judicial interpretation of the Constitution that aims to closely follow the original intentions of its framers.

Barnett, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, chronicles his journey from prosecutor in Chicago to intellectual scholar. When asked by The Arizona Sun Times what advice he gives to young scholars about pursuing originalism, he responded, “Stick to your principles but keep an open mind.” Barnett emphasized that he has changed his views when warranted and stressed the importance of being open to recognizing weaknesses in one’s views. “If you treat people with respect, they will reciprocate,” he added.

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Ohio Lawmakers Show Strong Support for President Trump in Wake of Assassination Attempt

Christy Kelly
Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno (composite image)

Ohio lawmakers expressed universal support for former President Trump following an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

The FBI has identified the suspected shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The attack resulted in the death of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and critically injured two others before Crooks was killed by the U.S. Secret Service. Trump suffered a grazed bullet to the ear and was taken offstage after the shooting.

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Arizona Lawmakers Rally in Support of Trump After Assassination Attempt

Christy Kelly
Jake Hoffman, Kari Lake and Donald Trump

Arizona lawmakers and political officials issued public statements and interviews in support of former President Donald Trump following an assaination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

The FBI has identified the suspected shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The attack, which occurred just as Trump began his speech, resulted in the death of former fire chief Corey Comperatore and critically injured two others before Crooks was killed by the U.S. Secret Service. Trump suffered a grazed bullet to the ear and later said, “It was God alone.”

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Trump’s Would Be Assassin Was a National Math and Science Initiative Student, Parents Both Worked in Mental Health Field: Report

Christy Kelly
Thomas Matthew Crooks

A campaign rally for former President Donald Trump faced a violent interruption due to an assassination attempt. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The attack, which occurred just as Trump began his speech, killed former fire chief Corey Comperatore and critically injured two others before U.S. Secret Service agents neutralized Crooks. Crooks had no social media presence, and very little is known about his life and possible motive.

According to state records, Crooks is a registered Republican but reportedly made a $15 donation to ActBlue as a 17-year-old after President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Despite this, the FBI has not identified any ideology that may have influenced his actions, as officials explained on a call with reporters.

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Corey Comperatore Former Fire Chief Dies Protecting Loved Ones in Trump Assassination Attempt

Christy Kelly
Corey Comperatore

Corey Comperatore, the man fatally shot at attempted assassination of President Trump, was a former fire chief from Butler, Pennsylvania. Comperatore was known for his dedication to his family, love of Jesus and service to the community. He was attending the rally with his family when the shooting occurred. Despite the immediate medical intervention by an emergency room physician, Dr. James Sweetland, Comperatore’s injuries were too severe. Comperatore was seated behind former President Trump at the rally.

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The Rise of Conservative Support Among Hispanic Voters in Arizona

Christy Kelly
Yelin Snyder

In exclusive interviews with The Arizona Sun Times, conservative activists Gary Garcia Snyder and Monica Yelin unveiled the Republican Party’s progress in engaging Hispanic voters as the 2024 elections draws near. Stressing the necessity of understanding the community’s intricacies and advocating for involvement beyond political realms, Snyder and Yelin emphasized a strategic shift towards sustained, organic outreach efforts over sporadic election-focused approaches.

Their observations from the 2022 midterm elections, revealed a noteworthy trend: a growing inclination towards the GOP among Hispanic voters. With 39 percent aligning with Republican candidates — an incremental rise compared to previous elections — Snyder and Yelin emphasized the potential significance of even minor shifts in Hispanic voter sentiment within Arizona’s fiercely competitive political arena.

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Ohio Representatives Vote to Save U.S. Attorney General Garland from Inherent Contempt of Congress

Christy Kelly
Dave Joyce and Mike Turner in front of US Capitol building (composite image)

Two House of Representatives from Ohio voted against a bill that would have imposed a $10,000 daily fine on Attorney General Merrick Garland for his refusal to provide audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interviews with Special Counsel Robert Hur.

Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Mike Turner (R-OH-10), along with Tom McClintock (R-CA-05 ) and John Duarte (R-CA-13), voted against this bill.

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Arizona’s Legislative District 2 Voted to Suspend Republican Precinct Committeeman Christian Lamar

Christy Kelly
committeeman Christian Lamar of Arizona

Christian Lamar was suspended from attending Arizona Legislative District 2 meetings, where he remains a precinct committeeman and member-at-large for the state’s 8th Congressional District. The body voted overwhelmingly for his suspension, with margins of 80-16 barring access to the legislative district and 76-23 to revoke his state committeeman status.

“I was just expelled as the only Black Republican from AZGOP executive committee by RINOs in AZGOP LD2 for: supporting President Trump, signing up 285 new Trump Precinct Committeemen & holding the Republican AZ state legislature accountable for allowing 2020/2022 stolen elections,” Lamar tweeted.

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Veteran Lawmen Face Off in Competitive Republican Maricopa County Sheriff Primary

Christy Kelly
Maricopa County Sheriff Candidates

The 2024 Republican primary for Maricopa County Sheriff is set to be a very close contest, featuring three prominent candidates with extensive law enforcement backgrounds. Mike Crawford is a veteran with a multifaceted career as a sheriff deputy, police officer, and former DEA agent. Colonel Frank Milstead, is the former Mesa Chief of Police and the past director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Jerry Sheridan, with a 40-year tenure in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), has served in roles ranging from detention officer to chief deputy.

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Philadelphia Radio Host Fired After Admitting to Using Biden’s Prepared Questions

Christy Kelly
Andrea Lawful-Sanders, President Joe Biden

WURD Radio, the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, has terminated the morning radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders after she admitted to using questions pre-provided by President Joe Biden’s team during an interview. The station made this decision in response to Lawful-Sanders’ revelation that she received eight questions from Biden’s team and used four of them during the broadcast, which they stated violated their commitment to “independent journalism.”

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Arizona Senate Primary Heats Up: Lake Leads, Lamb Continues to Fight

Christy Kelly
Kari Lake and Mark Lamb

As the primary election day in Arizona approaches, the race to replace outgoing Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Tucson) intensifies. For the Republicans, the contest is between Kari Lake and Sheriff Mark Lamb, with the winner set to face Democrat Reuben Gallego (D-AZ-03). According to the latest poll by Noble Predictive Insights on May 24, Kari Lake leads with 46% support, while Mark Lamb trails at 21%. Additionally, 25% of voters remain unsure, and 9% support other candidates.

Many voters expressed a desire to see the Republicans square off against each other. The sole opportunity to watch the candidates is a virtual debate that was held on May 23, hosted by the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action. This forum provided Arizona primary voters with a clear view of their contrasting perspectives. Opting out of the Arizona Clean Elections Commission debate, Lake chose instead to engage directly with voters throughout the day at a series of events.

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Arizona’s 7th District Sees Butierez vs. Grijalva Showdown in Congressional Race

Christy Kelly

Daniel Butierez endured nine and a half years in jail for a crime he was never charged with or tried for. After a three-decade battle, the courts finally admitted their mistake and cleared his record. Now, driven by a deep passion for justice, Butierez is challenging Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03), who has held the seat since 2003. As the only Republican candidate stepping up to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, Butierez stands ready to face Grijalva, who announced on April 2 that he is battling cancer. Grijalva’s last confirmed public appearance was in mid-February 2024, when he placed a vote in the House of Representatives.

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Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Faces Mounting Pressure as Corruption Investigation Heats Up

Christy Kelly
Katie Hobbs Investigation

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs will face increased scrutiny following revelations of an alleged “pay-for-play” scheme uncovered by a left-leaning publication with media ads hitting the airwaves this week. State-solutions, Inc., affiliated with the Republican Governor’s Association, has invested in a six-figure advertisement campaign to highlight the investigation into Hobbs. Media attention is intensifying, with the ad urging, “Tell Hobbs to cooperate and cut the corruption.” Both Attorney General Mayes, a Democrat, and Republican County Attorney Mitchell have asserted claims over the investigation. Attorney Gina Godbehere, who is challenging Mitchell in a competitive primary told The Arizona Sun Times, “My opponent [Mitchell] should be more concerned about the effect of her lenient policies on our community, the victims, and law enforcement rather than chasing the political spotlight.  

The story broke after the progressive news organization revealed Sunshine Residential, a significant donor to the Hobbs Inaugural fund and the Democrats, received a nearly 60% increase in state contracts. The ad released this week told Arizonas, “Three days after a state agency denied a contractor’s request to charge taxpayers higher rates, a donation appeared: One hundred thousand dollars from the same company… into a slush fund controlled by Governor Katie Hobbs. Within months the Hobbs administration reversed course, approving the request for more taxpayer money. Pay-to-play so brazen, Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes has launched a criminal investigation.”

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Republicans Battle to Unseat Stanton in Arizona’s Congressional District 4

Christy Kelly
Arizona CD 4

The Republicans are hoping to unseat Congressional Democrat Greg Stanton in District 4, who has won three consecutive terms. This district covers all of Tempe, and parts of Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler.

The Cook Political Report lists Stanton’s seat as a solid Democrat despite CD4 having a “D+2” rating. This means on average, a Democratic candidate in this district would perform 2 percentage points better than the national average for Democratic candidates. Pundits say, this slight edge should be beatable with the right candidate. This district is labeled “solid Democrat”  instead of “lean Democrat” due to Stanton’s incumbent status and significant war chest of  $1,517,082.

Republican consultants believe the key to defeating Stanton lies in the significant number of independent voters, which is a huge 34% in all registered voters.

Republicans are entering 2024 with a registration advantage and can highlight Stanton’s consistent alignment with President Biden by showcasing his voting record. The lawmaker votes with Biden almost 100% of the time.

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Arizona Bipartisan Budget Deal Reached; Freedom Caucus Takes Principled Stand

Christy Kelly
Arizona Capitol

Late Saturday night, lawmakers signed a controversial budget deal, which is now on its way to Governor Katie Hobbs where she is anticipated to sign it. Hobbs, House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Glendale), and Senate President Warren Peterson (R-LD12) negotiated this bipartisan agreement, excluding both Democratic leadership and Freedom Caucus members from the negotiation table.

Republican leadership praised the Arizona Fiscal Year 2025 state budget for its conservative fiscal discipline, addressing a $1.4 billion shortfall without raising taxes, and prioritizing public safety and school choice.

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Political Fissures Lead to the Rise of Trump-Aligned Activist Associations in Arizona

Christy Kelly
National Freedom Coalition meeting

In the wake of years-long friction between independent Right-of-center activists and Republican Party veterans, some Arizonans are forming stand-alone political groups. One recent clash in May gained national attention when a video recording surfaced of a Legislative District 2 (LD2) meeting that devolved into a physical altercation.

Interviews by The Arizona Sun Times of several of the individuals at that meeting revealed that the conflict was more about the discord between hundreds of newly-recruited, pro-Trump precinct committeemen (PCs) and the establishment PCs that have participated in and run the Republican party in the area for years.

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Kari Lake Rallies Support at Sonny’s Boxing Gym with UFC Star Tito Ortiz

Christy Kelly
Kari Lake

Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Kari Lake held a rally at Sonny’s Boxing Gym in Goodyear, near the Avondale border in the heart of the Latino community there. Conservative UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz joined her at the event, which was hosted by Latinos for Lake.

The gym was packed with mostly Hispanic supporters from the West Valley, many of whom told The Sun Times they support Lake because they believe she will fight for them.

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Arizona Lawmakers Pass ‘Secure the Border Act’ to Be on November Ballot

Christy Kelly
Secure the Border Act

In a 31-29 vote Tuesday afternoon, Arizona lawmakers approved House Concurrent Resolution 2060 (HCR 2060), known as the “Secure the Border Act.” The resolution aims to give local law enforcement the authority to verify the immigration status of individuals during lawful stops, detentions, or arrests if there was probable cause that they were in the country illegally.

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Arizona House Panel Seeks Impeachment of AG Kris Mayes Over Alleged Misconduct

Christy Kelly
Arizona State Rep. Jacqueline Parker, A.G. Kris Mayes

Five Republican committee members on a special House panel initiated impeachment proceedings against Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Friday. The lawmakers accused her of abuse of power, neglect of duties, and malfeasance in office.

State Representative Jacqueline Parker (R-Mesa), who chairs the panel, announced the release of a 102-page report detailing these allegations, which has stirred significant political controversy.

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Sheriff Mark Lamb’s Pledge: Putting Arizona First in the Race for Senate

Christy Kelly
Mark Lamb

Sheriff Mark Lamb, dubbed the “American Sheriff,” to a short break recently from his campaign for U.S. Senate to grant an exclusive interview to The Arizona Sun Times to discuss his vision, legislative objectives, and strategies for transitioning from law enforcement to federal governance. Lamb and former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake are the key contenders in the 2024 Republican primary, aiming to succeed Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who will not seek re-election.

Lamb began by expressing his gratitude for the support and encouragement he has experienced on the campaign trail. “When people see that you are protecting their families, they, in turn, become protective of you.”

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Pro-Palestine Protesters in Legal Limbo as Dismissal of Trespassing Charges Could be Temporary

Christy Kelly
ASU Pro Palestine Encampment

The fate of dozens of pro-Palestine protesters arrested for campus demonstrations that Arizona State University (ASU) officials called unlawful landed in legal limbo as the court dismissed charges of trespassing without prejudice. The move allows the possibility for some 72 individuals to face prosecutions for alleged wrongdoing until the end of April, 2025.

This procedural pause comes after ASU failed to submit the necessary charging recommendations to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, a critical step for formal charges to proceed.

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The City of Maricopa Approves $650,000 House for City Manager, Sparking Ethics Complaint and Community Tensions in Arizona

Christy Kelly
Benjamin Bitter

Ben Bitter was appointed on April 1st as Maricopa’s new city manager with a compensation package that has sparked controversy. His annual salary stands at $242,000 – $20,000 above that of his predecessor. The package also includes a $400 monthly stipend for personal vehicle use and a $100 monthly cell phone allowance. On April 16th, the city council approved the purchase of a house for Bitter valued up to $650,000, which he will repay at a half-percent interest rate over 30 years, significantly below current market rates. Passed through a consent agenda without public input, this arrangement has infuriated many residents over the use of taxpayer money.

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Challenging Federal Overreach: Ohio Case Seeks to Redefine Commerce Clause Powers

Christy Kelly
Robert Alt

Robert Alt, president and CEO of the Buckeye Institute and lead attorney in the case, Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury, told  The Ohio Star that this Ohio case could “rebalance federalism” and rein in the Commerce Clause. He also noted that Ream could supersede the 1942 Wickard v. Filburn case, which significantly broadened federal regulatory powers under the Commerce Clause.

The Buckeye Institute initiated the case in January on behalf of John Ream from Licking County, Ohio.

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The Arizona Corporation Commission May Have Violated APS Customers’ Due Process Rights with the Recent Solar Connect Fee: Rate Case is Reopened and Set for a November Hearing

Christy Kelly
Couple dealing with paperwork

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), an independent body with powers derived from constitutional authority, ultimately opted to reopen the APS rate case to enhance the evidentiary record. During the February rate case, the ACC approved this controversial fee, intended to cover grid access costs for solar customers. Its last-minute introduction during the hearing sparked allegations of discrimination and due process violations.

In the APS case, the ACC voted to approve a rate hike for customers on February 22, 2024. It was approved 4-1 along party lines with the Democrat Commissioner Anna Tovar as the sole “no” vote. Chairman Jim O’Connor (R) seemed to allude on Arizona Horizon that this complex case, first filed on June 1, 2022, was handled in a meticulous manner.

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Lawfare Hits the Arizona Primaries: Supreme Court Case Decided in Favor of Republican Kim George Almost Three Weeks After Petition Deadline

Christy Kelly
George Backie

The Arizona Supreme Court upheld the trial court’s decision allowing Congressional District 1 (CD1) candidate Kim George to remain on the ballot later Wednesday, despite a challenge from businessman Robert Backie.

George told The Arizona Sun Times, “I’m appreciative the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court’s ruling and am ready to focus on winning this election.”

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Tense Forum in Sun City West as Maricopa County Supervisor District 4 Candidates Branch and Lesko Vie for Voters’ Support

Christy Kelly
Bob Branch Debbie Lesko

In Maricopa County, the race for supervisor in District 4 is heating up between two Republican contenders: Dr. Robert Branch and U.S. Representative Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-08). There is a Democratic candidate, but given the district’s strong Republican history, political watchers say they expect that Republicans will prevail to join the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS). The pair recently clashed at a lively forum hosted by the Sun City West Republican Club on Saturday.

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Arizona’s 8th District Congressional Candidates Clash in Tense Debate

Christy Kelly
Arizona 8th Congressional District Debate

Last week, PBS hosted a debate with candidates from Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, a Republican stronghold. The event featured intense discussions among participants, including frontrunners Abe Hamadeh and Blake Masters. Also in attendance were State Speaker of the House Ben Toma (R-27); State Senator Anthony Kern (R-27); and former Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ-8), who previously held this seat for almost 15 years.

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Maricopa County School Superintendent Faces Primary Challengers After Numerous Allegations of Financial Misconduct

Christy Kelly
Maricopa County

The Festival Ranch Republican Club recently hosted an educational forum, inviting the three Republican candidates in the primary running for Maricopa County School Superintendent to speak. This race holds significant importance amidst allegations of financial mismanagement and an intense focus on education in Arizona. The incumbent, Steve Watson, and challenger Nickie Kelley attended the forum. The second challenger, Shelli Boggs couldn’t attend due to a conflict, but The Arizona Sun Times interviewed each candidate for this article.

Nickie Kelley previously told the Sun Times, that the stakes were high for  Republicans to maintain control of this office. Kelley tracked the data and  in 2016 Watson beat the incumbent Democrat by about 36,000 votes. In 2020, he defeated the Democratic candidate by only 11,000 votes. But this year, Democrats have a formidable candidate running and Watson has battled negative allegations for years regarding mismanagement of funds.

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