WEEKLY NEWS REVIEW: For March 9-15, 2025

Congressman Raúl Grijalva’s Passing Initiates CD7 Political Battle
The passing of longtime Democrat Rep. Raúl Grijalva leaves a vacancy in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, a race that Republicans see as an opportunity to gain ground with Hispanic and working-class voters. Governor Katie Hobbs scheduled a special election to fill the vacancy for July 15, 2025, with the general election to follow in September. Potential Democratic candidates include Grijalva’s daughter, Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, while GOP strategists seek a candidate with strong border security and economic messaging. (Arizonaglobe.com)

Maricopa GOP Demands Galvin’s Removal as Board of Supervisors Chair
The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) passed a no-confidence vote in Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, criticizing his role in stripping Recorder Heap of election powers. The vote signals deepening GOP dissatisfaction with county leadership. (MCRC)

Governor Hobbs’ Border Security Plan Faces GOP Pushback
Amid a worsening fentanyl crisis in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs launched Operation Desert Guardian, a task force that she claims focuses on border security. However, GOP legislators claim the measure is little more than a political stunt, arguing that the plan lacks real enforcement measures. (Arizonaglobe.com)

Petersen Meets with Trump Admin over Issues Impacting AZ

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen met with Trump cabinet members in Washington, D.C. to address key issues impacting the state. He discussed gas prices, water security, and air quality with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and tackled litigation and illegal immigration concerns with Attorney General Pam Bondi. Petersen praised President Trump’s leadership, emphasizing that his policies improve Arizona’s safety and prosperity and provide regulatory relief. (Votewarren)

AZ Senator Eva Burch Resigns as Kavanagh Sponsors Pay Increase for Legislators 

State Senator Eva Burch’s (D-LD9) announced resignation opens a potentially crucial swing district to a Republican flip in November. Burch alleged that Arizona’s low legislative pay resulted in insurmountable financial difficulties. Ironically, the state Senate approved Sen. Kavanagh’s Continuing Resolution SCR1003, permanently changing the salary adjustment process by bypassing committee approval and mandating a voter ballot measure. It calls for automatic inflation adjustments retroactive to the last pay rate approval, in this case, 1998, which would effectively double the pay rate from $24K annually to $48K. It will ultimately be up to voters to decide whether lawmakers should receive the salary increase during the 2026 general election ballot. (Arizonaglobe.com)

Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act Passes Unanimously

Arizona’s House of Representatives unanimously passed HB2030, also known as the Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act, which protects veterans and strengthens public trust. The bill, named in honor of Master Sergeant Orlando Dona, enhances legal protections for veterans and ensures greater accountability in government programs serving them. Lawmakers emphasized that the legislation reflects Arizona’s commitment to honoring and safeguarding those who have served. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. (Azleg.gov)