ACC Incumbent Challenge by Marshall and Heap Creates GOP Firestorm

The Arizona Freedom Caucus unveiled two new Republican challengers for the Arizona Corporation Commission on Tuesday, setting up what could be one of the most fiery primaries in the state. Reps. David Marshall (R-7) and Dr. Ralph Heap (R-10) will challenge current Commissioners Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers, both Republican incumbents.

At a June 10 press conference, Freedom Caucus Chair Sen. Jake Hoffman did not hold back. “This office is a life-or-death office,” Hoffman stated. “When monopoly utilities act in bad faith, it can cause irreparable harm—even death—to the people of Arizona. We have two candidates who have stepped up to fix the wrongs happening at the Arizona Corporation Commission. Two candidates who say no to double-digit rate hikes. Two candidates who say we shouldn’t approve a rate-making formula that causes and allows for automatic rate hikes. The Corporation Commission is supposed to be a check on the utilities and an advocate for the ratepayers.”

Hoffman then framed the rise of Marshall and Heap as part of a broader coordinated grassroots movement. Marshall, a pastor and retired police officer, and Heap, an orthopedic surgeon, are positioning themselves as corporate outsiders who can restore accountability to the Commission.

“The American people gave President Donald Trump a mandate—with the expectation that his agenda would be implemented here in Arizona,” Marshall stated, tying his and Heap’s campaign to the former president’s energy priorities.

Heap accentuated the pair’s lack of corporate influence, noting their lack of industry entanglements as a strength. “I think it’s actually an advantage, not a disadvantage, to be a little bit disconnected,” he said. “We’re very capable of learning whatever we need to do the job,” Heap added.

Thompson and Myers have often said that the breakdown between the ACC and the Utilities and the public is because Arizonans “don’t understand,” and that energy policy is “complicated.” Some have deemed their responses demeaning to the ACC’s constituents.

The ACC race is also becoming a flashpoint over transparency and potential conflicts of interest. Critics have raised concerns about Thompson’s prior role at Southwest Gas and his current role as a lobbyist. Myers has come under fire for his bombastic social media posts.

In light of repeated dismissals that critics “don’t understand” utility policy, The Globe asked the incumbents several questions to clarify concerns rather than simply saying “the public doesn’t understand.” Some of the questions include:

• Has the Commission done enough to protect ratepayers amid inflation and rising utility costs?
• Have you maintained transparency in dealings with utilities and lobbyists?
• What reforms would you support to bolster ethics and accountability?
• How will you educate grassroots conservatives, without dismissing them as uninformed, about the complexities and importance of the Corporation Commission policy?

As of publication, none have responded. The Globe will update if and when they do.

POINT of INTEREST: During the ACC press conference, a senior reporter from Capitol Media Services defied protocol by publicly challenging The Globe’s questions regarding public accessibility and ethics. The Globe maintains these are critical subject areas as Arizona voters weigh the future direction of the Commission.