The Round Up: Sinema Departs and the Senate Debates

National Republicans back Lake, Hobbs endorses Gallego as the two will likely go head-to-head on the November ballot.

As political tensions continue to mount regarding the state’s approach to immigration, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signaled her dissatisfaction with a Republican plan to address illegal border crossings. Her veto last week all but killed the Arizona Border Invasion Act, which previously moved fairly quickly through the Republican controlled House and Senate. Citing major concerns with the bill, Governor Hobbs’ veto signals a major chasm between Democrats and Republicans on the border. As we inch closer to November’s election, it remains to be seen if Hobbs and state lawmakers will choose to prioritize an immigration compromise over inaction at the border.

Speaking of elections, Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Independent) just announced her plans to retire from Congress following the conclusion of her 6-year term. When considering Arizona’s status as a key swing state, as well as the current makeup of the Senate, it is likely that the race to fill Sinema’s seat will attract high levels of national attention. 

Hobbs Vetoes Border Bill

Last week, Governor Katie Hobbs announced that she was vetoing SB1231 after it had previously passed both chambers of the state legislature. In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs wrote that the Republican plan “does not secure [the] border, will be harmful for communities and businesses in [the] state, and burdensome for law enforcement personnel and the state judicial system.” Further, Hobbs argued that the bill “presents significant constitutional concerns,” and would subsequently “mire the State in costly and protracted litigation.”

In response to Hobbs’ announcement, House Democrats unsurprisingly proclaimed their support, writing: “[b]ad bill for Arizona. Good veto.” Meanwhile, Senate Republicans “condemn[ed] Governor Katie Hobbs after she irresponsibly vetoed” the Arizona Border Invasion Act. In their release, the Senate Republicans emphasized that “local law enforcement personnel have reached their breaking point trying to protect the lives of our citizens from this invasion.” 

• Senator Janae Shamp: “The heart-wrenching February 22 murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley happened at the hands of a criminal who entered our country illegally. Arizona families are being torn apart by similar devastation. The Legislature did its job to protect our citizens, but Governor Hobbs failed to do hers. Vetoing the Arizona Border Invasion Act is a prime example of the chaos Hobbs is unleashing in our state while perpetuating this open border crisis as Biden's accomplice. Arizonans want and deserve safe communities. Our local, county, and state law enforcement officers are pleading for help, and they support this legislation to protect our citizens. Their blood, sweat, and tears shed while trying to keep our communities safe from the staggering number of border-related crimes hitting our state will not be in vain. The Republican-controlled Legislature will continue to prioritize closing our border and providing law enforcement with the tools they need. This veto is a slap in the face to them, Arizona's victims of border-related crimes, and other citizens who will inevitably feel the wrath of this border invasion in one way, shape, or form at the hands of Hobbs and Biden."

U.S. Senator Sinema Declines to Run in 2024

Last week, U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinem (I-AZ) announced that she was forgoing an attempt at re-election. In a statement, the first-term Senator criticized the current state of American politics as being rooted in “anger and division.” Senator Sinema derided her fellow Congressional colleagues for choosing “symbolic” victories, and for viewing “[c]ompromise [as] a dirty word.” Sinema further detailed several bipartisan initiatives – including on gun violence prevention, mental health, and religious freedoms – in addition to stating that she “believe[s] in [her] approach.”

In terms of replacing Sinema, the November election is expected to pit current U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03) against former Arizona Republican Gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake. Just yesterday, Governor Hobbs endorsed Gallego’s candidacy for the Senate. 

• U.S. Senator Mark Kelly: “Over our three years of serving together, I’ve had a front row seat to Senator Sinema’s work in the Senate and witnessed her tenacity as she forged compromises on issues that felt unsolvable. In a town where a lot of people are much happier talking about problems than doing anything to fix them, she’s pursued meaningful solutions, working with Republicans and Democrats to pass lasting legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Arizonans and all Americans. We’ve worked together to accomplish bipartisan legislation on infrastructure, marriage equality, gun safety, and more that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for her being in that Senate seat. I’ve valued our partnership and our friendship as we’ve worked together to deliver for the people of Arizona. I congratulate Senator Sinema on an extraordinary career in Congress. This institution will not be the same without her.” 

• Governor Katie Hobbs: “Senator Sinema is a friend, and I thank her for her years of service to the State of Arizona. She has been an important partner in Washington, D.C. who has fought to bring critical advanced manufacturing investments to Arizona, secure our border, and invest in our state’s roads, bridges, and broadband infrastructure. I wish her well in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing what her next chapter has in store.”

• Secretary of State Adrian Fontes: “In an unprecedented announcement, Senator Kyrsten Sinema has indicated her intent to not run for re-election for her position as Senator. We extend our deep gratitude to the Senator for her distinguished service, her commitment to representing Arizona’s interests, and unwavering dedication. This announcement does not interrupt continuity of representation for Arizona in the United States Congress, ensuring a seamless transition of power to the next Senator-elect.”

NBA, Arizona Leaders Announce 2027 Phoenix All Star Game

On Thursday, National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver was joined by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (virtually), and Suns Owner Mat Ishbia to officially announce Phoenix as the host of the 2027 All Star Game. At the press conference, Commissioner Silver detailed plans for the city’s fourth-ever All Star festivities, while also emphasizing the need to improve the on-court product moving forward. Off the court, Silver announced that NBA All-Star 2027 will seek to “reach thousands of children and families in Phoenix and the surrounding areas and provide critical resources to community-based programs.” 

• Governor Katie Hobbs: “We are excited to welcome the NBA and basketball fans to the great state of Arizona for NBA All-Star 2027.  Arizona is a premier destination for sports and entertainment, and we look forward to showing fans everything that our state has to offer. Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns have elevated Phoenix as one of the greatest basketball cities in the world and we are so proud to host this iconic event together.”

• Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego: “The City of Phoenix is thrilled to host NBA All-Star 2027. Our city is no stranger to hosting major sports and entertainment events and this is another opportunity to put Phoenix on the global stage. NBA All-Star will bring excitement and energy to the city along with significant economic impact. Thank you to the NBA and the Phoenix Suns for the opportunity to welcome fans from around the world to our incredible city for what will be a memorable All-Star weekend.”

• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “Our NBA All-Star festivities in 2027 will showcase Phoenix’s love of everything basketball. And we couldn’t be more excited to work with Mat Ishbia and the entire Suns organization for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our sport.”

• Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia: “Phoenix is the ultimate basketball destination and we are excited for fans from around the world to experience our amazing city. We will provide an NBA All-Star Weekend unlike any other, showcasing the passion of our fans, our city, and everything that we’re building here. Thank you to the NBA and the entire Phoenix community for rallying together to bring this marquee event to Phoenix and show the world what we are all about.”

Other Relevant Headlines

• Arizona investigators issue grand jury subpoenas as state’s 2020 Trump election probe accelerates (March 6, 2024) - “Arizona prosecutors in recent weeks issued grand jury subpoenas to multiple people linked to Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, a sharp acceleration of their criminal investigation into efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the state…It was not clear whether Mayes is considering charges against people close to Trump’s national campaign, or whether her investigation remains focused on the Arizona GOP officials and activists who aided Trump’s bid to overturn the state’s presidential results.”

• Arizona’s health department has named the first statewide heat officer to address extreme heat (March 6, 2024) - “Arizona’s health department has named a physician to address ways to lessen the effects of extreme heat in the arid Southwestern state as the first statewide heat officer in the nation. Dr. Eugene Livar was appointed to the role under Gov. Katie Hobbs’ extreme heat preparedness plan, the Arizona Department of Health Services said Wednesday…Phoenix, the hottest big city in the United States, also has an office of heat response and resiliency that aims to protect people and help them cope with the hot weather through programs like cooling stations and increased tree planting.”

• 6 suspects arrested, charged with murder in Preston Lord investigation (March 7, 2024) - “Six suspects were indicted on murder charges in the death of Preston Lord on Wednesday, a major breakthrough four months after the high-profile death of the 16-year-old in Queen Creek… Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said homicide investigations typically take a long time. However, this case was ‘extremely fast,’ he said.”

• New arena for Arizona Coyotes may come with a hefty price tag (March 10, 2024) - “The Arizona Coyotes could be a step closer to securing a large tract of state-owned land in north Phoenix for a new arena…The team has targeted 95 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert at the northwest corner of North Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101…The next step would be a vote by the [Arizona] Land Department's Board of Appeals, possibly as soon as Thursday, March 14, on whether to put the land up for a public auction.”

This round-up was written by Jared (JJ) Cichoke. He currently works as a Policy Analyst after previously holding various roles with Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he recently moved to Arizona after spending nearly his entire life in Portland, Oregon.