By Alexander Lomax At both the national and state level, this election was about as shocking as they come. Everyone knew that it was likely to be a good night for Democrats, but absolutely no one predicted the level of the blue tide, nay, tsunami that rolled in. But even if it was joyous evening for Arizona Democrats writ large, … Read More
Handicapping the Elections: How Arizona’s Statewide Races Will Play Out
By Alexander Lomax Arizona’s ballot is long this year. Voters will choose a governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, schools chief, mine inspector and two corporation commissioners. For the first time, they will also elect a lieutenant governor, paired on a ticket with the governor. Early ballots are already coming back, so here is how we see each race … Read More
The Ace and the Unforced Error: Ugenti-Rita’s Tale of Two Moments
By Ronald Sampson Michelle Ugenti-Rita has had two very different moments on camera lately. One was a masterclass in how to answer a powerful opponent. The other, caught on camera at a debate, handed her rival a gift. First, the ace. Standing in front of a sign that shows her in cornrows, Ugenti-Rita said Axon could have simply opposed her … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Foundation and its Future, 75 years and beyond
By Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen Recently I attended a reception for the book, “Hands-on History , Residents Reflect on Scottsdale’s 75 Years”. It was filled with the Who’s Who of Scottsdale. Former Mayors, local business leaders, and civic volunteers, all of whom had a hand in shaping our beautiful city. The guests included many of the 75 writers who shared … Read More
Op-Ed: South Scottsdale Deserves Better Than Raoul Zubia
By C. McCracken Raoul Zubia bills himself as the City Council candidate of, by, and for South Scottsdale. As a long time S. Scottsdale resident, my wife and I like to support candidates who live here, so we look past the campaign rhetoric to see where they actually stand. What we are discovering is VERY concerning! S. Scottsdale has borne … Read More
Arizona Democrats Lead Down Ballot Races
By HighGround Public Affairs The latest statewide survey from HighGround Public Affairs reveals that the Democratic nominees for statewide down ballot offices have taken the lead with six weeks remaining until early voting starts. In the same survey that showed Governor Katie Hobbs with a fifteen-point advantage in the Governor’s race, the top of the Democratic ticket is also faring … Read More
Ethan Knowlden Shows Scottsdale How to Lose With Class
Ethan Knowlden ran for Scottsdale City Council this year and came up just short. A few weeks later he posted a sweaty selfie from a morning run in DC Ranch, captioned “Running in the 6’s (hours) right now means running in the 80’s (degrees). Which is healthier than any other form of running I’ve done lately.” That’s it. No bitterness, … Read More
Thank You + Key Takeaways from the First End-to-End AI Political Campaign
By John Trobough Friends & Colleagues: I wanted to reach out and express my sincere gratitude for your guidance, partnership, and support throughout our congressional campaign in Arizona’s 1st District. Rebuilding a campaign machine in one of the country’s most competitive open seats was no small feat, and I am deeply grateful for the help you provided along the way. … Read More
Tom Horne is Finally Done: A Tribute to One of the More Interesting Political Careers
Every long political career ends somewhere. For Tom Horne, it ended in a Republican primary he lost at the age of 81. Kimberly Yee ousted the incumbent superintendent last month. Consequently, one of Arizona’s most durable and divisive figures exits the stage. He leaves behind a long shadow, and that is worth pausing over. Love him or loathe him, Horne … Read More
George Khalaf Is the Rare Kind Worth Rooting For
By Ronald Sampson Let me tell you what usually happens in a Republican primary these days. A candidate finds the nearest camera, praises the man in the White House, and calls it a platform. Then they win, arrive at the Capitol, and contribute nothing. George Khalaf is not that guy. Khalaf just topped the field in the LD3 House primary, … Read More