Arizona's political year, from vetoes to violence
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U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly addresses the Trump Administration's decision to investigate him over a video he filmed with other veterans. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/ AFP via Getty Images
Arizona had no shortage of headlines this year, and with midterm elections around the corner, we're expecting an even newsier 2026.
The big picture: 2025 in Arizona will long be remembered for a political assassination, gridlock at the state Capitol and campaign posturing.
Zoom in: Here's a look at some of the biggest political moments of the year:
Immigration fears: Trump followed through on his campaign promises of heightened immigration enforcement and, immediately upon taking office, rescinded guidance that discouraged ICE activity in sensitive places like schools and churches
- While Arizona hasn't seen large-scale ICE raids like some other communities, the fear has created a chilling effect in immigrant-dominated industries, like child care and construction.
Grijalva to Grijalva: Longtime U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva died after a battle with cancer in March, and his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, was elected to replace him in the southern Arizona district in July.
- Yes, but: Grijalva wasn't inaugurated until Nov. 12 — a historic 50-day delay — after House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to swear her in during the federal government shutdown.
- Democrats alleged the delay was aimed at postponing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Grijalva provided the needed 218th signature to trigger a vote on making the files public.
State shutdown averted: The state narrowly avoided a government shutdown in June after Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs reached an agreement with the Republican-controlled Legislature and adopted a $17.6 billion budget.
Veto, veto, veto: That spirit of negotiation did not carry through the remainder of the Legislative session.
- Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed 174 bills, breaking her previous single-year veto record of 143 in 2023.
Sue, sue, sue: Attorney General Kris Mayes leaned into her role as a Trump antagonist, participating in more than two dozen lawsuits against the administration this year, including challenges to an attempt to end birthright citizenship and the withholding of SNAP benefits.
Charlie Kirk killed: Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who lived and operated his conservative organization in the Valley, was assassinated while holding a rally at Utah Valley University in September.
- His death sent shockwaves through the nation and raised questions about who will take his place in the MAGA movement.
Schweikert's switch: Longtime U.S. Rep. David Schweikert announced in September that he will run for governor against Republicans U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and lobbyist Karrin Taylor Robson.
- He leaves the extremely competitive Congressional District 1 seat wide open, and candidates on both sides of the aisle are lining up to replace him.
Local Turning Point win: November saw MAGA losses nationwide, but in Mesa, Turning Point recalled moderate Republican Council Member Julie Spilsbury, who gained conservative ire after endorsing Kamala Harris and Ruben Gallego in 2024.
Trump targets Kelly: Arizona's senior U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly appeared in a video with five other Democratic lawmakers in November, reminding military and service members they could disobey unlawful orders.
- President Trump called the video "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH," and the Pentagon launched a military investigation of Kelly, a former Naval officer, which it upgraded to an "official Command Investigation" last week.
The bottom line: Buckle up! Next year is bound to be a politically tumultuous ride.