New Year, New Legislature

Republicans tightened their grip on Arizona’s legislature as session commences, but Governor Hobbs remains poised to block conservative priorities with her veto pen. With Republicans slightly expanding their majorities in both chambers—now holding a 33-27 edge in the House and 17-13 in the Senate— the Legislature is positioned to strengthen its efforts on key issues, even as challenges remain under a divided government.

The 2025 Arizona legislative session begins next Monday, January 13. Before lawmakers convene, CAP will host the 2025 Annual Prayer Walk at 7:00 a.m. to pray for wisdom and guidance for those in authority as the session gets underway.

New leadership for this year’s session:

Senate President: Warren Petersen (R-LD14)
Senate Majority Leader: Janae Shamp (R-LD29)
Senate Majority Whip: Frank Carroll (R-LD28)
Senate Pro-Tem: Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R-LD16)
Senate Minority Leader: Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18)
Senate Minority Whip: Rosanna Gabaldón (D-LD21)
Speaker of the House: Steve Montenegro (R-LD29)
House Majority Leader: Michael Carbone (R-LD25)
House Majority Whip: Julie Willoughby (R-LD13)
House Pro-Tem: Rep. Neal Carter (R-LD15)
House Minority Leader: Oscar De Los Santos (D-LD11)
House Minority Whip: Quantá Crews (D-LD26)
House Minority Whip: Stacey Travers (D-LD12)

For an updated list of all senators and representatives, click here.

State of the State

Governor Katie Hobbs will deliver her State of the State address on Monday, January 13, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Her office claims the speech will focus on childcare, housing, public safety, and water issues, but her record tells a different story. Hobbs has shown herself to be at odds with Arizona families on critical issues like life, education, and parental rights. With an emboldened Republican majority, expect key battles ahead.

CAPs Legislative Priorities in 2025

Parental rights and educational freedom remain top priorities for CAP and for conservatives in the legislature. Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and Scholarship Tuition Organizations (STOs) continue to empower families to choose the education setting best for their children.

Senator John Kavanagh, a long-time defender of children and parental rights, will continue his fight in the Senate to ensure transparency and protect family values in Arizona schools. This year, his efforts include legislation requiring schools to provide reasonable accommodations for restrooms and changing facilities and ensuring staff are not compelled to use pronouns or names that conflict with biological reality or their personal convictions. Kavanagh remains committed to keeping Arizona classrooms focused on education, not ideology.

While major victories may be limited this session under a divided government, CAP will continue to push back against harmful policies, protect parental rights, and advocate for legislation that defends life and strengthens Arizona’s families.

ICYMI

Victory for Women! See how ADF took on the Biden Administration over Title IX and won.
See why the data suggests our fight for Arizona is becoming more challenging.
Death Cafes are a thing—see how the culture of death is being celebrated.
New election laws are on the table—see what changes might be coming.
Read how the abortion industry is inherently racist.