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State 48 News sat down with Arizona State Senator John Kavanagh for an in-depth discussion about his newly released book, State Legislatures: An Owner’s Manual. What followed was less a promotional interview and more a candid walkthrough of how state government actually functions — and why much of it is routinely misunderstood.

For context, State 48 editor Christy Kelly read the new book cover to cover. Despite its nearly 400 pages, the book is a surprisingly easy read and is packed with practical, usable information for anyone seeking to understand how state government actually operates.

Kavanagh, who has spent nearly two decades in the Arizona Legislature, wrote the book to address a gap he repeatedly encountered both in public discourse and in academic settings. According to the Senator, there is no widely available, practical guide that explains how state legislatures truly operate — from bill drafting and committee maneuvering to leadership dynamics and informal power structures that never appear in one civics textbook.

The book draws heavily from Kavanagh’s firsthand experience as a lawmaker and educator. In addition to serving in the legislature, he teaches at Arizona State University, where the original concept for the book emerged while preparing course material on state legislative systems. That project ultimately expanded into a comprehensive manual intended for lawmakers, staffers, journalists, students, lobbyists, and engaged citizens seeking a clearer understanding of how policy is made at the state level.

During the interview, Kavanagh emphasized that state legislatures —not Congress — are where many of the most consequential policy decisions occur, yet they remain poorly understood by the public.

State Legislatures: An Owner’s Manual covers both the formal mechanics of lawmaking and the informal realities that influence outcomes behind the scenes. Kavanagh does not shy away from discussing political pressure, ethics, and how legislators are punished by leadership.

The interview offers readers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a veteran Arizona lawmaker reflecting on the institution from the inside. Rather than advancing partisan talking points, the discussion centers on institutional knowledge, civic literacy, and the practical realities of governing.

Kavanagh’s book is now available in print and digital formats - you can find in on Amazon.

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“If officials can use taxpayer money to defend their own alleged misconduct, then conflict-of-interest laws in Arizona are meaningless.” — Ryan Heath

We’re following up on our previous article on Hanna v. City of Prescott, and the case has now escalated. Prescott officials are facing allegations that go to the heart of public trust — and the Court of Appeals is being asked to step in. Here is our first article, in case you missed it!

Prescott is now the test case for whether Arizona’s conflict-of-interest laws still have any teeth. Attorney Ryan Heath filed a Special Action this week on behalf of Prescott resident Sherrie Hanna, arguing that city officials crossed a bright red line when they used public money to pay for their personal legal defense in a lawsuit accusing them of conduct Arizona law classifies as a felony.

Heath puts it plainly: “If public officials can use their offices to funnel taxpayer money into their personal legal defenses, then conflict-of-interest laws in Arizona are meaningless.” That is the bigger picture. This is why it matters far beyond Prescott.

At the center of the dispute is a May council appointment riddled with undisclosed conflicts, an alleged Open Meeting Law violation, and what Heath calls a coordinated “cover-up vote” in October — when the Council publicly approved legal representation “for the City,” then immediately used that same authorization to defend themselves individually.

The core allegation is simple: officials participated in a vote that financially benefited them — a direct violation of A.R.S. § 38-503. And they used taxpayer dollars to do it.

Now the case sits before the Arizona Court of Appeals, where Heath is asking for immediate intervention before attorney–client privilege locks in and the damage becomes irreversible.

Bringing You Local News, That Others Won’t Cover!

The stakes are not just local. Prescott is preparing to steer more than $15 million in state funding for Rodeo Grounds improvements. Attorney Heath says, if the city’s own leadership is allowed to blur the line between public duty and private gain, Arizona’s conflict-of-interest framework becomes little more than a suggestion — not a law.

This case is now the litmus test: will Arizona enforce the rules on the books, or will Prescott become the blueprint for how to get around them?

Attorney Heath’s article gets deep into the legal details, so make sure to read his full breakdown. And if you live in Prescott, the Prescott Pulse has been covering this from the beginning.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

Lake Havasu pastor and school board president David Rose says his new book, From Prison to Purpose, is about redemption — a message forged through hardship long before his rise to local leadership. The autobiography is set to publish early next year.

In an exclusive interview with State 48 News, Rose confirmed that his book traces his journey from a young man with a criminal record in Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky to a husband, pastor, and now political candidate for Arizona’s Legislative District 30.

“I was raised in church,” Rose said. “But I also came from a broken and abusive home.”

He doesn’t hide from his past. “I have never run from my past. I tell my story everywhere I go,” Rose told State 48 News. For Rose, this is a big part of his ministry as a pastor.

Rose said that when he ran for school board, Democrats tried to use his past as a gotcha moment. “I tell my story more than anyone,” said Rose, the pastor-turned-political candidate.

Public records reflect a turbulent early life. His legal troubles began at age 21 in Florida, with charges for petty theft and related fraud. Over the next decade, Rose faced charges in multiple states for theft by deception and check fraud, including several felony convictions in Kentucky.

During that period, Rose co-founded a short-lived newspaper venture that collapsed amid fraud allegations, lawsuits, and an eventual arrest warrant.

At the height of his time in media, WHAS11 reported in 2011 that “Rose, who is only 28 years old, worked hard to get noticed in Louisville. His newspaper, the Metro Messenger, was distributed in dozens of stores. He personally updated local stories daily on his newspaper’s website. Rose entered the media world with the help of his new girlfriend, who is also his business partner.”

As the paper unraveled and court dates loomed, Rose admits he “went on the run,” eventually being captured in California and extradited back to Kentucky to serve his sentence.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEADLINE FROM WHAS11

He clarified that the newspaper was launched with his then-girlfriend, whom he described as an “equal partner” in the business, and that it ended badly for everyone involved.

While incarcerated, Rose said he experienced a life-altering shift. “I gave my life to God,” he said. “I started ministering to other inmates, and that’s when everything changed.” In Kentucky, for non-violent crimes, rights are automatically restored after prison after fines and parole is completed.

He laughed as he added, “My wife likes me to make it clear that she didn’t know me in my pre-Jesus days.”

Photo Credit: David Rose Facebook. Crystal Rose, President Donald Trump, and David Rose (2025). Pastor Rose and Crystal serve on President Trump’s National Faith Advisory Board.

In 2020, Rose and his wife, Crystal, founded Restoration Hope Church in Lake Havasu City, where he now serves as lead pastor. He was later elected president of the Lake Havasu Unified School District Governing Board, where he emphasizes family-centered values. Now stepping onto the statewide political stage, Rose has announced his run for the Arizona House of Representatives in LD30. He told State 48 News that his campaign and his upcoming book share the same message: “You can’t talk about redemption if you’ve never fallen. My story isn’t about perfection. It’s about purpose after failure.”

As Rose moves from pulpit to public office, Prison to Purpose is poised to serve as both testimony and campaign platform — a story of faith, failure, and the long road to purpose.

Photo Credit: David Rose Facebook.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

The Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act, better known as Arizona’s Stolen Valor Bill, was one of the flagship pieces of legislation from the last session. If you were in Arizona, you saw the headlines. The bipartisan measure cracked down on impersonating veterans for personal or financial gain, and it carried a powerful name: Master Sergeant Orlando Dona, a U.S. Air Force veteran who passed away in June 2024 at age 91.

As journalist Rachel Alexander reported on January 14, 2025, the bill was introduced by Rep. Walt Blackman (R-Snowflake) and named in honor of Dona’s late father.

His son, Jack Dona, a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and founder of The CONELRAD Group, told Alexander, “It is a great honor to our family to have the Arizona Legislature name this bill in honor of my father. On April 17, 1949, at the age of 16, Dad immigrated to the United States from the Panama Canal Zone. From the moment he disembarked at the port of San Francisco, he embraced this nation with all his heart and dedicated his life to serving his country — first in the military, and later in academics as a computer engineer for university systems. From the moment he set foot on U.S. soil, Dad was 100 percent an American at heart,” Alexander reported.

Photo Credit: The Arizona Sun Times — The late Orlando Jose Dona, MSgt, United States Air Force (Retired), pictured with his son Jack Dona, MSG, U.S. Army (Retired), on the right.

That moment of pride has since turned bittersweet according to an exclusive interview given to State 48 News.

The legislative fight to crack down on military impersonation in Arizona ended in a bipartisan victory last spring. But according to Dona, one of the bill’s most visible advocates, the aftermath of that victory revealed a personal and painful divide.

Retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jack Dona, whose late father is the namesake of Arizona’s newly enacted Stolen Valor measure, says the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Walt Blackman, failed to provide him a copy of the ceremonial proclamation despite months of requests. Dona says he needed the document for his 88-year-old aunt, whose eyesight is failing and who was eager to read the state’s formal recognition of her brother.

“I wasn’t asking for myself,” Dona said in an interview with State 48 News. “I wanted to take it to my aunt before she lost more of her vision.”

Dona says he assisted Blackman and his staff earlier this year in drafting portions of the legislation and the accompanying proclamation, specifically the section referencing “special tabs and decorations,” which he adapted from Army Regulation 670-1 to correct an omission.

Photo Credit: January 15, 2025 — Press conference at the Arizona State Capitol featuring Rep. Walt Blackman, various legislators, community members, and retired Master Sergeant Jack Dona speaking. Photo by Christy Kelly.

The bill passed in April 2025. Dona, who lives in Sierra Vista about three and a half hours from the Capitol, frequently appeared at press conferences and media events during the push.

State 48 News often saw Dona at the Capitol, holding press conferences, sitting in committee hearings, joining live social media discussions, and making tireless posts to keep the bill alive.

After passage, Dona says he declined to participate in a public bill-signing and did not authorize use of his late father’s image for that ceremony, citing personal and political reasons. He told State 48 News he did not want to appear publicly with Governor Katie Hobbs. Blackman, he said, wanted him there and asked to use his father’s image, which Dona declined.

Even so, he says he continued to ask Blackman by phone, text, and email for a copy of the signed proclamation through August.

When no document arrived, Dona reached out in September to Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-LD1), who had supported the bill, and explained that he planned to visit his aunt in Nevada within days. Nguyen contacted Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD25), according to Dona.

The last contact Dona had with Blackman came when the legislator’s assistant called to ask for his mailing address and said a copy of the proclamation would be sent. According to Dona, it never arrived. During that call, the assistant also asked who he had spoken with about not receiving the document.

Nguyen then informed Dona that, at Montenegro’s direction, he would reproduce and sign an official copy so Dona could hand-deliver it. Dona and his wife drove to Phoenix to retrieve the proclamation and then went to Nevada, where he read it aloud to his aunt.

“She held it and said she wanted it on her bed so she could read it that night with her magnifier and again in the morning,” Dona said. “She was so proud.”

Dona says the proclamation he obtained bears Nguyen’s signature rather than Blackman’s, which he finds unusual given custom and the sponsor’s role. He also alleges that during the months he was asking for a copy, he was told that Blackman displayed one on his office wall and took photos with it, a claim State 48 News has not independently verified.

“All he had to do was take it off the wall, scan it, and email it,” Dona said. “Instead, it was week after week, month after month.”

In his letter to Speaker Montenegro, Dona wrote that the experience felt “cruel” and cited his father’s saying: “If you cannot be responsible with little things, you will not be trusted with big things later in life.” He emphasized that he never sought compensation for his work on the bill and that his only goal was to honor his father and bring comfort to his aunt.

Dona credits Nguyen and Montenegro for making sure he had a document in hand before his trip. “Representative Nguyen and the Speaker came through,” he said. “I’m grateful for that.”

As of October 28, 2025, Dona says he has received no further communication from Blackman and still does not have a proclamation signed by the bill’s sponsor.

Ceremonial proclamations often accompany high-profile legislation, especially measures named in honor of individuals. While proclamations are not legally binding, families and advocates often treat them as keepsakes marking the public significance of their efforts.

Dona says the timing of this one was critical because of his aunt’s declining eyesight and recent personal losses. “This was one of the last things that could truly connect her to my dad’s service and sacrifice,” he said. Dona told State 48 News that his Aunt and father were extremely close and would speak daily by phone.

State 48 News has asked Rep. Blackman for comment on Dona’s account and on the customary practice for signing proclamations associated with sponsored bills. Any response will be included in an update to this story.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

Legacy media is losing its grip, newspapers are shuddering and independent voices are rising from digital platforms. State 48 News sat down with two veterans who have navigated both politics and media from the inside. The conversation, hosted by Christy Kelly, explored what it really takes to build a career in political communication today—and whether journalism is still worth the fight.

Rachel Alexander is a seasoned conservative journalist, attorney, and editor who has spent over two decades at the crossroads of law, media, and politics. She is the founder and editor of Intellectual Conservative, a publication she launched in 2002 that has since become a hub for analysis on election integrity, judicial reform, and conservative thought.

Before entering journalism full-time, Alexander served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arizona, a Deputy County Attorney in Maricopa County overseeing elections, and a corporate attorney for GoDaddy. Her background also includes experience as a gun magazine editor and a staffer for Congressman David Schweikert, grounding her reporting in both practical law and real-world political operations.

Her writing has appeared in outlets including Townhall, WND, The Arizona Sun Times, and The Christian Post. Educated in Political Science and History at the University of Washington, Alexander later attended law school at Boston College and the University of Arizona, where she led the Federalist Society. Over the years, she has become one of the right’s most recognizable voices on election law, lawfare, and media bias—praised for her detailed, methodical approach to complex political issues.

Ajay Bruno brings a complementary perspective—from the inside of campaigns, communications firms, and political consulting. He has represented a wide range of clients, including FreedomWorks, the Indian Ambassador to the United States, the Polish Consulate-General in New York City, The Federalist Society, Regnery Publishing, and Hachette Book Group, as well as public figures such as Judge Jeanine Pirro, comedian Terrence K. Williams, and presidential adviser Doug Wead.

Before moving into full-time public relations, Bruno built his foundation in political strategy and writing, contributing to The Hill, RedState, Washington Examiner, and Bold. He also produced and hosted a political podcast that featured interviews with authors, elected officials, and cultural commentators.

His campaign experience runs from local races to the national stage—most notably serving as New Hampshire State Director for Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign. Today, his work focuses on message discipline, media placement, and reputation management, helping clients navigate an era where the lines between politics, publicity, and identity are constantly shifting.

Together, Alexander and Bruno represent two sides of the same modern conservative coin. One forged in law and journalism, the other in persuasion and strategy.

State 48 News delivers independent coverage of Arizona’s political, legal, and community landscape — grounded in facts, free from party talking points, and focused on what impacts everyday Arizonans. Join us!

Why They Chose the Arena

When asked how they found themselves in politics, both traced their passion back to early roots.

For Bruno, politics was less a calling than an evolution.

“I’ve always had an interest in history and campaigns,” he said. “I was probably angry when Clinton beat Dole—that’s probably when it started.” What began as curiosity became a career that blended political strategy, writing, and media relations. Bruno has worn nearly every hat the business offers—from campaign work and punditry to public relations and crisis management. “I find it enthralling,” he admitted. “It’s the people who ruin politics. The system itself, the challenge and the competition—is something I’ve always enjoyed,” Bruno said.

Alexander’s entry point came through words, not rallies. Her parents subscribed to National Review back when it was unapologetically conservative.

“We weren’t allowed to watch TV or go to movies,” she laughed, “so I just read.” By the time she reached law school, she was already writing about policy and politics, and in 2002, she founded Intellectual Conservative. “It was my way to keep William F. Buckley Jr.’s legacy alive,” she explained. “National Review had gone squishy, so I wanted a place where people could still read strong, principled conservatism,” Alexander recalled.

For both, politics was about participation. Bruno’s love for messaging strategy and Alexander’s obsession with truth-each stem from a shared conviction that politics still matters because information still matters.

Is It Still Worth It? Advice for the Next Generation

With so many young people disillusioned by the toxicity of politics and the collapse of traditional journalism, Kelly asked : Is it still worth getting into this business?

Bruno didn’t sugarcoat it.

“It’s a difficult world to get into. Like anything else, it’s about who you know,” he said. The old paths of party internships, local races, think-tank jobs—still exist, but the landscape has changed. “It used to be more civil,” he explained. “Now, you have to really want it. If you like anything else, do that. But if this is what drives you and if it’s really in your blood—then go for it. Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Politics is supposed to be public service, not self-service,” Bruno explained.

Alexander, speaking from the journalist’s side, painted a similarly stark picture.

“You’ve got to have a thick skin,” she said. “Last year before the election, I was being called the C-word on X once a week.” Between online harassment, layoffs, and the rise of AI-generated content, she said journalism has become an endurance sport. “It’s not just about reporting anymore—you have to become an influencer. You have to build your audience, promote your own work, and sometimes even defend it in real time,” Alexander said.

The old newsroom have turned into independent platforms, subscription models, and personal brands. Alexander said that’s both a threat and an opportunity: “Only a handful of people are going to become a Megyn Kelly. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build something meaningful. You just have to be realistic about what that looks like.”

When the conversation turned to education, both were pragmatic. Alexander pointed out that not every success story begins with a degree. “Look at Jordan Conradson from Gateway Pundit,” she said. “He became one of Arizona’s most recognized reporters at nineteen—no college degree.” Still, she sees value in higher education when it’s used the right way. “If you go to the right college and take the right courses, it can teach you how to think, not just what to think.”

Bruno agreed—mostly. “Universities have become propaganda mills,” he said, “unless you’re somewhere like Hillsdale. You’re paying to be indoctrinated. But if you can find a school that actually sharpens your mind, then sure—it can help open doors.”

In the end, the consensus was clear: both journalism and politics are still worth entering but only if you understand what they’ve become. The gatekeepers are gone, for those who are willing to work and fight for truth in a noisy world.

Building a Brand in the Age of X

If the previous generation built résumés, today’s builds brands.

For Bruno, branding is equal parts authenticity and amplification.

“You have to find your niche and stay consistent,” he said. “Work with people who can put you in the right places, and promote your strengths.” His experience with clients like Terrence K. Williams illustrates how humor, personality, and politics can intersect into something commercially powerful. “He already had a big following,” Bruno recalled. “Our job was to help him refine it, expand it, and connect with larger audiences,” Bruno said.

Alexander, on the other hand, has lived the social media roller coaster firsthand.

“Under the old Twitter, I was suppressed. I was hemorrhaging followers,” she said. “When Elon Musk took over, he started promoting independent journalists who had been buried before—and that changed everything.” Her growth on X, where she now reaches hundreds of thousands of followers, came from consistency and focus. “If you post about one issue for six months straight, you become an expert in that field. The algorithm rewards that,” Alexander said.

Both guests agreed that conservative media figures have to promote themselves aggressively. “If you don’t reinvent yourself and push your brand, you’ll die,” Alexander said bluntly. “This isn’t the era of editors discovering you—you have to market yourself.”

The Media Gap on the Right

When the topic turned to conservative messaging, Kelly noted the irony: conservatives often complain about media bias but fail to amplify their own journalists. “You can’t say mainstream media is dead,” she said, “and then ignore the independent outlets doing real work.”

Alexander didn’t disagree. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written flattering stories about politicians who never repost them,” she said. “They’ll go give quotes to mainstream reporters who hate them—but they won’t support their own.”

All agreed that the left’s communication discipline remains unmatched. “They coordinate their message,” Alexander said. “There’s literally a Slack or chat group somewhere that decides what the talking point of the day will be.” Conservatives, by contrast, often work in silos. “A few years ago, I tried to start a network where right-leaning journalists could coordinate stories and talking points,” she added. “I got nowhere. No funding. No support.”

The takeaway: if conservatives want to compete, they must learn not just to speak truth, but to amplify it together.

Reading Polls and Spotting the Spin

The conversation eventually shifted to polling validity. Kelly asked what every candidate and journalist wants to know: how do you tell which polls are real?

“Be skeptical,” Bruno said. “Polls can be useful, but they’re often slanted by the way questions are asked or who’s paying for them. The only poll that matters is the one on Election Day.”

Alexander agreed, adding that many polls are designed to shape opinion, not measure it. “Some are called ‘push polls,’” she explained. “They frame questions to lead you toward a certain answer. That’s not measuring sentiment. That’s propaganda.”

Alexander cited Noble Predictive Insights, a polling firm she says often favors establishment candidates. She argued that its surveys always show the traditional Republicans ahead. (Okay, full disclosure—that’s not the exact “R” word she used, but State 48 News has banned itself from printing the other particular pejorative.)

Both encouraged readers to check methodology, sample size, and funding sources before trusting any headline. “A candidate can literally hire a pollster to produce a narrative,” Kelly added. “That’s something a lot of people don’t realize.”

Third Parties and the Arizona Landscape

As the conversation turned toward Arizona, Kelly raised Arizona’s shifting voter registration numbers and the rise of independents. “Are third parties going to shake up 2026?” she asked.

Alexander doesn’t think so. “Independents in Arizona are about evenly split between those who vote Republican and those who vote Democrat,” she said. “People panic when they hear independents are growing, but it’s mostly a branding issue. Many of them are conservatives who just don’t like the party label.”

Bruno added that tailoring the message matters. “Arizona used to be solid red. Now it’s more purple—or at least some people like to think so,” he said with a grin. “But the right message can still win: focus on the economy, border security, and common sense. Those issues aren’t partisan, they’re American.”

Reflections and Regrets

To close the podcast, Kelly asked both guests what they would do differently if they could start over.

“I wouldn’t have jumped straight into running for statewide office,” Kelly admitted. “I stepped into quicksand not knowing how powerful APS was or how the factions really worked. I would’ve written my book first and learned the landscape better.”

Bruno said he would have chosen his geography differently. “I should’ve gone to a conservative college, built those connections, maybe started in a red state. Instead, I went straight to D.C.—not the best move if you want to run somewhere else.”

Alexander, ever the realist, smiled. “I wouldn’t have gone to law school. I thought I’d practice for two years and then become a senator. Instead, I found my home in journalism. I love it, even if it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had.”

Both Alexander and Bruno can be found on X.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

When Arizona voters approved Proposition 207 in 2020, legalization came with a promise. Beyond opening the recreational cannabis market, the initiative pledged to create opportunities for people in communities most harmed by prohibition.

The social equity piece was supposed to guarantee that those hit hardest by decades of arrests and criminalization would finally share in the economic benefits of legalization.

Five years later, that promise has failed. Critics argue the program hasn’t lived up to its intent, and evidence shows it has been hijacked by corporate bad actors it was designed to keep out.

One of the loudest voices calling this out is Celeste Rodriguez, co-founder of Acre 41. Before a single license drawing took place, Rodriguez and her group were already in court, warning that the state’s rules opened the door for exploitation. They saw predatory contracts waiting to swallow up social equity applicants, undermining the spirit of Prop 207.

In this episode of State 48 News, we sit down with Rodriguez to walk through that fight, what happened in the courts, and what it revealed about the gap between what voters thought they were approving and what actually played out under the regulators’ watch. We’ll also dig into what’s happened since the licenses were awarded, how corporations came to dominate the field, and why Rodriguez says the program was “destined to fail from inception.”

This isn’t just a cannabis story. It’s about broken promises, the silence of state leaders, corruption at all levels, and the communities left behind.

The Lawsuit That Set the Stage

In November 2021, Acre 41 and the Greater Phoenix Urban League sued the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), challenging the way it planned to award 26 new dispensary licenses. They argued the system reduced equity licenses to “lottery tickets” and handed multi-state operators the keys to bankroll and control qualified applicants.

Rodriguez told Phoenix New Times:

“These [investors] are coming in, selling them the dream… They want to buy them out for pennies, and add it to the portfolios that they are building right now.”

But on February 1, 2022, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner dismissed the case. He didn’t weigh fairness. Instead, he leaned on voter intent: since Prop 207 left the details to ADHS, the agency had broad discretion. As Warner wrote in his decision:

“The voters left to ADHS how the social equity ownership program should work, and the rules [the agency] developed comply with the law and are reasonably designed to meet its objectives.”

Translation: the court washed its hands of equity concerns and deferred to the agency’s broad authority.

A Lottery Dominated by Corporations

With the lawsuit tossed aside, ADHS moved forward. Attempts to delay the drawing over background checks were also denied. The lottery went ahead, and just as Rodriguez predicted, corporate-backed applications swarmed the field.

Licenses intended for individuals flowed quickly into corporate portfolios. Consolidation, not equity, became the outcome. Rodriguez later reflected in the Arizona Informant:

“The program was destined to fail from inception… The rules didn’t protect the intended beneficiaries and left communities with little to no benefit.”

Her early warnings proved true: equity licenses became prizes for the highest bidder.

Silence from State Leadership

Despite mounting evidence of abuse, state leaders have been mostly silent. Critics point to Chad Campbell, who promoted equity provisions of Prop 207 in vulnerable communities, but hasn’t addressed how things turned out. Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes have stayed quiet as well, despite repeated calls for oversight.

For advocates, that silence stings. It signals not just neglect but complicity in a system that abandoned the people it was meant to help.

Beyond Cannabis

The fight over Arizona’s social equity licenses has outgrown cannabis. It’s now a test of whether voter-approved initiatives can survive the pressure of corporate lobbying, agency discretion, and political avoidance.

At its core, this story is about promises made and promises broken. Voters endorsed equity. Regulators wrote rules that paved the way for corporate takeover. Rodriguez said, “the system was intentionally designed to fail.”

At the heart of it, this is bigger than cannabis. It’s about trust in government—and whether voters can believe that the promises they approve at the ballot box will actually be honored.

Support watch-dog reporting, for less than a cup of coffee you can keep us going

State 48 News is covering every angle of what critics have dubbed “The Social Equity Heist.” Here’s what we’ve uncovered so far, and the investigation is just beginning.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

Arizona Rep. John Gillette (R-LD30 ) is facing a dust up after a series of social media posts and public comments about Muslims prompted Arizona House Democrats to file an ethics complaint. However, as of mid-September 2025, the House Ethics Committee has declined to pursue formal action.

Gillette has made multiple posts on X in early September, many of which Democrats describe as “anti-Muslim, bigoted, and dangerous.” In these postings, he claimed that Muslim immigrants are attempting to push Sharia law in the U.S., and suggested many Muslims are “savages” tied to extremist violence, including referencing the 2012 Benghazi embassy attack.

When questioned in media interviews, Gillette clearly argued that he was not criticizing all Muslims, but rather extremists within Islam. He also defended his remarks as part of his First Amendment rights, saying that free speech must protect comments even if others find them offensive.

Gillette took the opportunity to remind his followers that he has been consistent. In January, he spoke against Governor Hobbs’ relationship with CAIR Arizona claiming they support Shiria Law.

Despite the complaints, Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-LD19), Chair of the House Ethics Committee, announced on September 12 that the committee would not take further action. Diaz reasoned that statements, even offensive ones, have traditionally been outside the purview of ethics investigations. The argument was made that investigating a lawmaker’s speech or beliefs is not something appropriate for the Ethics Committee, which should not be used to punish speech simply because others find it disagreeable.

The “Dead on Arrival” complaint referenced Gillette’s letter and encouraged offended members to read it. Here are those documents in their entirety.

So what’s next? It appears that Gillette is finished talking to left-leaning outlets who he claims did not report the entirety of the matter.

With the Ethics Committee declining to act, there is no formal disciplinary consequence for Rep. Gillette at this time.

And Gillette isn’t finished sharing his personal experiences with Muslims from his military career. Meanwhile, some Arizona Democrat leaders are now telling left-leaning outlets they feel “unsafe” around the GOP leader. One far-left paper even went so far as to call Gillette “unhinged.”

Watch our full video interview and decide for yourself.

You can find Rep. Gillette at Black Canyon Strategies

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THE STATE 48 NEWS sat down with Libertarian leaders in Arizona to discuss the state of third parties and the rapid rise of Party Not Designated (PND) voters in Arizona. Recent voter registration data shows this is the fastest-growing bloc in the state, adding thousands of voters each month while Democrats and Republicans steadily lose ground.

The shift raises key questions:

* Can third parties, especially the Libertarian Party — convert PND voters into consistent supporters, or will they remain election-by-election swing votes?

* How will this surge impact ballot access rules, campaign strategy, and primary outcomes in Arizona’s unique open primary system?

* Is the growth of PND voters a rejection of party platforms, a protest against partisan politics, or simply a desire for more independent-minded candidates?

* What internal changes does the Libertarian Party need to make to appeal beyond its traditional base?

Libertarian leaders acknowledged both opportunity and challenges. Internally, the party faces questions about resource allocation, candidate recruitment, and whether to prioritize local races where margins are tighter versus statewide contests that require massive funding.

With voter frustration at historic highs and the 2026 election cycle already in motion, the next 18 months could determine how these political mavericks shape Arizona politics.

In this episode, State 48 News sits down with Arizona Libertarian Party State Chairwoman Dru Heaton, Maricopa County Chair Eric Fowler, and Nathan Madden, Second Vice Chair of the Arizona LP and an elected member of the Buckeye Union High School District Governing Board.

Joe Forte is a true independent. A Tempe-based small-business owner and 2026 city council candidate, as previously profiled by State 48 News. He’s best known as the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Keep Tempe Beautiful, often working with ASU students on city cleanups and sustainability initiatives.

Forte spoke with State 48 about his campaign, outlining his focus on transparency, resident engagement, and cutting unnecessary fees. This is a hi-light, the longer conversation can be found here.

🔥 Arizona’s media empire is crumbling.

The Arizona Republic just axed some of its biggest names — proof that “mainstream” doesn’t mean stable.

Here’s the part they won’t tell you: independent outlets like State 48 News are fighting to survive too. We’re not backed by billionaires. We’re backed by YOU.

If you’re tired of corporate spin and agenda-driven headlines, we thank you in advance for your support.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

In an interview with State 48’s Christy Kelly, Republican candidate Daniel Butierez previews the July 15 special primary for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District seat, vacated by the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva. As one of three GOP contenders, alongside Jorge Rivas and Jimmy Rodriguez—Butierez lays out his vision for the district and positions himself as the conservative alternative in a region that has historically leaned heavily Democratic.

During the conversation, Kelly presses Butierez on several key fronts: why he’s running again after his loss in the 2024 general election, how his priorities for CD7 are shaped by his own life experiences, and whether low turnout in the general election could give Republicans a narrow path to a surprise upset in a deep-blue district. With most national observers viewing the general as a foregone conclusion, the GOP primary becomes more than an internal contest—it is a chance to test the resonance of conservative messaging in southern Arizona and to see whether Republicans can build any momentum in a part of the state long dominated by Democrats.

Butierez currently leads the GOP field in fundraising, having raised approximately $180,000, most of which came from candidate-secured loans. He reports about $98,000 in cash-on-hand, far outpacing primary opponents Jorge Rivas and Jimmy Rodriguez. Despite multiple attempts, Rivas did not respond to State 48’s invitation to participate in an interview.

On the Democratic side, frontrunners Daniel Hernández Jr. and Adelita Grijalva are each approaching the $1 million mark in total fundraising, allowing them to maintain a strong ground game and voter outreach operation. Deja Foxx, while trailing behind the top two, has raised roughly $600,000 and maintains around $100,000 in cash-on-hand—still a competitive sum that keeps her viable heading into the final stretch.

Altogether, more than $3.4 million has already poured into the CD7 special election, an extraordinary total for a summer race.

With the primary set for July 15 and the general election on September 23, all eyes now turn to turnout and momentum. While CD‑7 remains a stalwart blue district, low participation and a well-executed GOP ground game could narrow the gap. Still, most political pundits believe barring a seismic shift, this race is shaping up to reaffirm the district’s Democratic lean—making this summer’s showdown more about influence and message than an actual flip.

Last week, State Rep. Rachel Keshel (Capt. Seth’s “better half”) sounded the alarm on potential ballot harvesting in Arizona’s CD7. Her letter to the Attorney General outlines serious concerns about election integrity ahead of the special election.

You can read the full breakdown in Capt. Seth Keshel latest newsletter, linked below.

The Arizona Agenda put together a fantastic preview of the Democrats running in CD7—complete with interviews and insights that give readers a real sense of who’s in the race and what’s at stake. It’s a must-read if you want to understand the dynamics on the other side of the aisle. Catch the full newsletter here:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe

State 48 News breaks down Arizona’s ESA drama just one day after furious parents walked out of a State Board meeting — and with a potential challenger already being recruited to take on Superintendent Tom Horne in 2026.

Time Codes:

00:00 Intro

:07 Stacey discusses what happened during the April 28, 2025 ADE meeting

:59 Stacey explains what happened during ADE public comment

2:12 The ADE meeting

3:28 Stacey describes the speaker process

5:26 ADE public comment rules

6:21 Stacey talks about when ESA parents started to notice change in ESA caps rules

7:02 Challenger in the race for State Superintendent

8:19 Stacey’s 3 hopes for ESA in Arizona

9:37 Arizona State Superintendent Tom Horne on his committment to ESA and school choice

10:40 Stacey responds to “disconnect” between Horne and ESA families

12:20 Timeline for new candidate to announce

12:45 Barber asks about educator discipline

17:24 Stacey’s advice for young parents looking to put children into school

19:26 School Choice website to check out

20:13 Wrap

RESOURCES.

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) website

Love Your School website

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestate48news.com/subscribe