House Freedom Caucus Left Out as Legislative Committee Leaders Announced

In a surprising move, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has appointed a freshman senator to lead a key committee while sidelining two experienced lawmakers.

Freshman Senator Tim Dunn, R-Yuma, and Vice Chair Vince Leach, R-Tucson, are set to play secondary roles in various committees. Leach, returning to the Senate after a prior term in the House, expressed optimism regarding his new position despite not having led a committee before.

“Looking forward to a very productive term,” Leach stated in a text message. Dunn, who previously chaired the House Government Committee, was anticipated to take a prominent role but has instead been given vice chair duties.

Lobbyist Barry Aarons remarked on the unexpected nature of Dunn’s appointment, believing his expertise in water policy would have suited him for the leadership of the Natural Resources Committee. Petersen named Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, as chair, with Dunn serving as vice chair.

“Shope knows those issues and he’s a rural legislator,” Aarons commented, adding that both Shope and Dunn share a fair and reasonable approach.

Shope, who has a decade of experience on various legislative committees, prioritizes an “Ag-to-Urban Conservation Program” aimed at facilitating development within agricultural areas while conserving water resources. Last session, this proposal faced gubernatorial veto due to concerns over its broad application.

“The program would have helped agriculture and homebuilding collaborate for increased housing while conserving water, but Gov. Hobbs chose to oppose it,” Schope explained.

In another noteworthy appointment, Petersen named Carnie Werner as chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services. This marks an unusual decision for a freshman legislator, though Aarons believes she will excel in her new role.

Petersen also restructured several committees, merging the Senate Judiciary and Elections committees and separating public safety from the Military and Border committee.

Democratic consultant Gaelle Esposito voiced her disappointment regarding the re-establishment of the federalism committee, criticizing its typical focus on unrelated conspiracy theories. She anticipates ongoing challenges in these legislative sessions.

The Senate’s updated committee structure includes several chairs, such as Sen. John Kavanagh leading Appropriations and Sen. David Farnsworth heading Education. Important committees like Natural Resources and Health and Human Services have also seen new leadership.

Meanwhile, House Speaker-elect Steve Montenegro has announced the committee chairmanships for the House, introducing new leadership including Representative-elect Tony Rivero at the helm of the International Trade Committee.

Montenegro emphasized the qualities of newly appointed House Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter, praising his principled and conservative leadership approach.

The full composition of the House’s standing committees reflects a range of leadership, from Rep. Selina Bliss chairing Health and Human Services to Rep. David Livingston overseeing Appropriations.

Notably, some members of the House Freedom Caucus were not appointed to chair positions. Consultant Barrett Marson remarked on the challenges faced by this group within the current legislative context.