Arizona Corporation Commissioners Brace for Intensifying Primary Showdown

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Corporation Commissioners Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson have taken aim at State Representative Dr. Ralph Heap, who recently declared his candidacy for the Commission in 2026, and his running mate, Rep. David Marshall. In a statement, the incumbents dismissed both candidates as “special interest proxies,” alleging that they aim to return politics into ratemaking.

Myers further claimed that Heap and Marshall are affiliated with the Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AZFEC) and Turning Point USA (TPUSA), saying these organizations seek “good puppets” for the Corporation Commission. This remark signifies a contentious political landscape as both challengers prepare to vie for the position.

Scot Mussi, president of AZFEC, responded vehemently, accusing Myers and Thompson of sidestepping substantive discussions. “They always resort to attacks,” Mussi remarked, indicating a pattern of behavior among the current commissioners.

Heap and Marshall have consistently advocated for affordable energy at the State Legislature, opposing initiatives like Net Zero and the Green New Deal. Their support for President Trump’s energy policies positions them as key players in this evolving debate.

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for TPUSA, dismissed Myers’s “puppet” claim as unfounded. He highlighted the organization’s lack of contact with the current commissioners since they took office and referred to AZFEC as a supportive ally.

The stakes are high for Arizona voters as the Corporation Commission, now under Republican control, faces scrutiny over APS’s recent request for another rate increase, following an 8% hike in 2024.

Thompson and Myers have faced criticism from their own party for aligning with APS and Tucson Electric Power (TEP), particularly after they rejected President Trump’s call to reopen coal-fired power plants. Thompson stated that such actions could jeopardize the state’s electrical grid and financially burden ratepayers.

He emphasized that managing the electrical grid’s complexities cannot be reduced to simple slogans, responding to calls for reopening the Cholla plant by labeling them financially irresponsible.

The Commission’s divergence from the Trump administration’s energy policies has sparked conflict with the Republican-controlled state legislature, AZFEC, and the Goldwater Institute. Myers accused these organizations of creating false narratives against the Commission, asserting, “They’ve basically been trying to run us through the mud.”

Despite these claims, Mussi pointed out ongoing issues with the Commission, emphasizing a lack of engagement on vital topics. He criticized the current administration’s reluctance to address the long-term energy plans of APS and TEP, which favor wind and solar over traditional energy sources.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.