Republican Lawmakers Land Key Committee Roles in Arizona House and Senate

By Daniel Stefanski |

As Arizona’s legislative session approaches in January, newly announced committee assignments reflect the GOP’s strategic planning. This announcement came from Senate President Warren Petersen, revealing key leadership roles among Republican lawmakers.

In the Senate, Senator John Kavanagh will lead the Committee on Appropriations, supported by Vice Chair Senator David Farnsworth. Farnsworth will also head the Committee on Education, with Senator-Elect Carine Werner serving as vice chair. Senator J.D. Mesnard takes charge of the Finance Committee, joined by Vice Chair Senator-Elect Vince Leach. Further leadership includes Senator Werner chairing Health & Human Services, and Senator T.J. Shope as vice chair. Senator David Gowan will lead the Military & Border Committee, with Senator Janae Shamp as vice chair, while Shope also chairs the Committee on Natural Resources, with Senator-Elect Tim Dunn as vice chair.

Other appointed roles feature Senator-Elect Mark Finchem chairing Federalism with Senator-Elect Hildy Angius as vice chair. Senator Wendy Rogers will oversee the Judiciary & Elections Committee, and Kavanagh will serve as the vice chair. Finally, Senator Jake Hoffman will chair the Government Committee, supported by Vice Chair Rogers, and Senator-Elect Kevin Payne will lead the Public Safety Committee with Angius assisting as vice chair. Senator Shawnna Bolick will chair the Regulatory Affairs Committee, with Senator Frank Carroll as vice chair.

Meanwhile, the House announced its committee leadership just days later. Representative John Gillette will oversee the Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee, with Representative Rachel Jones by his side as vice chair. Representative Walt Blackman takes the helm of the Government Committee, while Representative Lisa Fink will serve as vice chair. Other leadership assignments include Representative Selina Bliss chairing Health & Human Services, Representative Ralph Heap as vice chair, and Representative Tony Rivero leading the International Trade Committee, partnered with Representative Michele Peña.

Additional appointments include Representative Quang Nguyen chairing the Judiciary Committee, with Representative Khyl Powell serving as vice chair. Representative Lupe Diaz will lead Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, and Peña will be vice chair. Representative Gail Griffin chairs Natural Resources, Energy & Water, with Representative Chris Lopez as vice chair. Representative David Marshall leads the Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee, with Representative Pamela Carter as vice chair. Representative Laurin Hendrix will chair the Rules Committee alongside Vice Chair Neal Carter. Representative Leo Biasiucci leads Transportation & Infrastructure, supported by Vice Chair Teresa Martinez, while Representative Beverly Pingerelii will chair the Science & Technology Committee, with Justin Wilmeth as vice chair. Finally, Representative Justin Olson takes charge of the Ways & Means Committee, with Representative Nick Kupper assisting as vice chair.

President Petersen’s leadership approach is evident in these committee assignments. His decisions have shown a commitment to uniting the caucus in the face of challenges, particularly from Senator David Gowan. Despite previous competitive races, Petersen has consistently recognized Gowan’s capabilities by appointing him to lead the Committee on Military & Border. This approach aims to rally GOP members against the policies of Governor Katie Hobbs.