‘We Can’t Stop Legislation’: Incoming Arizona Senate GOP Leader Kavanagh Outlines Minority Strategy

Incoming Arizona Senate Minority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) says Republicans will focus on communicating their objections to Democratic legislation as they prepare to surrender control of the chamber in January.

“We can’t stop legislation,” Kavanagh told Capitol Media Services following his selection as minority leader Monday, according to the Arizona Daily Star. “We can point out to the voters that the legislation is bad.”

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Kavanagh said those objections would become part of Republicans’ argument against reelecting Democrats. He also identified opportunities to influence closely divided, nonpartisan legislation requiring Republican support to pass.

Democrats emerged from the election with 20 seats in the 30-member Senate and 37 seats in the 60-member House, according to the Arizona Mirror. The results leave Republicans with minorities in both chambers for the incoming Legislature.

In the Capitol Media Services interview, Kavanagh attributed Republican losses to dissatisfaction with national conditions, including gasoline prices and the war in Iran. He disputed the interpretation that voters had rejected Arizona Republicans’ policy positions.

Kavanagh said the caucus should retain its emphasis on affordability, lower taxes, reduced regulation, law enforcement, and border security while working to regain a majority in 2028. He also called for civility as Republicans communicate their disagreements with Democratic proposals.

The Senate GOP’s November 9 leadership announcement identified taxes, law enforcement, and Arizona’s long-term water supply as priorities. The caucus said it would introduce its own legislation, coordinate with House Republicans, and pursue bipartisan agreements where members believe they can deliver results.

“Rebuilding a Republican majority starts with earning it, and that work starts now,” Kavanagh said in the announcement.

Senate Republicans also selected Sen. Tim Dunn (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader and incoming Sen. Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) as minority whip. Kavanagh appointed Sen. Mark Finchem (R-LD1) as deputy assistant minority leader of communications, according to the same release.

Kavanagh told Capitol Media Services that Finchem had expressed an interest in communicating with voters. Finchem did not respond to the outlet’s requests for information about his plans for the position.

Kavanagh has served in the Legislature since 2007. His previous assignments include Senate majority leader, Senate president pro tempore, and chairmanships of appropriations committees in both chambers, according to the caucus announcement.

House Republicans selected their leadership team Friday, choosing current Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) as minority leader, Rep. Michael Carbone (R-LD25) as assistant minority leader, and Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) as minority whip, the Arizona Mirror reported. Both caucuses will enter their new roles when the next Legislature convenes in January.