Exclusive: Rep Steve Montenegro Warns Arizona Against Following California’s Political Path

Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro told the California Globe that House Republicans are preparing an agenda focused on water, parental rights, affordability, and public safety as they work to preserve their legislative majorities in the November 3 election.

Montenegro also offered a sharp warning about the prospect of unified Democratic control, pointing to California as an example of the direction he wants Arizona voters to reject. He argued that electing Andy Biggs governor would give Republicans an opportunity to expand tax relief and reduce regulation, while another term for Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs would require continued legislative resistance to her agenda.

Preserving the American Dream means delivering real results for Arizona families, property owners, and taxpayers.

🎥 Watch Speaker @SteveMontenegro highlight some of the Majority’s key accomplishments from the 2026 session, from tax relief and a balanced budget to protecting… pic.twitter.com/qHqI0out5d

— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) October 22, 2026

Asked directly whether he intends to stand for speaker again, Montenegro answered, “Yes,” but made his immediate priorities clear: “My commitment right now, my complete focus is on keeping our majorities first and foremost, first, second, and third,” he said. “That’s where my mind has been. That’s where it’s going to continue to be.”

He then described the House Republican caucus as united and said conversations were underway with current members and candidates he expects to join them.

“We have a vision for Arizona together, and I believe that there’s much work to do that we have been planning for,” Montenegro said.

His priorities for the next session include protecting Arizona’s water supplies, defending parental rights, and opposing tax increases. Asked to identify the first two or three bills Republicans would advance, Montenegro said those discussions were still being consolidated.

“We have to protect and fight for water in our state. We have to protect and fight for parents and parental rights,” he said. “We have to stand strong and make sure that Katie Hobbs is not raising taxes.”

Montenegro tied those priorities to a broader argument about the cost of living and the ability of families, retirees, and entrepreneurs to build a future in Arizona.

Under a Biggs administration, he said, Republicans would pursue what he called an “Arizonan first agenda,” with lower taxes, less regulation, and greater opportunities for private enterprise.

“We could be a more prosperous state than what we’re seeing happening in Florida,” he said.

He described his goal as “lowering taxes, lowering regulation, lowering the power of government, and empowering the citizen,” alongside safer communities and protection of constitutional rights.

A great press conference today by @andybiggs4az laying out his agenda for the first 100 days as Governor of Arizona. Leadership on display, sharing vision for Arizona.

We have seen no vision or leadership from @katiehobbs.

With @andybiggs4az as governor, Arizona’s future is… pic.twitter.com/IWTk1at6FA

— Steve Montenegro (@SteveMontenegro) September 22, 2026

Montenegro offered a starkly different assessment of Hobbs, accusing her of failing to provide leadership on budgets and other major issues. He predicted that Democratic control of both the executive and legislative branches would lead to higher taxes and weakened parental rights.

“Think of California. Think of Michigan, what’s happening. Think of Minnesota. Think of New York,” he said, arguing that Democratic policies had damaged those states.

“We cannot allow that to happen in Arizona.”

The speaker repeatedly characterized the Democratic agenda as socialist, communist, and Marxist, framing preservation of Republican legislative control as essential to blocking it.

Much of his criticism centered on this year’s tax negotiations. Montenegro accused Hobbs of campaigning on relief that Republicans had pushed through the legislative process after repeated vetoes.

“You have someone like Katie Hobbs right now campaigning on everything that Republicans pushed for when it comes to the tax cuts that we have fought for all year,” he said.

Legislative records document vetoes of successive Republican tax proposals, including SB 1106, HB 2785, and HB 4152. SB 1106 included deductions for qualified tips and overtime, relief for child and dependent care expenses, and an increase in the tax credit for dependents under 17 from $100 to $125. The latter was a 25% increase in a credit, which Montenegro described during the interview as an increase in deductions.

❌ Not every House Republican priority made it across the finish line due to Governor Hobbs’ vetoes.

During the 2026 session, vetoed legislation highlighted in the Majority Report touched several major policy areas, including rural economic development, transportation and… pic.twitter.com/dNu1Fk5PH9

— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) October 19, 2026

Hobbs had also proposed tips and overtime deductions in her own tax package. She ultimately signed the negotiated budget in June. The enacted HB 4168 included deductions for qualified tips and overtime, child and dependent care relief, and the increase in the dependent tax credit.

Beyond the legislative races, Montenegro urged voters to support ballot measures addressing government discrimination policies, drug cartels, election rules, and girls’ sports.

Discussing restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, he argued that government should neither favor people based on race nor require adherence to particular racial viewpoints.

“Discrimination is never okay,” he said.

Proposition 142 would expand constitutional restrictions on preferential treatment and discrimination in government and public education. Its provisions include limits on required statements supporting specified race-based DEI concepts and on public spending for certain offices and programs at public educational institutions.

Montenegro also endorsed designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Proposition 317 would make that declaration under state law and require the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use lawful means within its authority to address cartel threats.

He emphasized protecting girls’ sports as another priority. Proposition 318 would restrict participation in female interscholastic and intramural sports based on biological sex recorded on original birth certificates, with related restrictions on access to athletic restrooms, locker rooms, and showers.

On elections, Montenegro backed safeguards against foreign financial influence. Proposition 144 would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit foreign nationals from contributing or spending money or anything of value to influence an Arizona election, and prohibit others from accepting those contributions. The measure also addresses voter identification, citizenship, and election administration, with its provisions applying to elections beginning January 1, 2028.

Asked what evidence demonstrated substantial foreign investment in Arizona elections, Montenegro emphasized prevention without identifying a particular case or dollar amount.

“It’s never okay to allow foreign entities or foreign agendas to come in and influence Arizona elections,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re protecting the vote, the sanctity of the vote.”

His closing appeal focused on turnout and the consequences he believes the election will carry for the state’s future.

“It is imperative that we get out and vote,” Montenegro said.

 “When we see what’s at stake here in Arizona… Arizona is the last bastion of hope out here in the West,” he added. “We have Democrats looking to turn this state into New York with what you’re seeing Mamdani do to New York, with what you’re seeing happen in California, with what you’re seeing happen in Michigan. It is imperative that Republicans, that Arizonans, that people, that believe in liberty and freedom, come out and vote. So, what’s at stake is that important. And so I’m hoping that everybody sees what’s on the ballot, sees those ballot measures, how important they are, and also comes out and votes.”