State Senate President Warren Petersen has returned to Arizona after meetings in Washington, D.C., where he sought to advance the state’s interests amid a federal government shutdown. His agenda included discussions on border security, water management, land use, and election laws.
Petersen met with members of President Trump’s administration to seek reimbursement for state expenses related to border enforcement. He highlighted that Arizona had spent hundreds of millions of dollars during the Biden Administration due to what he described as a lack of federal action on securing the southern border. According to Petersen, HR 1—referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and signed by President Trump earlier this year—allocates funds for states to recover such costs. He called for quick distribution of these funds, stating that Arizona taxpayers should not bear the cost of what he termed “Washington’s failures.”
In addition, Petersen advocated for Arizona’s position in ongoing negotiations over a new Colorado River agreement involving seven basin states. He emphasized that any deal must be fair and protect Arizona residents and businesses without giving more authority over state resources to federal agencies.
Discussions also took place with officials from the U.S. Department of Interior about reversing a recent designation affecting nearly one million acres in northern Arizona as a national monument. Petersen argued that this move blocks access to uranium reserves needed for national security and energy independence while restricting local economic opportunities and resource management.
On election issues, Petersen met with Department of Justice officials regarding the Mi Familia Vota v. Fontes case, which challenges Arizona’s proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. With the possibility that this case could reach the Supreme Court, he requested federal support for upholding state election laws.
“While Senators Kelly and Gallego join other Washington Democrats in dragging out an unnecessary and harmful government shutdown, Arizona’s conservative leadership is moving forward,” said President Petersen. “We’re fighting for our taxpayers, for our water supply, and for our right to secure our elections. The Trump Administration understands what’s at stake for Arizona, and they’re working with us to get results where Washington gridlock has failed.”
Petersen was elected as a Republican representative from Arizona’s 14th Senate District in 2023, succeeding David Gowan.
