The Arizona Senate Majority Caucus has released its 2026 Majority Plan, which aims to address affordability, community safety, economic competitiveness, and government accountability in the state. The plan comes amid concerns over a new migration study that indicates more people are leaving Arizona than moving in, reversing a previous trend when the state attracted families with lower living costs and job opportunities under former Republican governors Doug Ducey and Jan Brewer.
Senate Republicans attribute rising housing prices and increased living expenses as key reasons for this shift. They criticize Governor Katie Hobbs for policies they say have worsened these issues. According to their statement, Hobbs’ decision to freeze new home construction in two rapidly growing regions of the Valley has restricted housing supply and driven up prices.
“Arizonans are now watching an election-year version of Governor Hobbs who suddenly wants to appear moderate, but her record tells the real story,” said Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh. “For three years, she has issued harmful executive orders, a record number of vetoes, and overseen agencies plagued by waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, and catastrophic failures – from AHCCCS and DCS to DOC. These breakdowns have cost lives and wasted taxpayer dollars. Arizonans deserve leadership that solves problems, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing who blocks solutions and hopes voters won’t notice.”
Senate President Warren Petersen stated: “Arizonans want affordable living, safe neighborhoods, and a government that strengthens – not weakens – our economy. While the Governor’s vetoes stall progress, Senate Republicans remain focused on protecting taxpayers, upholding Arizona’s freedoms, and preventing the radical left from turning our state into California.” Petersen was elected to represent Arizona’s 14th Senate District in 2023.
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope commented: “Arizonans can’t afford policies that stall development, inflate housing prices, or jeopardize our water security. While the Governor creates uncertainty and bottlenecks, Senate Republicans are advancing practical, data-driven solutions that support responsible growth and keep Arizona livable for the next generation.”
Majority Whip Frank Carroll added: “Arizona became a magnet for opportunity because it was affordable, safe, and pro-business. We’re working to restore those strengths by supporting job creators and removing barriers that drive up costs. Families and employers deserve long-term stability – not policies that push people out of the state.”
The 2026 Majority Plan addresses areas such as public safety measures; water security; transportation improvements; regulatory reform; border enforcement; education policy; election oversight; as well as monitoring agencies they say have been mismanaged under current leadership. The plan also emphasizes defending state laws if challenged by either the Governor or Attorney General.
The opening day of the 57th Legislature’s second regular session is scheduled for Monday January 12 at noon.
