Montenegro's Team Changes

House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-AZ) announced this week that he's making changes to his staff, including promoting one person and hiring two new attorneys to help manage the Republican majority in the state House of Representatives.

Kelsey Jahntz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. She returned to work at the House earlier this year as Director of Policy and is now moving into a higher position. 

Jahntz has over 10 years of experience in policy, budgeting, and management in Arizona's government. She's worked in the state Legislature, the Governor's Office, and as a private consultant on education, workforce, and budget issues.

Robyn Poole was hired as General Counsel, meaning he is the primary lawyer advising Speaker Montenegro and House Republican members. Poole has more than a decade of legal experience working for various Arizona government offices, including the Arizona Attorney General's Office, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and the City of Phoenix. 

She also worked as a law clerk for the Arizona Court of Appeals. In her new role... READ MORE

Governor Katie Hobbs: As Governors, we’re trusted to solve problems, create opportunity, and bring people together. Arizona is proud to host the Western Governors’ Association Winter Meeting, where we’ll confront challenges like water, energy, and healthcare, and work together to shape the future of the West.

AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes: The president is endorsing political violence against Senator Mark Kelly and other members of the Senate and Congress who served our country.  Every American should recognize that the Presidents' calls for murder and political violence are completely unacceptable.

State Senator Jake Hoffman: The economy is on fire thanks to President @realDonaldTrump! Jobs are up Markets are up Prices are down America First works!

State Representative Michele Pena: The Majority Report is out. It shows Arizonans how we worked hard during the first session to preserve the American Dream, promote Public Safety and protect our individual rights and liberties. More info to come!

State Representative Nick Kupper: Did you know that 32 states allow teens to get their permit at 15 or under & those states had 17% fewer fatalities per mile driven than AZ? That’s why I filed HB2003 the (Juveniles Unlocking Driver Education) JUDE Act to give our teens more supervised road time before licensing.

State Representative Pamela Carter: Vice Chair of Public Safety Committee = Real leadership on day one! Rep. Carter backs our law enforcement. Keep Arizona safe → https://go.azsos.gov/2q37

Steve Montenegro Announces Leadership Team Changes— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon—

Greg Stanton Calls Senator Payment Provision 'Unethical'— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) strongly opposed a provision that would have paid senators $500,000 if their phone records were seized, calling the scheme "unethical" and commemorating its elimination on November 19.

Mark Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Bill Holding Social Media Algorithms Accountable— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has introduced bipartisan legislation that holds social media companies accountable for harm caused by algorithmic feeds. The bill also updates online safety protections.

Ruben Gallego Demands Answers from Drug Manufacturers on Deal with Trump— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) pressed pharmaceutical manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk for answers on their recent agreement with the Trump Administration on anti-obesity medications.

Greg Stanton Challenges New Federal Limits on Housing Funds— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) has called on the Department of Housing and Urban Development to reverse new guidance that could significantly reduce housing funding for Maricopa County's residents.

Katie Hobbs Launches Program to House Homeless Veterans— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) announced this week that Arizona is taking significant steps to help veterans experiencing homelessness through a new grant program that will provide housing and support services across the state.

Arizona Lawmakers Unite for Epstein File Release— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation forcing the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. The House approved the bill 427-to-1, and the Senate unanimously passed it, sending it to President Donald Trump's desk.

Abe Hamadeh Joins Push to Restrict Chinese Technology— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Commerce Department to restrict the use of Chinese-made electric grid components in America's power infrastructure.

Crane, House Republicans and Democrats Vote to Release Epstein Files— By Cactus Politics' Javier Manjarres— Much like the deceased and accused pedophile Jeffrey Epstein allegedly did to many underage girls, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted almost unanimously on a bill that would "expose" the details found within the now infamous "Epstein Files."

Abe Hamadeh Joins Push to Restrict Chinese Technology— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Commerce Department to restrict the use of Chinese-made electric grid components in America's power infrastructure.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres