SNAKEBITE— 12.15.25— Holsey Steps Down— Stanton on NDAA— Crane's Aerial Firefighting Bill— Shamp, Hamadeh, Ciscomani, Much More...

SNAKEBITE— 12.15.25— Holsey Steps Down— Stanton on NDAA— Crane's Aerial Firefighting Bill— Shamp, Hamadeh, Ciscomani, Much More...

Grayson Bakich
Grayson Bakich
December 15, 2025

Holsey Steps Down

DORAL, Fla. – U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is in charge of military operations in Latin America, handed off command responsibilities this week. The admiral's retirement comes amid increased criticism over the Trump administration's actions in the region.

Adm. Holsey has retired a year into his role. The posting usually lasts three to four years.

Holsey handed his duties to his top military deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus. The transfer took place during a ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami.

Holsey did not disclose the reasons for his early departure nor mention the recent military operations. Instead, the admiral advised his successor to sustain the long-established relations in the region.

"To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged," Holsey issued.

The admiral additionally reminded his successor... READ MORE

Cactus Politics

Governor Katie Hobbs: On the first night of Hanukkah, we celebrate resilience, faith, and the power of light over darkness. I’m wishing Jewish communities across Arizona a meaningful Festival of Lights, filled with joy, warmth, and time with loved ones.

State Senator T.J. Shope: Stay locked and loaded cuz you can’t always depend on others to save you when it goes down

State Representative Alma Hernandez: A shooter will not walk around asking people Are you an ' anti-Zionist Jew?” Rhetoric has consequences. I encourage Jews, regardless of where you are in the world or in Arizona, to show up to the synagogue's events this week to support and show that we will not be afraid. Show up and uplift small Jewish communities in rural Arizona, and help those congregations ensure there is a safe place for Jews wherever they are and that they will always have a community. To all the politicians who have continued to spread hate conspiracies and use anti-Zionism as your cover, who will start posting #HappyChanukah and whatever nonsense they want us to believe, please stop GFYS. TO THE JEWS: SHOW UP BE THE LIGHT. AM YISRAEL CHAI. Sincerely, a very damn proud Zionist, Mexican Jew, who will not be silenced or intimidated for what I believe and who I am.

State Representative Michele Pena: Every year, it’s an honor to visit Sunset Vista Cemetery with Wreaths Across America. Standing among the graves of those who served was a powerful reminder that our freedom was purchased by real lives, families, & sacrifice. We remember them with gratitude & honor their legacy.

State Representative Nick Kupper: Matt Damon’s greatest acting role ever was as Donny in Eurotrip. Change my mind.

State Representative Walt Blackman: Walt Blackman, a Republican running for the Arizona Statehouse in District 7. With a strong record of leadership and service, I’m ready to fight for the values that make Arizona great. Mark your calendar for August 4, 2026 — Primary Election Day. Let’s put Arizona First. Let’s stay Arizona Tough. Let’s remain Arizona Strong. Join the movement at votewaltb.com. Together, we can make a difference. — Walt Blackman

Cactus Politics

U.S. Admiral Steps Down from Command Early Amid Challenges— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada—

Greg Stanton Celebrates Security for Veterans in NDAA— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which funds defense priorities and national security programs, passed the House this week, and Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) is celebrating a legislative victory for veterans.

Eli Crane Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Aerial Firefighting Safety— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) has introduced bipartisan legislation improving safety measures in aerial firefighting.

Janae Shamp Introduces Legislation to Ban Fluoride Exposure in Public Water— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— State Senator Janae Shamp (R-AZ) is leading SB 1019 to ban fluoride in Arizona's public water systems, citing studies that raise questions about potential health risks from high fluoride exposure.

Abe Hamadeh and Juan Ciscomani Seek Better VA Medical Records Tracking— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has introduced the Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025, which is cosponsored by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ). The bill aims to improve the tracking of medical documentation for veterans receiving care from community providers.

Kris Mayes Urges Congress to Refuse Abortion Coverage Restrictions— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Attorney General Kris Mayes (D-AZ) is urging Congress to reject proposed conditions in negotiations surrounding the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that would restrict healthcare plans from covering abortion services.

Trump Unveils $1 Million 'Gold Card' Immigration Visas— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his administration has begun accepting immigration applications for the “Trump Gold Card."

Trump Announces U.S. Seizure of Oil Tanker Off Venezuelan Coast— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced this week that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The capture comes after a months-long buildup of military forces surrounding the country.

Republican Lawmakers Seek to Ban Abortion Coverage in Congress Health Plans— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is urging the U.S Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to discontinue health care plans that cover abortion procedures funded by taxpayers' those health plans.

Matt Gress Urges Full Review Before School District Vote— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Representative Matt Gress (R-AZ) has sent a letter to the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board requesting a full review of Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon K-8 schools and asking that a vote be delayed until February 1.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres

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Grayson Bakich

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

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