Ciscomani on Venezuela Strikes

WASHINGTON– Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) addressed President Donald Trump's approach to targeting drug cartels in an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics, responding to criticism from House Democrats.

When asked about Democratic pushback against President Trump's cartel policies, including concerns from lawmakers like Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) about the administration's unilateral approach, Ciscomani defended the administration's stance.

"The cartels and the leaders of these cartels and what they do, they represent the worst people that we've ever encountered," Ciscomani said. "What they've done to their own country is horrific and what they do in feeding poison to our kids here is terrible."

Ciscomani pointed to Trump's terrorist organization designation for cartels as enabling stronger enforcement. "That pretty much unleashed a lot of actions after that..." READ MORE

AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes: Month by month, my office worked to protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable, and stand up for the people of Arizona. There’s more work ahead in the year to come.

State Senator Warren Petersen: In 2026, Arizona's Republican-led legislature is poised to put a ballot measure before voters to finally ban photo radar statewide. This cash grab masquerading as "safety" isn't fooling anyone—it's highway robbery, plain and simple. Critics rightly call it constitutionally suspect with due process concerns. Time to end this government fundraiser once and for all! Special thanks to Senator @WendyRogersAZ and Rep. @TMartinez4AZ for their work on this. Happy New Year, Arizona!

State Senator Jake Hoffman: Charlie had a tweet for everything.

State Senator T.J. Shope: They just don’t make them like Jon Kyl anymore. A true statesman and leader who always seemed to eschew the spotlight yet always found a way to do what was right for Arizona and our country. I know I speak for my father, myself, and countless Arizonans when I say we thank him for his service and wish him well in retirement. #JonKyl

State Representative Rachel Keshel: When I ran for the legislature starting almost five years ago, I made a commitment to be transparent with my constituents and not allow politics to become my life. That’s why I’m announcing today that the 2026 campaign will be my last. Every cycle I am expected to stay in the fight with very little help and have no interest in becoming the latest career politician; someone who switches chambers every eight years, or decides to make the jump for DC. I have plans to help the veteran community with my husband, be more present for my kids, and put my experience to work in other ways. My first four years in the legislature will have been spent under Katie Hobbs, who has constantly vetoed the bills most important to my constituents. This final campaign of mine is run with the hope and expectation of Andy Biggs being our 25th Governor. I plan to sponsor legislation addressing these critical issues for his signature: 1) Election Integrity 2) Protecting the sanctity of life 3) Judicial Reform The toxicity of politics eventually weighs heavily on well-intentioned people. Politics wasn’t my life going in, nor will it consume my life going forward. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

State Representative Joseph Chaplik: The Somali "Day Care" fraud revelations are proving once again why elections matter. Can you even imagine the chaos in our country if Tim Walz and Kamala Harris were in charge? We ought to bring back DOGE and when you send me to Congress, that will be at the top of my list. All the criminals running these massive fraudulent schemes, and fueling the Democrat Money Laundering Machine must be brought to justice.

State Representative Matt Gress: Senator Kyl, we are deeply grateful for your lifetime of service to Arizona and the nation. A conservative’s conservative in word and deed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

State Representative Selina Bliss: My bill offers an opt-in option for training that saves lives. Looking for support

State Representative Michael Carbone: We’re always looking out for all Arizonans. I want to hear from you!

Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart: Constituent service is the reason I am in office. In 2025, our District 1 team handled hundreds of requests — helping residents navigate permits, utilities, elections, licensing, zoning, and more. If you ever need assistance with a county service, please do not hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] or 602-506-1776.

Juan Ciscomani Defends Trump's Cartel Policies— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon—

Juan Ciscomani Stresses Border Security Funding Ahead of Potential January 30th Shutdown— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— WASHINGTON– As Congress races against a January 30th deadline to keep the government funded, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) discussed federal border security spending and its impact on southern Arizona in an exclusive interview with Cactus Politics.

Did Tim Walz Allow Massive Fraud? Andy Biggs Thinks So— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is making waves on social media with sharp criticism of Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), accusing him of overseeing what Biggs calls "shady schemes" involving stolen taxpayer money.

EU Warns of Potential Action after U.S. Bars 'Radical' Europeans— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— BRUSSELS – The European Union, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany criticized a U.S. decision to impose travel bans on five Europeans this week. The State Department accuses them of influencing tech companies to censor “American viewpoints.”

U.S. Launches Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced this week that the U.S. launched a “deadly strike” against Islamic State fighters. The U.S. launched attacks in northwest Nigeria, where Trump says the fighters had been killing Christians.

Ruben Gallego Continues Demanding Answers on Pharmaceutical Companies' Deals with Trump— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is continuing to demand answers from various drug companies that have worked with the Trump Administration to lower prices, asking how they intend to do so.

Supreme Court Refuses Trump's National Guard Deployment in Chicago— By Cactus Politics' Joseph Quesada— The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump this week. Trump had previously asked to lift a lower court injunction. The lower court had blocked the president from sending National Guard troops into Illinois over its governor’s objections.

Abe Hamadeh Crosses Party Lines: New Bill Focuses on VA Data Transparency— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) is working across party lines to help veterans get better medical care. He's teaming up with Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), to introduce a bill that would give lawmakers better information about how VA hospitals are performing.

Selina Bliss Proposes Medical Training for Schools After Campus Shooting— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Following a recent school shooting that left 2 students dead and some 10 injured at Brown University, Representative Selina Bliss (R-AZ) is pushing new legislation that would allow school staff to receive advanced medical training to respond to emergencies.

Yassamin Ansari Puts DOJ Under Fire for Incomplete Epstein Release— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Representative Yassamin Ansari (R-AZ) is pushing for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to fully comply with federal law requiring the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The congresswoman has raised concerns that Attorney General Pam Bondi missed a legal deadline last Friday, December 19, and should be held accountable.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres