Election Impacts
It’s no surprise that AzCDL members tend to be more interested in issues surrounding the right to keep and bear arms than the general public. With that in mind, let’s look at the results of the 2024 elections.
Federal Government
There’s no question that president-elect Donald Trump is more supportive of the RKBA than Kamala Harris. Although Harris and her running mate both claimed—late in the race—to be gun owners, her long history of supporting restrictions and infringements on that right are obvious to anyone paying attention. Although Trump is “better” in that regard, his record is not perfect and it’s important that national organizations such as the Gun Owners of America and National Rifle Association remain vigilant as his administration establishes itself. Executive branch agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives frequently enact regulations that exceed the authority granted by the Constitution or Congress, as they did in redefining firearms equipped with “bump stocks” as machine guns, for example.
Since Trump’s party won a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, there is little excuse for anything really bad making its way to the president’s desk. Good legislation could still get stalled in the Senate since 60 votes are necessary to override a filibuster by anti-RKBA Senators.
State Legislature
The HUGE political news for Arizona gun owners is that your activism has paid off big time! Despite the concerted efforts of our governor and an extraordinary influx of out-of-state money to unseat our friends in the state legislature, RKBA-supporters actually GAINED seats in the state legislature! You’ll recall that groups such as Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety spent over $45 million to hire local activists and run major TV and on-line advertising campaigns to promote anti-gun candidates.
We won in the most important contests for gun owners— the Arizona State House and Senate!
That said, the governor remains a significant roadblock to making progress on pro-rights legislation. The good news is that, with a friendly legislature, AzCDL will be on the offensive rather than playing defense during the next session. The bad news is that Hobbs still has her VETO stamp at the ready when our bills make it to her desk. You can bet that if a bill expands or further secures your right to keep and bear arms, she’ll be whacking it with her stamp.
Gearing Up
Preparations are already underway for the next legislative session. This time each year AzCDL is not only in talks with various legislators regarding our political agenda but we are busy building up our war chest. It takes money to maintain our full-time lobbyists at the Capitol and to promote our pro-rights message to the people of Arizona. You can help by joining, renewing a membership, or making a donation on our website.
—Michael Gibbs AzCDL President
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Annual Meeting Recap
The 19th Annual Meeting of Members took place on October 19 in Phoenix and, by all accounts, was a rousing success! The conference facilities at the Phoenix Elks Lodge #335 were the safest room in the state as members gathered openly carrying their favorite firearms.
This year’s speakers included:
• Honorable Clint Bolick, Arizona Supreme Court Justice
• State Representative Quang Nguyen, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
• Parker Jackson, staff attorney at the Goldwater Institute and lead litigator in AzCDL’s lawsuit against Pima County
• Cyn Ladd, Arizona Director for Gun Owners of America
• Michael Gibbs, AzCDL President
• Michael Infanzon, AzCDL Chief Lobbyist and Managing Partner at Epic Policy Group
• Cheryl Todd, AzCDL Foundation President
• David Laird, AzCDL Foundation Vice President and firearms instructor
This was Charles Heller’s last year as master of ceremonies. Charles has done that job for so many years most of us don’t remember a time when he wasn’t at the podium! Charles put out a call for anyone interested in taking the reins to contact him for more information. Charles does much more than just MC the annual meetings, and he is looking to begin training someone new to assume the role of Communications Officer. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, contact Charles via e-mail at charles@libertywatchradio.com.
The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance, an opening prayer, and Director Duke Schechter performing the POW/MIA ceremony.
President Michael Gibbs then discussed the ever-changing legislative climate in Arizona, the blatantly illegal actions of the Phoenix city council with regards to seized firearms and Pima County’s violation of state preemption statutes. He explained the danger posed by the governor’s attempts to oust those friendly to our right to keep and bear arms from the legislature and why it is so critical to maintain control of that body. He further highlighted the efforts of Representative Jennifer Longdon to destroy the pro-freedom work that AzCDL has carried out for nearly two decades and how Senator Flavio Bravo is ready to take on that effort now that Longdon has resigned from the state House. He provided an update on our litigation efforts, partnerships with the Second Amendment Foundation and the Goldwater Institute, and the establishment of the new AzCDL Political Action Committee (PAC). He finished by renewing his pledge that AzCDL will continue the fight for freedom by every means available to us.
For the second consecutive year, AzCDL presented Representative Quang Nguyen with our Legislator of the Year award. Nguyen worked tirelessly once again to kill every single piece of anti-gun legislation introduced this session!
Keynote speaker Parker Jackson provided an update on the AzCDL lawsuit against Pima County, covered the importance of the AzCDL-crafted state preemption laws and walked the audience through the history of pro-rights litigation at the Goldwater institute. We also learned that Parker is a former student of Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick, who still teaches Constitutional law at ASU!
Clint Bolick is one of two supreme court justices that survived a retention election this year after being targeted by several progressive groups for removal. Justice Bolick spoke about the relationship between the federal and state Constitutions and the differences in the ways the two documents address fundamental rights. He specifically called out Article 2, Section 26 of the Arizona Constitution which provides even stronger legal guarantees for the right to keep and bear arms than the second amendment does at the federal level!
Cheryl Todd, AzCDL Foundation President, gave an update on the Foundation’s activities. AzCDL Foundation is our safety- and education-focused organization that, among other things, is championing the FASTER Saves Lives program in Arizona.
David Laird, AzCDL Foundation Vice President, explained the FASTER Saves Lives program. FASTER is being heavily promoted by the AzCDL Foundation as a means to safeguard our schools and churches by providing firearms, emergency first aid, and emergency scene management training for teachers, faculty and staff members who want to take a more active role in protecting their workplaces. David’s talk was so moving that one member walked right up and made a sizable donation to the Foundation to continue this critical work.
Michael Infanzon gave a detailed legislative update and teased some of our upcoming initiatives. More from Michael can be found in his Copper Dome Update on page 3.
AzCDL member Chris King was presented the Activist of the Year award for volunteering to be the plaintiff in our suit against Pima County.
Good food, good friends, great speakers and the sense of camaraderie that only comes from a roomful of happy firearms holders, the Annual Meeting had something for everyone. Thanks to our board, officers, members, and loyal volunteers for helping to make it an event to remember!
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Copper Dome Update
Post-Election Musings and the Path Forward
What a whirlwind election cycle it’s been! As we look at the results coming in, there’s one striking headline we can’t ignore: former President Donald Trump has been re-elected. This makes him only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms—the first being Grover Cleveland, who was both the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. For those of us interested in constitutional history, it’s a unique event that underscores the ebb and flow of political power in our nation.
However, let’s focus on our state, where the legislative outcomes hold serious implications for Arizona’s gun owners and Second Amendment advocates. In the Arizona House, Republicans have gained seats, bringing their count to a 33-27 majority. The Arizona Senate looks like it will be 17-13. Although this provides some advantages in terms of pro-RKBA legislation, the governor is sure to pose challenges as lawmakers navigate the months ahead. As strange as it may seem, she could also bring unexpected roadblocks for both parties.
A New Landscape, a Familiar Battle
We anticipate a more desperate Democratic caucus pushing a progressive agenda, including attempts at new restrictions on our rights to keep and bear arms. But rest assured, we’re ready. In response to this very scenario, the AzCDL board recently approved two key initiatives: extending our litigation arm and forming a Political Action Committee (PAC). These steps are designed to bolster our ability to defend your rights.
Litigation—Ready to Fight Back
Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Second Amendment Foundation and the Goldwater Institute, our litigation efforts will have more reach and impact than ever. We want Arizona lawmakers to understand that playing “big boy games” with our rights comes with real consequences—“big boy costs.” Citing Arizona’s strong preemption statute (ARS§13-3108), we will be ready to challenge any local efforts that infringe on our rights, whether by municipalities or other entities attempting to overreach. Litigation isn’t just about responding—it’s about deterring these attempts before they even get off the ground.
Political Action Committee—Defending Our Values at the Ballot Box
The new AzCDL PAC is a tool to proactively protect our rights by focusing on independent expenditures. Through the PAC, we can work to keep harmful propositions off the ballot and ensure that elected officials who support our right to keep and bear arms get the backing they need. The PAC also allows us to fight against candidates who seek to weaken our rights and impair our ability to defend ourselves. Arizona’s Constitution is crystal clear in protecting these rights (Article 2, Section 26), and the PAC is one more tool to uphold that protection.
The Fight for Freedom Continues
As we close this chapter of the election cycle, we can take a moment to breathe, but not to rest. In two short years, Arizonans will be voting for a Governor, the newly created office of Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and every seat in the Legislature. Each of these races holds potential to impact your rights, and AzCDL will be prepared.
The fight to safeguard our constitutionally-protected freedoms doesn’t end with any single election. It requires ongoing vigilance and support. If you’re passionate about preserving your rights, consider supporting AzCDL’s efforts. Through advocacy, litigation, and the PAC, we are standing up for your ability to protect yourself and your family.
As always, thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s stay prepared, united, and focused—because two years will come around faster than we think.
Stay Frosty!
—Michael Infanzon, EPIC Policy Group AzCDL Chief Lobbyist
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Gun Owners of America Hosts AZ Freedom Festival
GOA is excited to announce AZ Freedom Festival 2025, March 1st, at the State Capital, 10AM-4PM. The event was previously called Protect & Defend the 2nd Amendment Rally. In July, Riders USA reached out to GOA State Director, Cyn Ladd, with the offer of turning the event over to GOA and she jumped at the opportunity! “This event represents the core foundation of Gun Owners of America,” stated Ms Ladd, “our platform is ’No Compromise’ on any legislation involving the 2nd Amendment”.
GOA expects to bring national firearm vendors to sponsor several events, along with state and local sponsors with exhibit booths, a kids zone, local entertainment and celebrity influencers. New this year will be two $500 scholarships awarded to high school seniors. GOA will also be bringing their merchandise store which features something for everyone. There will be a firearm raffle and drawings throughout the day for free merchandise.
Volunteers will be needed for the event. A new volunteer program has been created just for this event with training online initially then in person prior to March 1. Click this link to sign up:https://forms.office.com/r/g9abqb7BZB (contact Cyn for problems signing up). All volunteers receive a GOA t-shirt and a swag bag!
Follow GOA AZ Freedom Festival on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GOAAZFREEDOMFESTIVAL and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gunownersarizona/
GOA supports AzCDL and will be e-mailing all Arizona GOA members with information on joining AzCDL. GOA also invites all AzCDL members to join GOA at $25 for an annual membership. For more information visit https://www.gunowners.org
For more information on the Freedom Festival and vendor opportunities, contact Cyn Ladd, AZ State Director GOA, 507-381-9797. Ms. Ladd resides in Surprise AZ and is a member of AzCDL
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GLOCKFEST 2024
With the early days of Autumn, the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation brings it’s annual match to Tucson—more specifically, to the berms of the Tucson Rifle Club.
As in most years past, there was a strong turnout Saturday, and many of our members could be seen working the ranges— registering shooters at the stages, timing and scoring, patching and replacing targets. It was good to see our logo T’s and caps working and competing.
Unfortunately, Sunday’s weather turned cold, windy, and wet, noticeably cutting down on both participants and scores. Final results are still being tabulated, but at least one member took home the top score in his category.
The good folks from GSSF were phenomenal, as usual. From instructing new and experienced Range Officers and running the stages for those who chose to fire on Friday to registering hundreds of shooters Saturday and Sunday, to ensuring everyone was registered in the correct category, to carefully entering scores in the appropriate classes and categories, to providing a skilled Glock armorer who quickly and cheerfully handled anything that broke…well, except for the spirits of those whose shooting failed to live up to their expectations!
If there was one disappointment—besides Sunday’s weather—it was the fact that for the first time in six years, there was no Team AZCDL competing, especially galling after taking First Place for the last two years. Maybe next year…
Saturday evening, all staff and shooters were invited to an ‘after shoot’ at the nearby casino for dinner and adult libations, as well as drawings for prizes from the long list of sponsors.
As an added bonus, Monte Bowen, GOA’s Pacific Regional Director was in attendance, and expressed a strong desire to work with AZCDL on anything where their national influence would benefit our efforts.
If you were there, you met some good people, had a good time, and got to test your mettle against some excellent marks- men and women. If you weren’t, make plans to join us next year—you’ll be glad you did.
–Duke Schechter AzCDL Director
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If You’re Happy and You Know It…
…and you really want to show it, JOIN the AzCDL!
The 2024 Election Results are in! Some people are happy, some are disappointed, and some are already distracted by the next shiny object. Everyone is wondering: What now?
There has never been a more important time to be active and involved in protecting your Constitutional Rights. Whether “your guy” won the election or not, your responsibility remains the same.
Our Founding Fathers promised us only one thing—in order for free citizens to live in a sovereign nation eternal vigilance would be required of us.
While “eternal vigilance” might sound like a heavy lift, it really is much easier than you might realize. Eternal means never-ending, but it is also a legacy that you carry from your parent’s generation to your children’s and your children’s children. Being vigilant means to stay alert and attentive. Through sweat, blood, and great personal risk, our Founders secured for us a priceless inheritance of freedom and liberty. They did the hard work, and by comparison, our job is so simple. It is up to us to be ever-alert and attentive and to advocate for what we value.
Joining the AzCDL, gifting memberships to your family, and volunteering to serve on a committee, are all excellent ways to stay involved and advocate for your freedoms. Modeling those behaviors for your children will empower them, in turn, to keep the torch of Liberty burning bright long into the future.
When we do these things, we honor all those on whose shoulders we stand and lift up the next generation to be good stewards of our precious and unique American
Values, Rights, and Freedoms.
What now? JOIN THE AzCDL TODAY!
–Cheryl Todd AzCDL Vice President
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Litigation Update
Last year, AzCDL announced that we now have another weapon in our arsenal—litigation. Here are updates on the issues we are currently working.
CITY OF PHOENIX
Phoenix Ordinance S-50010, intended to transfer 500-600 unclaimed firearms to the National Police of Ukraine, faced significant legal challenges including a complaint filed under SB1487 by Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss. In response, the Phoenix City Council repealed the ordinance, although the firearms have not been returned or sent to auction as required by state law.
PIMA COUNTY
A Pima County ordinance requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours or face fines up to $1,000 is being challenged by AzCDL and AzCDL member, USAF veteran, and NRA-certified instructor Chris King. The county claimed the ordinance was to aid law enforcement in tracking stolen firearms and preventing their use in crimes.
Our lawsuit, filed by the Goldwater Institute, argues that the ordinance violates state law, which generally prohibits local governments from enacting their own firearm regulations and seeks to have the ordinance invalidated. For the latest on the lawsuit, follow legal announcements from both AzCDL and the Goldwater Institute https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/case/fighting-an-illegal-firearms-mandate/
CITY OF SEDONA
Sedona appears to also be in violation of ARS§13-3108 (state preemption statute) with ordinance 12.30.090 which prohibits carrying firearms in parks, on trails, or in open spaces. The poorly-written ordinance also covers a “…device capable of causing injury to persons or animals or damage or destruction of property.” Seems like a walking stick meets that definition. Representative Quang Nguyen has written to the mayor and city council members urging them to bring the ordinance into compliance with state law. In the event that the council is not responsive, the Goldwater Institute has indicated interest in pursuing legal remedies.
JOE FOSS SHOOTING COMPLEX
AzCDL is still actively working on fighting to ensure that the Joe Foss Shooting Complex remains available to the public as it was put into the Buckeye Hills Recreation Area Master Plan back in February of 1971. There has been some movement recently as the county completes a safety assessment.