NOVEMBER 10, 2025

Arizona Veterans: By the Numbers—and Where to Find Help

Arizona is home to one of the nation’s largest veteran communities. In honor of Veterans Day, I want to pause and recognize the incredible dedication of our veterans here in Arizona. In Arizona—about 7.9% of the adult civilian population are veterans. Among our veterans, nearly 30% live with a disability, highlighting both the sacrifice they’ve made and the importance of our ongoing support. On this day, let’s show our gratitude for those who served, honor their service, and continue to build our homes and communities in thanksgiving for the freedoms they defend

How many veterans live in Arizona?

• ~495,000 veterans live in Arizona (FY2023 VA estimate).

How many Arizona veterans are experiencing homelessness?

• 929 veterans were identified statewide during Arizona’s 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) count.
• In 2024, Arizona’s statewide homelessness snapshot rose slightly overall, but veteran homelessness showed targeted declines in some areas (notably Pima County).
• In Maricopa County, MAG’s 2024 PIT data (reported January 2025) counted ~440 homeless veterans, down ~13% from 2023.

What the PIT count is: a one-night census each January. It’s an undercount of the year-round need, but it’s the best consistent year-over-year snapshot we have.

How many Arizona veterans use public assistance?

• About 31,000 Arizona veterans (≈7%) receive SNAP (food assistance), based on recent national analyses mapped to state totals.
• Many veterans also qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid)—even if they use VA care—depending on income and household situation.

Agencies and programs that can help (statewide + West Valley/Phoenix)

Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) – Benefits claims help, state veterans’ homes, cemeteries, and referrals. Phone: 602-255-3373.

Be Connected (Arizona Coalition for Military Families) – Statewide navigation line for any need (benefits, housing, food, employment, mental health). Support line: 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387).

Phoenix VA – Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC) – One-stop VA hub for homeless/at-risk veterans (housing navigation, health, benefits). Address: 1500 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 106, Phoenix. Phone: 602-248-6040.

U.S.VETS – Phoenix – Housing and supportive services for homeless and at-risk veterans; outreach and workforce programs. Main: 602-717-6682.

MANA House (Catholic Charities) – Peer-run transitional housing and wraparound support for veterans. Address: 2422 W. Holly St., Phoenix. Phone: 602-254-6785.

Bottom line

Nearly half a million veterans call Arizona home. Most are thriving, but hundreds still sleep without a home on any given night, and tens of thousands lean on food assistance to make ends meet.

I want to thank all who have served. It saddens me that many veterans need these benefits but I am glad they are there for them. My hope is that all who serve come home and lead happy successful loves. Thank you again for your sacrifice.

David Beats Goliath: Citizens Triumph Over BNSF in Wittmann

On November 5th, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously against BNSF’s proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment—a stunning victory for the citizens of the West Valley. It was truly a David and Goliath battle, and yes, David won.

The Power of the People

BNSF came into this fight confident—some might say cocky. They described their amendment as merely “correcting a mapping error,” believing it would be an easy win. But the people of Wittmann, Surprise, and surrounding rural communities saw through the spin.

Despite BNSF’s underhanded tactics—including paying to get signatures of support, using misleading clickbait links on social media, bullying local residents, and spending hundreds of thousands on a PR campaign—citizens refused to be intimidated or deceived.

The Last-Minute Trick

When it became clear their plan was in trouble, BNSF tried one last desperate maneuver. Less than 36 hours before the vote, the company blasted a mass email and flooded social media claiming they were “requesting a continuance.” It was a transparent attempt to suppress turnout from the opposition.

But the citizens didn’t fall for it. Word spread quickly, and on the morning of the meeting, the Board of Supervisors’ chambers were packed. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house. The walls were lined with residents wearing “No BNSF” stickers, standing shoulder to shoulder in peaceful opposition.

The Vote and the Victory

BNSF’s attorney, Susan Demmitt, again asked for a continuance during her opening remarks—but her request went nowhere. After three previous continuances, the Board wasn’t playing that game anymore.

Four union representatives spoke in favor of BNSF, citing potential construction jobs during the building phase. But those jobs would be temporary, while the impact on families, schools, property values, and the environment would be permanent.

More than 30 citizens took to the microphone to speak passionately against the proposal. Each Supervisor explained their vote before the roll call—and one by one, they all voted with the people.

A Moment to Celebrate

When the final vote was announced, the room remained calm. Even in victory, the opposition remained respectful. Chairman Galvin called for a brief recess, and as the crowd filed outside, there were tears of joy, hugs, and high-fives all around. It was a beautiful moment for the people of the West Valley—a reminder of what can be accomplished when we stand united.

The Fight Isn’t Over

While this was a tremendous victory, it was just one battle in a larger war. BNSF has deep pockets and powerful interests behind them. They may have lost this round, but they won’t go away quietly.

We will continue gathering signatures, rallying public officials to speak out, and turning out in force at future hearings. We are strong when we stand together—and rural Arizona is worth fighting for.

Thank you to every citizen who made this victory possible, and to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for listening to the people they represent.

For now, let’s take a moment to breathe, smile, and celebrate this win for rural America.

Gratitude and Many Thanks

I would like to take a moment to thank Supervisor Debbie Lesko for her leadership and dedication in ensuring that all voices were heard regarding BNSF’s agenda item. She went above and beyond, taking the time to listen to every speaker, ask thoughtful questions, and truly understand the complexities of this issue and the profound impact it will have on the West Valley community. Her commitment to transparency, fairness, and genuine public input is deeply appreciated by the citizens she serves.

The County Audit Continues

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has denied Recorder Justin Heap’s attempt to stop an ongoing audit of the county’s voter registration and election technology systems. Judge Scott Blaney stated that while he was initially concerned about the security of voters’ personal information, he was assured that the county and its contractor had a strict nondisclosure agreement in place and that all vendor staff had passed background checks. Blaney concluded that the Board of Supervisors’ actions did not violate any Arizona laws.

The ruling comes amid a larger legal battle between Heap and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors over control of election responsibilities. After taking office in January, Heap rejected an earlier agreement that outlined how elections would be managed, arguing that it improperly stripped the recorder’s office of duties guaranteed by law. Following months of failed negotiations, Heap filed a lawsuit on June 12 accusing the board of trying to seize “near-total control” of election administration. The board responded with a countersuit.

Heap’s emergency motion sought to block the audit being conducted by BarryDunn, claiming that the vendor was being granted excessive access to sensitive systems. However, the board’s attorney, Kory Langhofer, countered that contractors acting on behalf of government officials are lawfully permitted access under state law. With the judge’s ruling, the audit will move forward as planned.

PATRIOT HAPPY HOUR WITH FELLOW REPUBLICANS!

Join Us for Another Great Evening!

Due to overwhelming demand, we’re bringing back our Patriot Happy Hour at State 48 in Surprise! Last month’s gathering was a fantastic success, with great food, drinks, and, most importantly, meaningful conversations with fellow conservatives. Let’s do it again!

 Where: State 48 Brewery - 13823 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374

 When: Wednesday, November 19th (different night due to holiday)

 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, get to know fellow PATRIOTS, and strengthen our local Republican community. Whether you're a seasoned PC, new to our LD, or simply want to make new friends everyone is welcome!

Bring a friend and join us for an evening of camaraderie, networking, and fun. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Patriot Happy Hour is always the last Wednesday of the month. (holiday effects this month's hh)

We Can—and Must—Do Better: Reflections on Maricopa County’s November 4th Election

Maricopa County held its jurisdictional election on November 4th, and while the results brought some encouraging news, the overall voter turnout was disappointing. Out of a population of 4.67 million, only 702,568 people participated. That’s barely a fraction of our county’s residents.

We can—and must—do better.

The Good News: Prop 409 and West-MEC

On every ballot in Maricopa County was Proposition 409, a measure to fund Valleywise Health hospitals. It barely passed, but the outcome was positive: our county hospitals will continue to be funded. These facilities play a vital role in serving our community—especially those who need access to affordable, quality care. This will also help our county jail system who is not as qualified to deal with people who are experiencing a mental health issue.

Two other important propositions—West-MEC Props 403 and 406—also passed, and that’s great news for our high school students across the Valley. West-MEC offers state-of-the-art trade and technical training for juniors and seniors, preparing them for high-paying, in-demand careers without the burden of college debt. These programs are a lifeline for many families and a smart investment in Arizona’s future workforce.

The Few Make the Policy

In the most recent election, only 12% of Maricopa County residents participated—yet their votes approved adding $1.313 billion in new debt that will impact every property owner in the county. This means a small fraction of voters made a financial decision that will affect 100% of homeowners and businesses through future property taxes and assessments. Low voter turnout like this highlights the importance of civic engagement—because when few people vote, a handful of ballots can determine billion-dollar obligations for the entire community.

The Work Ahead: Supporting Our Schools

Many local school districts also had bond and override measures on the ballot. Some passed, others did not. For the districts whose bonds failed, I am confident voters will have another opportunity to fund their schools when these measures return to the ballot in 2026 or 2027.

Friends, life costs money. Bonds and overrides often do not raise taxes—they simply continue existing rates to maintain vital services and programs. When we invest in our schools, we invest in our community’s future.

If you don’t like how money is being spent, get involved. Run for school board, volunteer on a campaign, or support a candidate who shares your values. The most powerful tool we have for change is participation.

Our Students Are Worth It

Our students deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. That means ensuring their classrooms are funded, their teachers are supported, and their futures are bright.

If only 12% of our county voted, imagine what could happen if 30%—or even half—took part. We can do better, and we must. Because our students—and the future of Maricopa County—are worth it.

Election Controversy

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Maricopa County election without a bit of drama. On Friday, November 6th, two bins of ballots were discovered that had not been counted. The ballots, totaling 2,288, were from the Fountain Hills area and were found as workers were checking in returned equipment from voting locations. The sealed bins were mistakenly left in a drop box instead of being returned on Tuesday night. Fortunately, the chain of custody had not been broken. Election workers acted quickly to process the ballots, ensuring they were counted in time to meet statutory requirements, and the votes were included in the final tally released Friday evening. There is a lot of finger pointing going around. It appears to be a huge miss by the Elections Department.

There Is Hope for Kelly Yu

There is finally hope for Kelly Yu, a beloved Peoria business owner who has been detained at the Eloy ICE Detention Center for nearly six months.

Kelly came to America 21 years ago, at just 18 years old and pregnant with a girl, fleeing China after learning she would be forced to have an abortion under the country’s restrictive population policies. She entered the United States seeking safety and freedom for herself and her unborn daughter. Although she did not come through an official port of entry, she immediately applied for asylum—but her application was denied. She has been in the immigration court system for most of the past 21 years.

Since then, Kelly has lived and worked in Arizona while continuing to navigate the legal system, trying every available path toward lawful residency and citizenship.

A Business Owner and Community Supporter

Today, Kelly Yu is the proud owner of two restaurants in Peoria, employing about 30 people. She has faithfully paid both personal and business taxes and has been a visible supporter of the community—sponsoring her local high school baseball team and frequently opening her restaurants for public safety fundraisers.

Kelly’s daughter, born shortly after she arrived in the U.S., is a citizen and a student at Arizona State University—a testament to the American dream that drew Kelly here in the first place.

Detention and a Glimmer of Hope

In a heartbreaking turn, Kelly was detained by ICE earlier this year during a routine monthly immigration check-in. She has been held at Eloy Detention Center since, while her American husband of four years, manages their businesses in her absence.

But last week brought hopeful news. Because Kelly has no criminal history and is approaching 180 days in detention, her case now falls under legal precedents that could require her release.

Her new attorney is pursuing relief through two potential legal avenues:

• The Supreme Court decision Zadvydas v. Davis (2001), which limits the time non-citizens can be held in detention without deportation, and
• An additional request for relief under Section 42B, which could allow her to remain in the United States with her family.

If these efforts are successful, Kelly may be home by Thanksgiving—a reunion her family, employees, and community have been praying for.

Working Together for What’s Right

As many know, I was censured for working with Democrat Brent Peak to advocate for Kelly Yu’s release. I stand by that decision. Some things are not partisan they are about humanity. This is one of those things.

Sometimes doing the right thing means reaching across political lines to help a neighbor in need. If our two parties can’t communicate and cooperate, we will never move forward as a nation. Even at this moment we are hoping Democrats will cross party lines and stand with Republicans to open the government. I find it odd we want Democrats to be like John Fetterman and stand with us yet it is "wrong" for me to stand with a Democrat to help a mother stay in our Country with her daughter.

Kelly’s story reminds us what America stands for—freedom and a chance to live the American Dream. It’s our duty to uphold those values for everyone who believes in the promise of this country.

The Dignity Act, a Bill currently under committee review, is a bipartisan effort sponsored by five Republicans and five Democrats that seeks to reform our immigration system in a way that protects human dignity and prevents future injustices like the one experienced by Kelly Yu. The bill would enhance border-security and asylum-processing reforms, create regional humanitarian processing centers, and provide eligible undocumented immigrants who meet strict requirements the opportunity to obtain legal status without offering full amnesty or an automatic path to citizenship. This earned-status framework addresses key conservative concerns around “amnesty,” while ensuring individuals are held accountable and evaluated fairly. If passed, it could close gaps in the system, increase oversight, and offer a structured, lawful route for long-staying immigrants—while enhancing protections for all, ensuring fairness and consistency in the system. 

To the Precinct Committeemen of LD29 and Others,

Sadly, many Legislative Districts in Maricopa County and across our state and nation — are plagued with disruptors. Some believe these individuals may even be Democrats attempting to destroy the Republican Party from within. I cannot say for certain if that is true, but it is certainly a possibility. 

LD29 is one of those districts. I have stood strong against these disruptors for over a year. They are bullies — argumentative, disruptive, and hate-filled with a determination to destroy unity. Their tactics are deliberate: they pick off PCs one at a time, spreading deceit and division. They only attend business meetings where they can create chaos. They crave an audience and thrive on disruption, and infighting.

For over a year, I have reached out to the Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) for assistance. To say I received little help would be generous. Sadly, it often seems the disruptors are the ones receiving support. That reality has been deeply disappointing.

This group of disruptors has already proven they will target anyone who supports me. I feel it is best to take proactive steps to protect others. Lying, bullying, and personal attacks have become their standard method of operation, and sadly, it’s a pattern that repeats itself across multiple organizations. He is currently trying to dismantle another board and its leadership, just as he has attempted to do here. It’s clear this behavior isn’t about improving the organization—it’s about control and destruction. His hatred for me is so great he voted in favor of putting the lives of the school district's students in increasing danger rather than agree with me about BNSF. Yes friends, that is how low he will go.

This group of PCs is attempting to gather signatures to have me removed as Chair. They have desperately had to coopt help from some MCRC outcast types as the members of LD29 have stood strong against these detractors. Sadly, the detractors are so desperate they have committed fraud by creating a fake application with a forged signature and sent it to the county for approval. This is a crime.

These disruptors asked MCRC to “investigate” me. Of course, MCRC found I stand up for what I believe in. I have been a servant leader for LD29 and that is why the disruptors are so angry. They know I will out work them every time.

We have known for many months this group has been having separate meetings just as LD3 did. This group has attempted to sabotage any good our LD has tried to do. They refuse to participate in fundraising and discourage anyone from doing anything productive. Our LD has turned into a continual shouting match with no discernable productivity. 

With a heavy heart, I am submitting my resignation as Chair of LD29. Tracy Pearson has also resigned as Secretary. Eric Miller resigned earlier this summer, and Alan Morris and Jeff Taylor both stepped down in late October. It is a sad situation when five of seven board members have resigned. The same individuals who drove away the previous board have now succeeded in driving us away as well. The body needs to open their eyes.

Until there is a mechanism to stop the ongoing disruption and chaos, this trend will continue. To the many PCs who reached out asking me to stay I am sincerely grateful for your support. Unfortunately, it has become too late to stand up to these bullies. There have already been two assaults on PCs perpetrated by individuals aligned with this group, and that is unacceptable in any organization.

I will remain active within the Republican Party, but my energy will now go toward Republican clubs that have the authority and structure to remove individuals who cause harm. I have turned over all LD29 property to Tracy Pearson, who will ensure it is delivered to Nickie Kelley. My name will be removed from the LD29 bank account by the end of the day.

At our last Happy Hour, it was suggested I start a Republican Club. I am seriously considering it. Many great Republican leaders in our County are PCs but they do not participate in LDs because of the infiltration and drama. That is what I plan to do. Stepping down gives me back time to put my energy into something positive and productive.

My prayer is that the disruptors stop the drama and return to the real mission — electing Republicans. To every PC who supported the resigning board members: thank you for your dedication, courage, and friendship.

With gratitude and resolve,

Lisa Everett

Former Chair, LD29

No Labels - Name Change Will Bring More Confusion

After a major leadership shake-up, Arizona’s No Labels Party is undergoing a rebrand as it aims to establish itself as a serious third option for centrist and independent-minded voters. However, questions remain about whether state law allows the party to officially change its name.

Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, the party’s new chairman, says the group plans to adopt new bylaws that will allow candidates to run for office under its banner at every level. This marks a clear break from the party’s previous leadership, who filed a lawsuit to prevent down-ballot candidates from appearing in the 2024 election.

The national No Labels organization confirmed it has cut ties with the Arizona branch, emphasizing that local leaders are now operating independently. “A group of Arizonans is leading this effort without any affiliation with No Labels,” the organization said in a statement. “They’ll choose a new name and oversee all state party operations moving forward.”

Johnson’s goal is to maintain the party’s official ballot status while giving centrist candidates an easier path to run for office. Independent candidates often face steep barriers — in 2024, independents needed over 42,000 signatures to appear on a statewide ballot, compared to just 1,300 for a No Labels candidate.

However, this change will likely create confusion among voters who are currently registered as independents. These voters may not share the beliefs or policy priorities of the former No Labels Party, yet under the new name, their registration status could appear nearly identical — blurring the distinction between unaffiliated independents and members of this newly rebranded party.

Still, not everyone supports the move. Richard Grayson, a No Labels congressional candidate, argues that changing the party’s name would disenfranchise nearly 40,000 Arizonans who registered under the No Labels banner. He contends that Johnson should be required to start a new party from scratch, gathering the more than 34,000 voter signatures needed to qualify for ballot access.

Johnson insists that political parties, as private organizations, can choose their own names, though he acknowledges Arizona has little precedent on the issue. The Secretary of State’s Office confirmed there are no existing laws addressing political party name changes and described the situation as “novel.” Officials said they will consult legal counsel if the Arizona group formally seeks to rebrand.

For now, Johnson says the new leadership team plans to survey members and solicit suggestions before settling on a new name — an essential first step as the party works to redefine its identity ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

PLEASE COFIRM DATES WITH CLUBS DUE TO THE HOLIDAY