Arizona Republicans pass bill to rename Loop 202 after Charlie Kirk, send it to Gov. Hobbs

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican lawmakers approved a bill to rename Loop 202 after Charlie Kirk, but it is unlikely to get past Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto stamp.

SB1010 seeks to designate the entire Loop 202, which runs for about 78 miles through parts of Phoenix and the East Valley and is also known as Arizona State Route 202, as Charlie Kirk Loop 202 to honor the slain conservative activist and Valley resident.

The legislation was introduced with the proposed name of Charlie Kirk Highway, but it was changed to Charlie Kirk Loop 202 in an amendment.

Senate President Warren Petersen, who introduced the bill, first floated the idea shortly after Kirk’s assassination last year.

What does Charlie Kirk Loop 202 bill propose?

The bill calls for all official acts, state records, documents and papers relating to Loop 202 to use the new name and for the Arizona Department of Transportation to “erect a reasonable amount of signage” with the moniker.

The names of the underlying Loop 202 segments — Red Mountain, Santan and South Mountain (aka Congressman Ed Pastor) — would not be affected.

The bill passed along party lines in the Senate on Feb. 18 and the House on Wednesday.

“Charlie devoted his life to building a national movement centered on American values, civic engagement and open dialogue, and he called Arizona home,” Petersen said in a press release after the House vote. “He inspired millions of Americans, especially young people, to think independently, speak with conviction and take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and their country. Designating Loop 202 in his honor ensures that legacy is recognized and remembered for generations to come.”

What did Hobbs do with earlier Charlie Kirk bill?

The Loop 202 bill is the second piece of Kirk-related legislation sent to Hobbs’ desk since he was killed by a gunman during an appearance at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.

On March 6, Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill to create a specialty license plate honoring Kirk and directing part of the proceeds to the political advocacy organization he cofounded, Turning Point USA.

“I will continue working toward solutions that bring people together, but this bill falls short of that standard by inserting politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan,” Hobbs wrote in her veto letter for the license plate bill.

Under state law, the governor has five days, excluding Sundays, to act on a bill after it passes both chambers of the Legislature.

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