The AZ Political Podcast takes a look at the latest news and state of politics in Arizona. KTAR News' Jim Sharpe, also host of Arizona's Morning News, speaks with newsmakers each week plus gives his insight.
Even though the color of Arizona’s statewide offices were 100-percent ruby-red Republican at the completion of 2010’s election cycle, could 2016 see a complete color c... (28:52)
Could something that was once unthinkable: Republican Rep. Andy Bigg’s 5th Congressional District flipping to Democratic control, become a reality? And could it come true du... (27:29)
Jim Sharpe sits down with Congressman Andy Biggs with less than two weeks to go until the primary election for Arizona governor. Biggs discusses his campaign strategy, the urgent ... (19:54)
Seeing Democrats and Republicans work together “really well” — even “collaboratively" — in an election year, is not only encouraging, but it can... (24:29)
Will the second time be the charm for Marlene Galán-Woods? Will her second attempt to win the Democratic nomination in Arizona’s 1st Congressional... (18:51)
Nothing’s more important on Arizona’s political calendar this week than the Republican gubernatorial debate. So much so that not only will KTAR News carry it live on-a... (20:36)
Will you get to decide if firing squads will be part of a list prisoners can choose from when they’re executed in Arizona? How do you feel about mail-in voting? Would you vo... (27:24)
For Republicans. Daniel Keenan is the "Mark Lamb alternative" in Arizona's 5th Congressional District. Keenan joins Jim Sharpe for the AZ Political Podcast where they discuss his ... (24:14)
Do Andy Biggs' connections in Washington and Mexico make him a good candidate for Arizona's top job? Joining the AZ Political Podcast is Rep Andy Biggs who says he will use these ... (27:59)
Will Arizona's 1st congressional district seat flip democratic in the July 21 primary? Chuck Coughlin joins the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss what he says will be a very interesting race.
(33:22)
Technology executive John Trobough joins The AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss his run for Congress in Arizona's 1st District. He breaks down his views on artificial... (32:22)
If he was already governor, Republican Congressman David Schweikert says he might not have signed the Republican budget that Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs just vetoed. Schweikert joined Jim Sharpe to discuss his race for Governor.
(29:20)
Former Undersecretary for Intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security John Cohen joins the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss how rhetoric is leading to political violence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
(23:19)
Pollster Mike Noble dives into why Republican Congressman David Schweikert should suspend his campaign for governor, endorse fellow Congressman Andy Biggs, and ask for the lieuten... (26:38)
The mayor of Surprise, AZ joins the Arizona Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe this week. Kevin Sartor goes in depth on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility coming to his city.
(24:11)
Congressman Greg Stanton joins the AZ Political Podcast at what he calls an “incredibly serious moment” in American history. Stanton reacts to President Trump&rsq... (36:57)
S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Arizona, talks tight elections, Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations, and bringing both parties together for Arizona's water future. He's this week's guest on the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe.
(20:55)
Howie Fischer, chief correspondent for Arizona’s Capitol Media Services, joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to share his thoughts on how Governor Hobbs and the ... (27:57)
Political analyst and host of the "ChuckTodd-Cast", Chuck Todd, joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to give us his thoughts on the conflict with Iran, how the national... (30:05)
Former Undersecretary for Intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security John Cohen joins the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss a potential increase in terror threats due to the continuing conflict with Iran.
(26:01)
Democratic Political Strategist Stacy Pearson and Republican Political Strategist Stan Barnes sit down with Jim Sharpe to discuss President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address.
(29:30)
The deaths of Rebekah Baptiste, Emily Pike and Zariah Dodd in 2025 drew severe scrutiny to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Jim Sharpe sat down this week with Sen. Ca... (31:01)
Public school advocate Beth Lewis discusses a new proposal that could appear on Arizona ballots in November that would place new guidelines on the ESA program.
(27:29)
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says what happened in Fulton County, Georgia (FBI agents seizing ballots and documents from the 2020 election) can’t happen in Arizona — at least not in the same way.
(35:13)
On this week's episode of the AZ Political Podcast, John Cohen, a former high-ranking Homeland Security official, sits down with Jim Sharpe to talk about all the recent immigratio... (35:22)
Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely discusses his run for Arizona's 1st Congressional District seat and why he jumped into the race after originally declaring his candidacy for another district.
(32:43)
For this week's episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Jim sits down with Senate President Warren Petersen. The two discuss the 1,500 bills expected to be introduced this year, immi... (24:04)
For this weeks episode, Jim sits down with Democrat Stacy Peason of Lumen Strategies and Republican Sean Noble of DC/London. The three jump into the biggest political headlines of... (38:57)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller sits down with Jim Sharpe to talk about the proactive way Miller's office is working with Immigration and ... (23:56)
This week's episode of the AZ Political Podcast features Tim Stringham, a former military lawyer and recovering politician. In this episode, Stringham breaks down the idea that U.... (28:52)
Former Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, sits down with Jim Sharpe for this weeks episode of the AZ Political Podcast. The two discuss the 2026 election year, who Jan expects to win (... (30:20)
For this week's AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with the chair of the Arizona Republican Party and 2026 First Congressional District candidate, Gina Swoboda. The episod... (32:11)
This week puts us exactly one year away from the 2026 General Election — when you’ll pick the people you think should serve in the top five governmental offices in Ari... (31:50)
Congressional District 5 is looking for a new representative as Andy Biggs runs for governor. Mark Lamb, former Pinal County sheriff, sits down with Jim Sharpe breaking down his decision to run for the open seat.
(31:02)
Former Congressman, Matt Salmon, joins the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to talk all things governement shutdown. The two discuss how Salmon was in Congress the last time a... (20:27)
Jim Rounds breaks down the difference between the money that’ll be lost to Arizona’s economy permanently — and the spending that will simply be postponed — compliments of the government shutdown shutdown.
(25:34)
Arizona U.S. Congressman David Schweikert sits down with Jim Sharpe to explain his decision to leave Washington D.C. and run for governor in Arizona
(29:38)
On this weeks episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe welcomes Charlene Fernandez, the newly elected Arizona Democratic Party Chair. The two talk about the chairwoman's ex... (23:08)
Former Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss the indictment of former FBI director James Comey and Arizona’s water future.
(21:27)
On this week episodes of the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with Mike Noble, the man in charge of the polling firm, Noble Predictive Insights. The two talk about the R... (20:03)
The assassination of Arizona resident and conservative activist Charlie Kirk is the topic of this AZ Political Podcast episode. Former Arizona U.S. Senator and founding director t... (34:06)
On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Jim sits down with political consultant Emily Ryan where they talk all things lobbyist. Emily explains that there is a good chance YOU... (28:26)
Two weeks ago on the AZ Political Podcast, we had Andy Biggs talk about what he would do if he were elected Governor. Now, Republican primary rival, Karrin Taylor Robson gets her ... (32:43)
On this weeks episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne gets the chance to respond to his Republican primary opponent, Kimberly Yee. Yee ... (24:49)
Both U.S. Senators for Arizona are hosting town halls and other speaking events in states across the country, sparking rumors of potential of Presidential campaigns in the 2028 el... (26:29)
If you've never heard a breakdown of the numbers behind the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office federal oversight case, you have to hear them on this week's AZ Political Podcast. Jim... (37:58)
On today's episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Democratic political consultant with Lumen Strategies, Stacy Pearson sits down with Jim Sharpe to discuss Adelita Grijalva winning ... (26:22)
On today's episode of Arizona's Political Podcast, Chuck Coughlin, president and CEO of HighGround Inc, joins Jim Sharpe to talk about Elon Musk's dreams of a third American polit... (29:39)
How do we feel about President Trump? How different are our answers when we’re asked to rate him based on his immigration policies versus his economic policies? What do... (21:44)
This week's guest on the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe is Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. She sat down with Jim less than 24 hours after announcing her run to be the state’s next superintendent of public instruction.
(30:48)
Matt Salmon joined Jim Sharpe on this week's political podcast to discuss the President's "Big Beautiful Bill," as well as the president's recent policies and the dysfunction in Congress and among the parties.
(20:53)
The Arizona Democratic Party could end up with a change at the top — prompted by top elected Democrats in Arizona — because they aren’t very fond of the way stat... (27:01)
Political consultant Matt Kenney joined the podcast this week to discuss the already underway republican race for Governor in Arizona and who will run to be Arizona's first lieutenant governor.
(29:37)
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe and explained why she's already sued the Trump administration 13 different times. Mayes also di... (33:23)
On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe, senate president Warren Petersen updates on progress to pass legislation that speeds up Arizona’s slow ballot co... (21:02)
Danny Seiden, the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discusses whether the new tariffs from President Donald Trump will cause Arizona’s ... (27:41)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Democratic political consultant Stacy Pearson talks about filling the late Raúl Grijalva’s congressional seat, the directio... (28:25)
Rep. Stanton joined the AZ Political Podcast to discuss what worries him most about Trump’s cuts to government — in regards to both the federal workers here in, and th... (41:38)
Sean Nobel joined Jim Sharpe on the AZ Political Podcast to talk about his latest poll on the race for governor in Arizona, which has already begun. He believes that Republican wh... (24:47)
Maricopa Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin joined The AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to discuss his background helping negotiating stadiums in the Valley, the boar... (35:04)
Matt Kenney joins Jim Sharpe and weighs in on how a lot of Republicans are, like him, pro-immigration. And how Arizonans have to walk a fine line between acknowledging that undocu... (29:12)
As we approach the completion of the first week of the second Trump presidency, former Republican U.S. Congressman Matt Salmon joins Jim Sharpe on the AZ Political Podcast to asse... (28:59)
Former Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates joined Jim Sharpe on this week's AZ Political Podcast to discuss his career in public service, election integrity and how he's giving ... (23:25)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe asks Republican former Mesa Mayor John Giles if he regrets endorsing Kamala Harris, the Democrat, in the 2024 Presidential el... (24:00)
On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Congressman David Schweikert joins Jim Sharpe to recap the recent elections. Schweikert also talks about Social Security, Medicare and how to tackle the country's debt.
(34:53)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari, one of two new House members representing Arizona in 2025.
(29:16)
Arizona has a rich history when it comes to presidential politics — both in terms of presidential candidates from Arizona and the choices our state makes in each elect... (17:29)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast is Republican strategist Sean Noble, the founding partner of the political consulting firm DC London.
Sean explains why he thinks Arizon... (27:04)
On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe is joined by Howie Fischer, lead correspondent for Arizona's Capitol Media Services. Among the topics discussed are the cra... (36:01)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, state Senate President Warren Peterson joins Jim Sharpe to talk about how he’d like to spend his second term as president and... (29:22)
This week’s AZ Political Podcast is not your typical episode. Just a couple days after the Nov. 5 general election, Arizona continues to tally votes and several races are ye... (48:09)
Who will be the next President of the United States? Will Arizonans vote with their party for both President and U.S. Senate? Political strategist Chuck Coughlin of HighGround Inc... (32:24)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe talks to HighGround's Paul Bentz, who was named “best pollster” by the Arizona Capitol Times on three different occas... (18:34)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, I get to grill a man known for being a tough interview … actually, that’s just me trying to hype things up — because my g... (18:57)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Mike Noble, the head of polling firm Noble Predictive Insights, helps me figure out if either Lake, the Republican candidate, or Gallego, the Democrat, won Arizona's U.S. Senate debate.
(16:21)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer talks with me about the registered voters affected by a Motor Vehicle Division coding error... (18:48)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes tells the tale of how nearly 100,000 Arizona voters almost eneded up being disenfranchised &mda... (23:34)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, former Assistant Phoenix Police Chief and current Phoenix City Councilman Kevin Robinson discusses the “politics of policing&rdquo... (27:24)
Jim Sharpe has been in Chicago all week for the Democratic National Convention. This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Sharpe and digital editor Danny Shapiro break down their top takeaways from the DNC.
(09:07)
KTAR News Senior Political Analyst Dr. Mike O’Neil joined the podcast to break down — to the vote — the different Electoral College paths that newly-minted Democratic nominee Kamala Harris can take to the White House.
(15:09)
Political strategist Stan Barnes joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe to break down the winners and losers from the Arizona primary elections and what our state should look forward to as a result of these elections.
(18:35)
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes joined the AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe. The two discuss what could play out in the 48th state if U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly were to be ... (24:05)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich to talk about Donald Trump’s classified documents case bei... (31:50)
As Democrats struggle with whether Joe Biden is capable of four more years as president (by first contemplating if he has four months’ worth of disaster-free campaigning lef... (24:34)
In this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe had the pleasure of sitting down with former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to discuss her admonishment of fellow Republicans who co... (21:46)
Another fascinating week in immigration news requires another fascinating guest on the AZ Political Podcast… and Luis Acosta-Herrera fits that billing! He’s an Arizon... (21:54)
This week, as Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs faces an investigation by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, this week's guest on the AZ Political Podcast is Terry Goddard — who served two terms as our state’s attorney general.
(27:15)
As the border captured almost all the major political headlines this week, I decided to have a nonpolitical guest on the AZ Political Podcast who somehow makes total sense.
(24:45)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with Congressman David Schweikert. Not only does he have a fascinating backstory, but he also seems to face his political future fairly fearlessly.
(33:51)
This week on the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down and talks to Jon Gabriel. Jon, a conservative writer and content creator, whose work has appeared in The Wall Str... (22:37)
Dr. Sybil Francis, the president and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona — shared the Center’s 2024 “Arizona Voters Agenda”, which is based on a statewide survey of likely voters.
(15:21)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe sits down with Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. She’s the highest-ranking Republican in state government.
(25:08)
Jim Sharpe speaks with state House Speaker Ben Toma about the indictment of 18 people in the alleged Arizona Republican fake elector scheme.
They also discuss the fate of the abortion bill that just passed Toma’s chamber.
(20:56)
On this week’s AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe talks to Garrett Archer about election integrity.
Garrett, ABC15’s data analyst, formerly served as the senior ele... (25:50)
Chuck Coughlin gives his take on whether an abortion ballot initiative clears enough hurdles to get in front of voters. An initiative that, if passed, would create a state constit... (25:51)
Democratic political consultant Stacy Pearson of Lumen Strategies joined the podcast to discuss the shrinking number of registered Democrats in Arizona and this year’s races... (23:32)
On this week's episode the AZ Political Podcast, Jim Sharpe talks with Arizona's Secretary of State Adrian Fontes about election threats agains Arizona officials and if his Democratic party needs to embrace more moderates.
(22:08)
Former Arizona representative Matt Salmon joins the latest episode of The AZ Political Podcast with Jim Sharpe as the two take a look at the biggest headlines coming out of the Pr... (21:18)
This week on The AZ Political Podcast Jim Sharpe gives a preview of our state’s presidential preference election (PPE), which serves as Arizona’s version of a presiden... (19:01)
Get caught up on the the latest political headlines in Arizona with KTAR News host Jim Sharpe. Plus, Mike Noble, CEO of Noble Predictive Insights, joins the inaugural episode of T... (20:00)
