Dear Friend, 

Big things are happening in Arizona, and we have a massive tax battle in South Carolina.  Let's dive into it.

ARIZONA

It's time to turn Arizona RED.  

The state is already home to some great patriots representing it in Congress - including House Freedom Caucus members Reps. Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, and Paul Gosar.  

...And our Arizona Freedom Caucus, led by State Senator Jake Hoffman, is exerting its amazing influence in the state capitol.  

...And former AZFC member, Justin Heap, is Maricopa County's recorder - he's in charge of voter registration and all elections in one of the country's largest counties.

But more needs to happen to turn Arizona from purple into a brick red, freedom-loving state.

The good news is that the wheels are in motion to make that happen.

Earlier this year, Congressman Biggs announced that he's running for Governor, clearing the conservative lane to challenge the weak Democrat incumbent, Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Plus, AZ Freedom Caucus member, State Rep. Alex Kolodin, earlier this week announced that he's running for Secretary of State.  Kolodin is an election attorney and his deepest passion is election integrity reform, something that Arizona desperately needs.

Not settling for just those two races, the Arizona Freedom Caucus is trying to recruit conservative candidates for other key positions, too - including the congressional seat vacated by Biggs, the Treasurer, and the Attorney General.

The Democrats are having an absolute fit over this.  When Kolodin announced his candidacy, the largest media outlet - the liberal Arizona Republic - ran this headline:

"Alexander Kolodin seeks secretary of state post under Freedom Caucus banner"

And a local political media group is equating the AZFC to the mafia that is looking for "ring kissers" to pursue its agenda.  Check this one out (TFW means "That feeling when"):

Bottom Line: Our state freedom caucuses are planting the seeds to retake each and every one of our 50 states.  

So far, our Wyoming Freedom Caucus has successfully taken control of the Wyoming State House, our Louisiana Freedom Caucus has made the Bayou State arguably the most conservative state in the Union, and if we're able to get Biggs, Kolodin, and other freedom-loving patriots elected into office, we will make Arizona great again.

THIS IS HOW WE WIN.

SOUTH CAROLINA

"Republican" leaders in South Carolina recently announced plans to consider consequential tax reform to lower the state's top tax rate from over 6% ultimately down to 2.49%.

The South Carolina Freedom Caucus initially liked the sound of that.  They have been pushing for pro-growth tax reform since they were formed in 2022.

But sadly the Columbia Swamp - to no one's surprise - is using smoke and mirrors.  The tax bill that they offered would actually raise taxes on over 60% of residents, mostly people in the lower and middle-income tax brackets.

The optics on this are terrible.  In the midst of persistent inflation and uncertainty, the tone-deaf RINOs in charge are basically saying, "We want those who can least afford it to pay more taxes to satisfy our egregious spending habit, which we refuse to stop doing."

One insider even told SC Freedom Caucus member, Josiah Magnuson, that "people aren't going to know they got hit with any tax increases in 2026, so we'll be fine for re-election."

Imagine having that kind of belittling attitude towards the voters.

When the details of the tax bill (HB 4216) were released, our South Carolina Freedom Caucus immediately called them out on it.  They sounded the alarm, alerted the public, and convinced 9 of their colleagues (at last count) to remove their names as co-sponsors of the bill.  

The pressure worked.  

Just yesterday, Leadership announced that they are postponing consideration of the bill due to the aggressive pushback.  Now it's up to them to work with the SC Freedom Caucus to produce a REAL pro-growth tax reform bill that will benefit everyone.  Lower the rates (or repeal the income tax all together) and cut spending!

CELEBRATING WINS:  With their 2025 legislation session over, the South Dakota Freedom Caucus is celebrating their victories, which includes killing over $240 million in tax hikes, banning eminent domain abuse, and expanding gun rights.  Check it out.  The Wyoming Freedom Caucus did the same, reminding the public that they passed school choice, property tax cuts, homeschool freedom, and much more.  Check it out here.

HONORING RILEY GAINES: On the last day of Women's History Month, Maryland Freedom Caucus Vice-Chair Kathy Szeliga took to the House floor to honor Riley Gaines for her tireless defense of women against the Left's transgender mania.  Watch it here.

GIANFORTE = BIG SPENDER:  The Montana Freedom Caucus is calling out "Republican" Governor Greg Gianforte for bragging about a 1% tax cut while simultaneously trying to grow government spending by 10%.  Read it here.

Do you know of a better "Return on Investment" than supporting the State Freedom Caucus Network?

When you support the Network, you are helping us support our state freedom caucuses and all of the amazing work that they are doing.

Please consider making a donation RIGHT NOW.  It will help us plan and prepare for the rest of the year.  You can give a one time gift or a monthly gift to our Foundation that is completely tax-deductible.  Or you can support the Network so that you can help State Freedom Caucuses pass strong, pro-liberty legislation.

To give, please click on one of the links below. For stock donations or IRA distributions, contact Dana Craycroft at [email protected] or Sara Prinzi at [email protected].

We'll be back with another update next week.  Until then, please be sure to support our efforts so that we can support our State Freedom Caucuses!

In Liberty,

Andy Roth

President

State Freedom Caucus Network