Speaker Steve Montenegro shares Republicans' goals for 2025

Speaker Steve Montenegro shares Republicans' goals for 2025

Author: The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com February 12, 2025 Duration: 25:51
Steve Montenegro is not new to the Capitol — he served eight years in the Legislature before an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2018. In 2022, he returned to state politics when he was elected to represent Legislative District 29 along with fellow Republican Austin Smith. At the end of last year, Republicans elected Montenegro as the new speaker of the House of Representatives for the next session. A native of El Salvador, Montenegro is the first Latino to lead the 60-member House. He won the seat after serving just two years, which sets him up for a chance to serve as speaker for three consecutive terms — a rarity in the fast-moving world of legislative term limits and politics. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl sit down with Montenegro at the beginning of his term as speaker. Together they discuss how his immigration background influences him, unifying the Republican party in Arizona, and his approach for working with Hobbs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Wednesday morning, The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast cuts through the noise to focus on a single issue shaping life in the state. Hosted by The Arizona Republic’s national political reporters Ron Hansen and Stephanie Murray, and produced by Amanda Luberto, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, the conversation goes deeper with a guest-a politician, a journalist, or another key public figure-to unpack the real-world implications of a policy, a vote, or a debate. You’ll hear how decisions made at the capitol or in city halls ripple out to affect communities, schools, and wallets. The discussion is grounded in the expertise of the Republic’s newsroom, offering clarity and context that’s often missing from the daily churn. For anyone trying to understand the forces directing Arizona’s future, this weekly podcast provides an essential, focused look at the mechanics of state politics and government, making the complex both accessible and relevant. It’s a straightforward guide to what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it all matters for your day-to-day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast
Podcast Episodes
Border security is on the ballot this year for Arizonans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:16
Some of this election cycle's biggest issues are what stirs the electorates here in Arizona. No debate or interview is complete without asking a candidate about abortion and immigration. Political angst regarding the bor…
BONUS: Q&A with CD1 candidate Amish Shah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:29
The Gaggle, a politics podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, collaborated with our politics team to connect with candidates so you can hear them make their case in their own words. This is part of a series o…
A cheat sheet to your 2024 propositions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
Taking up a lot of the ballot’s real estate are 13 propositions. From abortion rights to worker tips, arguments for and against the propositions fill up more than 300 pages in the state’s official Publicity Pamphlet. And…
BONUS: Q&A with Maricopa County Recorder nominee Tim Stringham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:01
From now until your ballot arrives, The Gaggle, a politics podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, collaborated with our politics team to connect with candidates so you can hear them make their case in their o…
8 key districts could determine the Arizona Legislature's future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:30
The future of control of the state house depends on eight competitive districts on your ballot this November. Driven by redistricting, lots of donation money, and Gov. Katie Hobbs’ long-stated intention to flip the Legis…
BONUS: Q&A with CD6 candidates Juan Ciscomani and Kirsten Engel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:03
Early ballots are being packaged up to be sent out to Arizona voters by October 9th. This year is the big one. From contentious mayoral races to electing a new Maricopa County recorder, the local elections will come to d…
BONUS: Q&A with Kamala Harris' senior advisor, Jen Cox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
Early ballots are being packaged up to be sent out to Arizona voters by October 9th. This year is the big one. From contentious mayoral races to electing a new Maricopa County recorder, the local elections will come to d…