IN FOCUS - Jan. 24, 2025

Suing the federal government: it’s seemingly part of the job description for Arizona’s Attorney General. Past Arizona AGs frequently made headlines tussling with the Obama and Biden administrations.

Now it’s Attorney General Kris Mayes’ turn, and the Democrat needed just one day before taking President Trump to court for his effort to end the nation’s over 150-year practice of birthright citizenship. On Wednesday, the President issued an Executive Order seeking to halt the granting of citizenship to U.S.-born children of parents who are not U.S. citizens themselves or lack permanent legal status.

Attorney General Mayes and colleagues representing Washington, Illinois and Oregon sued to block the policy change, and were immediately granted a temporary restraining order on Thursday. Further court hearings will take place between now and late February, when President Trump’s edict is scheduled to take effect.

The fight may be a prelude to what is likely to be a busy next two years for Attorney General Mayes as she challenges immigration and other policies of the Trump administration. Serving as counterweight to a MAGA President is not without risk for the AG. While it boosts her profile among Democrats, it may hurt her among Arizona’s broader electorate - a political consideration in light of growing murmurs that Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) is readying a campaign to challenge her for AG in 2026.