FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 9, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Arizona Senate Republicans today elected Senator John Kavanagh as Minority Leader for the 58th Legislature in 2027, selecting a four-member leadership team to advance conservative priorities and rebuild a Republican majority in the Senate.
The caucus also selected Tim Dunn as Assistant Minority Leader and Leo Biasiucci as Minority Whip. Minority Leader Kavanagh appointed Mark Finchem as Deputy Assistant Minority Leader of Communications.
Senate Republicans will continue to work with their House colleagues to keep taxes low, support law enforcement, and protect Arizona's long-term water supply. The caucus will put forward its own bills and work across the aisle where it can deliver results for Arizonans. The caucus will also work against increased taxes and unnecessary government regulations that will make Arizona unaffordable for working families.
"Rebuilding a Republican majority starts with earning it, and that work starts now," said Minority Leader Kavanagh. "We're going to spend time listening to Arizonans in their communities and bring what we hear back to the Capitol. When a family tells us their paycheck isn't keeping up with their bills, that needs to be on our minds when we vote on taxes and spending. When a rural community is worried about whether it'll have enough water to grow, we need to be at the table working on a solution. We'll work with Democrats where we agree, and when we disagree, we'll explain why and put our own plan on the table. That's how we'll serve Arizonans in the minority and earn their trust to lead the Senate again."
John Kavanagh | Minority Leader
Kavanagh represents Legislative District 3 and has served in the Legislature since 2007. The Fountain Hills Republican has served as Senate Majority Leader, as well as Senate President Pro Tempore, and chaired appropriations committees in both chambers. He spent 20 years in law enforcement, retiring as a detective sergeant before teaching criminal justice.
Tim Dunn | Assistant Minority Leader
Dunn is a lifelong Yuma resident, farmer, and small business owner who represents Legislative District 25. He joined the Legislature in 2018 and serves as vice chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, bringing firsthand experience in agriculture to Arizona's water policy debates.
Leo Biasiucci | Minority Whip
Biasiucci is a Lake Havasu City native and small business owner who will represent Legislative District 30 in the Senate. He has served in the Arizona House since 2019, including as House Majority Leader and Majority Whip.
Mark Finchem | Deputy Assistant Minority Leader of Communications
Finchem represents Legislative District 1 and chairs the Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee. He previously served in the Arizona House and spent 21 years in public safety, working as a firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, and criminal investigator.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus