Senate Republicans Introduce Resolution Calling on Attorney General Kris Mayes to Resign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are introducing SCR 1036 today, formally calling on Attorney General Kris Mayes to resign after she made public statements that dangerously misrepresented Arizona law and risked putting law enforcement officers and civilians in harm's way.
This action comes after Mayes, the state's top law enforcement official, issued public commentary suggesting circumstances under which members of the public could use deadly force against law enforcement officers. Those statements were incomplete, misleading, and reckless, creating confusion where the law demands absolute clarity.
"When the Attorney General speaks, people listen," said Majority Leader John Kavanagh. "Her words are relied upon by citizens, officers, and public officials alike. Misstatements from that office do not stay theoretical. They carry real-world consequences during traffic stops, arrests, and emergency responses, where hesitation or misunderstanding can turn deadly."
"Arizona law is very clear, and the Attorney General blurred lines that should never be blurred," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "When you suggest people may be justified in shooting law enforcement, you invite chaos. That confusion puts officers and the public in danger, and it is unacceptable coming from the state's chief legal officer."
"The resolution introduced today expresses the Arizona Senate's disapproval of Mayes' statements, urges her to immediately issue clarifying corrective guidance, and calls on her to resign if she refuses to correct the record," said President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope. "Arizona law allows the use of force against law enforcement officers only in the most limited and exceptional circumstances. Anything less than precise, accurate guidance undermines public safety, erodes trust in the rule of law, and increases the risk of violent encounters."
"This is not about politics. This is about responsibility," said Majority Whip Frank Carroll. "The Attorney General's job is to protect public safety and uphold the law, not create confusion that could get someone killed. If she cannot meet that standard, she should step down."
SCR 1036 is intended to send a clear message that reckless legal commentary from the Attorney General's Office will not be ignored and that the safety of Arizona's communities and law enforcement officers must come first.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus