QUAIL CREEK REPUBLICAN CLUB MEETING FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2026
President Steve Sanford welcomed attendees and acknowledged new members to the QCRC.
Following the introduction, invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, Steve delivered opening remarks and urged attendees to turn out the vote for the 2026 Mid Term elections.
Guest Speakers: Juan Ciscomani, Les Presmyk, Judge Ray Carroll and David Schweikert
Juan Ciscomani is a current member of the US Congress running for reelection for the 2nd time.
He is a naturalized citizen of the USA. The Democrats have continued to incorrectly state that the billionaires are unfairly benefitting from the Big Beautiful Bill at the expense of the middle and lower class. This bill has benefited his constituents with $0 tax on tips and overtime and a $6000 deduction for Social Security beneficiaries. The Democrats shut down the government to the detriment of so many hard working people with a false argument of not funding DHS which had already been funded and approved in the Big Beautiful Bill. Juan spoke about his work on the Appropriations Committee which targets waste fraud and abuse. The Committee will require verification of eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid and requirements to clean up the rolls. Juan is also on the Foreign Affairs and Transportation Committees. He is proud of his work on Veterans Affairs. He is representing 80,000 veterans in his district which has a dedicated phone line for veterans to directly speak with his office.
Les Presmyk was appointed in 2025 as the Arizona Mine Inspector
He is a native Arizonan and a degreed mining engineer with over 45 years in the industry. He has spent decades working in underground offices in copper mines and conducting countless inspections of mines throughout the state. He is actively working on the reclamation of abandoned mines that pose safety issues for Arizonians.
Judge Ray Carroll is the incumbent candidate for Pima County Justice of the Peace. He has
Demonstrated his expertise on how to run a small full service rural court with no tax increases. He performs free weddings for military personnel and for all others on Fridays.
David Schweikert Candidate for Governor ( “Mr. Math is Me”) served in the US Congress wrigting legislation for Medicare Advantage fraud, Hospice fraud in LA and economic projections for Congress.
His focus as Arizona Governor will be to balance the budget, to create new jobs that provide for moral prosperity and balance the job vs wage growth. Hobbs killed job growth and “new job creation” was for welfare and questionable healthcare positions which creates more opportunity for fraud such as Navajo Nation $2.8 billion sober living fraud. Arizona has become #45 in affordability. He has a several prong approach to solving the water problem and the gasoline supply. He has a simple and effective way to modernize and consolidate programs to stop the fraud, reduce redundancies, eliminate water waste without penalizing rate payers and effectively set up a prescription renewal program. Call him directly at 602-619-3300.
Quail Creek Republican Club Hears from Three Candidates at their May Meeting
The Quail Creek Republican Club met at the Kino Conference Center on May 15, 2026. Steve Sanford, president, welcomed everyone and provided the invocation. After the Flag salute, Sanford warned the members about the proposed National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPBIC). The NPBIC will change how votes are counted.
Sanford introduced the first guest speaker, Rodney Glassman. Glassman is running for AZ State Attorney General (AG). Glassman gave an enthusiastic summary of his legal background and why he is the best candidate. Professionally, Rodney has been a practicing litigation attorney for almost two decades and also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force JAG Corps Reserve, currently assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing Legal Office at Luke Air Force Base. He is running for Attorney General to protect Arizona’s law enforcement, Arizona’s kids, and Arizona’s prosperity. He described duties of the AG and his concerns about the incumbent. He also compared his personal litigation records and legal accomplishments to his Primary Election opponent. Glassman also provided attendees with a primer on the unique position that the Arizona Attorney General maintains versus national and other state Attorneys General.
Tom Horne, the incumbent State Superintendent of Schools was the second speaker. The mission of the State Superintendent of Schools is committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. He served in the legislature and was chairman of the academic accountability committee. He was the State Superintendent of Schools from 2003 to 2011 and was elected State Attorney General. While Attorney General, he argued in every court: Superior Court, Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, and US Supreme Court. He listed all his accomplishments as the State Superintendent, which are many.
The last speaker was Juan Cubillo. Juan is a candidate for Town of Sahuarita Town Council. Juan D. Cubillo is an active-duty military service member, an author, and a former U.S. Diplomat with a background in public service and international affairs. He is committed to advocating for smart growth, top-notch education, and long-term safety in Sahuarita. Cubillo is a father of three, married and lives in Sahuarita.
Sanford’s closing remarks include a reminder to renew memberships and upcoming meetings speakers including Juan Ciscomani, David Schweikert (candidate for Governor), and the candidate for the AZ State Mine Inspector. The next meeting will be June 19 at 9AM in the Madera Clubhouse; a large crowd is expected. Sanford also announced that the Republican Club will host and present a patriotic tribute to America’s 250th Birthday on July 10th at the Madera Clubhouse. Food options and pricing are in work.
You can join the club for the first time or renew your membership for 2026 by visiting the club’s website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com.
The Quail Creek Republican Club Hears from Three Speakers at its April Meeting
The Quail Creek Republican Club (QCRC) met at the Kino Conference Center on April 17th. Steve Sanford, President, welcomed everyone and introduced new members to the QCRC.
Following the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, Sanford briefed current events and the effects on Republicans. Numerous topics were presented, including Operation Epic Fury, negotiations with Iran, the Blockade, significant events involving political personalities, the Artemis II mission, strategic effects on China, and comments about the cryptic and intelligent political analysis of Thomas Sowell, Victor Davis Hanson and Greg Gutfeld.
He then introduced the 1st guest speaker, LD-19 State Senator David Gowan, Candidate for Arizona LD-19 Representative. Gowan’s experience as 52nd Speaker of the House and prior Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and current position as Senate Chairman of the Military Affairs and Border Security Committee as well as Co-Chair Chairman of the Natural Resources and Public Safety Committees gives Gowan immeasurable experience. This experience and his hard work in his community have given Gowan a reputation for getting things done for his LD-19 constituents and the residents of Arizona. He has experience in managing budgets, negotiating legislation and advancing conservative proprieties which gives him credibility with key Republican constituencies.
The next speaker introduced was Katherine Haley, Candidate for Arizona Treasurer. Haley has served on the Arizona State Board of Education since 2022, giving her experience with statewide governance, oversight responsibilities, and management of public-sector policy. She has degrees from Duke and John Hopkins universities. She is also the founder of the Oak Rose Group, an educational and self-fulfillment consulting firm. Katherine believes that the Treasurer’s job requires a wise steward of the people’s money, a consistent and efficient investing of the Treasury funds and honesty and transparency in all fiscal departments in the state.
Our 3rd speaker was Robin Earl, a Quail Creek resident who is a Candidate for the Town Council of the Town of Sahuarita. Robin is a staunch Conservative with very strong family and religious values commensurate with that. He believes that it is important to provide support to Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy’s vision of the development of the Town of Sahuarita and other local concerns, growth pressures, and quality-of-life issues. His experience as a former NFL player makes him a team player and has made him accountable, adaptable and able to perform under pressure. These traits can translate into collaborative decision-making and steady leadership of the Town Council.
Steve Sanford then made closing comments and reviewed the upcoming events for the May 15th QCRC meeting.
Quail Creek Republican Club March Meeting Summary
The Quail Creek Republican Club (QCRC) met at the Kino Conference Center on March 20th. Steve Sanford, President, welcomed everyone and introduced new members to the QCRC.
Following the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, Steve Sanford introduced State Senator Warren Petersen, Candidate for Arizona Attorney General. Warren has served in the Arizona Legislature since 2012, beginning in the House of Representatives. He represents District 14, covering Gilbert and parts of Queen Creek. He is known for advocating limited government, reduced regulations, low taxes, and free-market principles.
His leadership roles have included: House Majority Leader, Rules, Commerce, Judiciary, and Ethics Committee Chair. He is a third-generation Gilbert resident and an Eagle Scout. He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Arizona State University.
He is extremely committed to ensuring that the state’s highest law enforcement official follows the letter of the law.
The next speaker introduced was Gail Griffin, State Representative, AZ District 19 & Candidate for Arizona Senate. Currently, Gail represents District 19 and chairs the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. Her key focus is Water policy and Infrastructure & Rural Agriculture issues. She has served in both the House and Senate and sits on multiple state committees and boards, including water policy organizations.
Gail has the reputation of getting bills written and passed. A government legislator who truly gets things done. She was voted “Senator of the Year”, (NFIB) Legislator of the Year and “Overall Legislative Champion” She is a longtime real estate broker and active in numerous civic organizations.
Our 3rd speaker was Pastor Lupe Diaz, a State Representative for Arizona District 19, and a Candidate for Re-Election. Lupe Diaz has served as a State Representative since 2021 and as pastor of Grace Chapel Benson since 1988.
Lupe is a Former Benson City Council Member, Former President, San Pedro Valley/Benson Chamber of Commerce, and currently an Instructor at Cochise College (Philosophy, Ethics, Religion). He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and is a longtime community leader. He and his wife have been married 51 years and have a large extended family. Truly, a man of faith and integrity.
The 4th and final speaker was Kara Egbert, Vice Mayor, Town of Sahuarita. She is a Candidate for Justice of the Peace. Kara Egbert has nearly 20 years of public service and was first elected to the Sahuarita Town Council in 2009. She currently serves as Vice Mayor. Her service highlights include Fellow, Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy, member Governor’s Arizona State Citizen Corps Council, Former Chair, Southern Arizona Red Cross Board.
She emphasizes thoughtful, fact-based decision making and fairness, impartiality and accessibility in the Judicial System. She and her husband have been married for 28 years and have five children and grandchildren.
A 5th speaker, state senator David Gowan, candidate for Arizona House LD-19, unfortunately could not attend, due to a recent death in the family.
Steve Sanford made closing comments and reviewed the upcoming events for the April 17th QCRC meeting.
The Quail Creek Republican Club (QCRC) convened in the Crystal Ballroom on February 20, 2026. President
Steve Sanford welcomed attendees and acknowledged new members to the QCRC.
Following the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, Steve Sanford introduced U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, Andy Biggs, candidate for AZ Governor. Rep. Biggs is endorsed by President Donald J. Trump for the governorship.
Rep. Biggs was first elected to serve the people of CD5 in 2016. He currently serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. From 2019-2021, he served as Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Biggs served in the AZ State House of Representatives for eight years and in the AZ State Senate for six years. He was elected Senate President in
2012.
If elected Governor of Arizona, Rep. Biggs’ mission is to restore the American Dream by instituting parental control of education, Making America Healthy Again, and making home ownership affordable again. He promises to be ready to go on Day One by having bills cued up for his signature into law, having a budget planned, and a list of appointees to implement to help him govern.
Steve Sanford then introduced Tom Murphy, the Mayor of our town, Sahuarita, for the past ten years. Mayor Murphy is running for re-election to the Sahuarita Town Council for another four-year term. The Town Council elects the Mayor and Vice Mayor. His re-election platform embraces Public Safety, responsible Economic Development and Growth, Infrastructure, and “great events” such as Fiesta Sahuarita and Winterfest.
Steve Sanford introduced our final speaker, Robin Earl, 1st Vice Chair of the QCRC and fellow Quail Creeker. Robin is a first-time candidate for the Town Council of Sahuarita. He supports clean water, air, and streets, as well as economic growth and a safe community.
Robin played 9 Pro Football Seasons (Chicago Bears and the Birmingham Stallions), having had the honor of playing with 10 NFL Hall of Fame teammates and Coaches. He
will bring his championship values and attributes to local government. Another claim to fame is that he coached Charlie Kirk when Charlie was a teenager.
Steve Sanford made closing comments and reviewed the upcoming events for the QCRC.
The Quail Creek Republican Club continues to pursue its goal to be the most educational and dynamic club at Quail Creek. For more information and to join, visit the QCRC website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com
The Quail Creek Republican Club convened in the Ocotillo Room on January 16, 2026
President Steve Sanford welcomed attendees and acknowledged new members to the QCRC.
Following the introduction, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance, Steve Sanford delivered opening remarks which emphasized the need for volunteers and the need to turn out the vote in the 2026 Mid Term elections. Steve challenged all members to bring in at least one new member to the QCRC.
Guest Speakers were Alexander Kolodin, Kevin Thompson & Nick Myers
Guest Speaker, Alexander Kolodin, AZ LD-3 Representative, administered the oath of office for the 2026 QCRC Board.
Steve Sanford introduced the first guest speaker, Alexander Kolodin, candidate for the Arizona Secretary of State. Alex has been an Election Attorney for ten years with a mission to bring Election Integrity and Election Reform to Arizona and he is a House Freedom Caucus member. He emphasized the need to validate all voter signatures and giving poll watchers access to ballots for verification that every ballot is a valid and proper one. One of the many challenges he is working with is being able to prevent the current Secretary of State from illegally writing new laws that would disenfranchise Conservative voters. Alex is urging all Conservatives to GET OUT THE VOTE for Republican candidates. The success of the 2026 election is key to having election reform and election integrity in Arizona.
Steve then introduced two incumbents of the Corporation Commission running for reelection in the 2026 race. Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers began eliminating Green New Deal policies, along with the mandates and subsidies since 2023. They support Trump’s Energy Agenda and saved Arizona ratepayers over $3billion since 2001. They do not approve of automatic rate hikes and have found a way to spread necessary increases over a period of time. The US average for rate hikes is 6.4% and Arizona has been able to hold rate increases to 1.7% with the expertise of the current Board. Kevin and Nick believe that all new development must pay for itself with no subsidies from ratepayers. Existing coal power plants can be converted to gas plants and new nuclear plants that can secure cheaper and longer term energy for Arizonians. Because of their tireless work to reduce Arizona’s regulatory lag they have significantly improved Arizona’s regulatory ranking which gives Arizona access to cheaper capital resulting in savings for rate payers.
Steve Sanford made closing comments and reviewed the upcoming events for the QCRC.
February 20, 2026, Meeting will be at 10 am in the Quail Creek Ballroom with speakers
- US Representative Andy Biggs Candidate for Governor
- Town of Sahuarita Vice Mayor Kara Ekbert
- Town of Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy
The Quail Creek Republican Club continues to pursue its goal to be the most educational and fun club at Quail Creek. For more information and for membership forms, visit the website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com
Steve Sanford and Deedee Clary-Stephens
President and 2nd Vice President, QCRCresident and 2nd Vice President, QCRC