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
Quail Creek Republican Club Annual Meeting & Christmas Celebration
The Quail Creek Republican Club gathered on December 10th for its annual meeting and Christmas party, bringing together members of our conservative community to celebrate fellowship, tradition, and civic engagement. The evening combined the business of charting our course for the year ahead with the joy of holiday festivities, reminding us of the strength that comes from unity and shared purpose.
President Pat Colburn shared opening remarks before the guests sat down with hors d’oeuvres. After the appetizers were finished the meeting got down to the election of the 2026 Quail Creek Republican Board. A vote was held by the members to affirm the selection of Ellen Entwistle, Jim Bremer, Diane Priolo, Doug Shumway, Nora Durham, Deedee Stephens, Robin Earl, Lin Sanford and Steve Sanford as the members of the 2026 Board (shown in order on the below photograph). The new Board was introduced to the members and 1st Vice President Steve Sanford gave closing comments which included re-emphasizing the club’s mission of education and participation and continued involvement in local, state, and national issues in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The meeting underscored the club’s commitment to fostering informed discussion, encouraging volunteerism, and ensuring that the voices of Quail Creek residents are heard in the democratic process.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to two past presidents, honoring their leadership and dedication to the club. Pat Colburn and Rich Ulery received plaques honoring dedication for years of service to the Quail Creek Republican Club. Their contributions have laid a strong foundation for future success, and the recognition served as a reminder of the lasting impact of service.
Next month’s meeting on January 16th will include guest speakers, Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson: two of the current Republican members of the Corporation Commission. Interestingly, their two Republican opponents were the guest speakers at the Club’s November meeting. An additional guest speaker will be Alexander Kolodin, current State Representative who is running for Arizona Secretary of State.
The February meeting will feature US Congressman and gubernatorial candidate, Andy Biggs. His presentation will take place at the Madera Ballroom on February 20th. Please note, the meeting will take place at 10:00 AM instead of our normal 9:00 AM start time.
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.
Cheryl Caswell, Dr Ralph Heap and David Marshall Sr addressed the Quail Creek Republicans on November 21st
Steve Sanford introduced the first guest speaker, Cheryl Caswell, candidate for LD 19 House of Representatives seat. Cheryl has been an active participant in Arizona GOP politics from the LD level down to the local level. She expressed her desire to provide a new face for LD 19. She was given some tough questions from the attendees. Caswell is a staunch defender of the values that make America great.
Steve then introduced a GOP duo who are running in opposition to two of the Republican members of the Corporation Commission. Both gentlemen are current members of the State legislature; David Marshall Sr is the representative of LD 7 and Dr Ralph Heap is the representative of LD 10. Both men believe that we need a new face for the Republican party representing the Corporation Commission. Both men have been influential in the day to day functioning of the state legislature during their tenures. Both candidates have extensive religious backgrounds and believe in conservative core values.
Quail Creek Republicans
Gather for a BBQ at the Longhorn
A large group of Republicans gathered on Friday evening, October 17, at the Longhorn Bar & Grill in Amado to enjoy camaraderie, music, politics, and fun. President Pat Colburn welcomed everyone and introduced the evening’s special guests: State Representatives Gail Griffin and Lupe Diaz, State Senator David Gowan, and Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. The crowd was entertained by singer-songwriter Austin Hoffman, who performed a variety of music. Town Councilwoman Diane Priolo, who also serves as the Republican Club’s Program Chair, was in attendance as well. The legislators, all seeking reelection in 2026, mingled with attendees, shared updates on state politics, and engaged in lively conversation throughout the event. The Longhorn staff prepared and served a BBQ meal, including barbequed chicken and ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, and desert.
Mayor Tom Murphy was the featured speaker for the evening, sharing his personal journey and how he became involved in local government. He emphasized his dedication to the community, highlighting public safety, security, and economic growth as his top priorities. Among recent economic developments, Mayor Murphy announced that the town’s vacant movie theater has been purchased by Roadhouse Cinemas, which plans to renovate the facility to offer both dining and movie experiences. He also mentioned that a new “Boot Barn” store will be opening in Sahuarita, further supporting local business growth. Both projects are in the early stages and opening dates have not yet been determined.
The mayor also spoke about how deeply he was moved by attending the Charlie Kirk memorial in Glendale. He shared that he and his wife left Sahuarita at 1 AM to ensure they could be present for the service. The mayor remarked that Charlie would have been proud to see 70,000 people gather at State Farm Arena to honor his memory. He reflected on Charlie’s enduring legacy and the renewed affirmation of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the mayor’s words, Austin Hoffman performed “How Great Thou Art,” encouraging many attendees to join in singing.
Mayor Murphy presented President Pat Colburn with the Town of Sahuarita challenge coin, recognizing her and the club’s ongoing support for both the mayor and the community. To wrap up the evening, President Colburn announced the nominees for the 2026 Quail Creek Republican Club board. These nominees will be elected by members at the Annual Meeting and Christmas party, scheduled for December 10 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Madera Clubhouse. The event is complimentary for all members who have paid their 2025 dues.
President Colburn also reminded everyone that the next club meeting will take place on Friday, November 21. The featured guest speaker will be Congressman Andy Biggs, who is running for Arizona Governor in 2026. The meeting will be at the Madera Clubhouse.