Mayes, Petersen Clash Over ICE And Data Centers

Democratic Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Republican Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen traded accusations over immigration enforcement, federal lawsuits, data centers and election administration during a Sept. 23 televised debate.

The hourlong forum, hosted by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission and Arizona Media Association, frequently became contentious as the candidates interrupted each other. Mayes is seeking a second term, while Petersen is attempting to move from legislative leadership into Arizona’s top legal office.

Petersen criticized Mayes over comments about masked federal immigration agents and said law enforcement could count on him to support border security. Mayes responded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should focus more heavily on drug trafficking at the border than on pursuing workers inside the country.

The candidates split over lawsuits against the Trump administration. Mayes said party affiliation does not determine whether she files a case; her test is whether the Constitution was violated or Arizona was harmed. Petersen said he would challenge unconstitutional actions by presidents of either party but accused Mayes of politicizing the office.

Data centers produced another divide. Mayes repeated her call for a temporary statewide pause on new approvals, citing water use, electricity demand and household utility costs. Petersen opposed a blanket halt, saying communities should determine project locations and developers should provide their own power and water solutions.

Election policy and the investigation involving Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs surfaced. Mayes defended her office’s decision not to bring charges, saying investigators found no evidence of the quid pro quo required for bribery. Petersen called the review a “sham investigation” and emphasized faster election results and greater public confidence.