Arizona Republicans are gearing up for another legal showdown over the state’s controversial law requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. After suffering a setback in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, they now hope support from the Trump administration could help reverse the decision.

The Ninth Circuit upheld a lower court's ruling that Arizona's 2022 law mandating proof of citizenship was an "unlawful measure of voter suppression." The court’s decision marked a win for the Department of Justice, nonprofits, the Democratic National Committee, and the Arizona Democratic Party, who had filed the lawsuit against the law. However, the Supreme Court has previously allowed similar restrictions for state and local elections, leaving the door open for further legal wrangling.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Ninth Circuit, calling the ruling "brazen" and accusing the court of ignoring Supreme Court precedent. Republicans, he said, are ready to appeal the decision.

"The key provisions of this bill are that we want to make sure that only citizens are voting in our elections," Petersen told reporters. "This is an issue that our citizens overwhelmingly support." His remarks highlight the broader political divide over voting rights and election security.

To bolster their case, Petersen and his allies have reached out to the Trump administration, urging it to formally change the federal government's stance on proof of citizenship laws. While the Biden administration opposed such measures, the Trump administration has historically been more open to supporting stricter voting requirements.

"We’re asking them to engage so we get a good outcome for the citizens of Arizona and, quite frankly, for the whole country," Petersen said, adding that federal support could significantly strengthen their position.

It remains unclear whether the Republicans will appeal the Ninth Circuit ruling directly to the Supreme Court or take another route. Petersen expressed confidence in their chances if the case reaches the high court, describing the justices as "sensible and rational."

"It’s just common sense that only citizens should be able to vote in our elections," Petersen said, doubling down on the law’s intent.

Voting Rights News

Border State Republicans Hope Trump DOJ Will Overturn 'Common Sense' Voting Law Ruling