Dennis Welch
Verified- Political Editor, KTVK-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
- Political Editor, KPHO-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
- Anchor, KPHO-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
- Anchor, KTVK-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
Phoenix
Political Editor CBS5 News/3TV in Phoenix, Ariz.
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Articles by Dennis Welch
Hobbs, Biggs both accuse each other of protecting pedophiles Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With early voting set to begin in just over a month, the Arizona governor’s race has taken a sharp and bitter turn, leaving voters with an exceptionally negative debate instead of focus on the state’s most pressing issues. Both major candidates released dueling attack ads on Tuesday, with each accusing the other of protecting pedophiles.
Fontes, Kolodin clash over election security in first debate Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just two months until the November election, incumbent Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and GOP challenger Alexander Kolodin squared off in their first statewide televised debate, sparring over election security and the government’s role in running Arizona’s elections. The heated debate, hosted by PBS’s Ted Simons, saw both candidates trade accusations of lying and distorting facts.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Headline roundup with Jim Small
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Arizona Mirror editor Jim Small joins us to talk about new poll numbers, and shenanigans with candidates running under the Green Party name. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the weird political attacks on the WNBA. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Newly surfaced video shows Arizona candidate handcuffed in 2020 traffic stop
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Newly obtained police body camera footage from a six-year-old traffic stop is raising new questions about an Arizona state lawmaker currently running for one of the state’s highest offices. The video obtained by Arizona’s Family shows Scottsdale police officers detaining Alexander Kolodin, who currently serves as a Republican state representative and is running for secretary of state—Arizona’s top election official.
Newly surfaced video shows Arizona candidate handcuffed in 2020 traffic stop
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Newly obtained police body camera footage from a six-year-old traffic stop is raising new questions about an Arizona state lawmaker currently running for one of the state’s highest offices. The video obtained by Arizona’s Family shows Scottsdale police officers detaining Alexander Kolodin, who currently serves as a Republican state representative and is running for secretary of state—Arizona’s top election official.
Biggs slams Hobbs on pay-to-play but stays quiet on Trump donors Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Rep. Andy Biggs has been hammering Gov. Katie Hobbs over an alleged pay-to-play scheme, calling it proof that the state capitol is rotten with corruption. But when the same questions were recently raised about President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for governor had nothing to say — at least initially. Last week, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes cleared Hobbs of any wrongdoing following a two-year investigation.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Headlines with Tony Cani and Marcus Dell’Artino
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Consultants Tony Cani and Marcus Dell’Artino return to the pod to talk about the latest headlines, including the polls in the governor’s race. Then Dennis and Colin talk about Natalie Harp and her odd relationship with President Trump. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Hobbs ad slams Biggs on taxes despite her own $1B tax record
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just 76 days remaining until the midterm elections, the Arizona gubernatorial race is intensifying as both candidates face scrutiny over their contrasting records on tax policy. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has launched a series of sharp attacks against her Republican opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, targeting his past support for a controversial tax proposal.
Hobbs ad slams Biggs on taxes despite her own $1B tax record
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just 76 days remaining until the midterm elections, the Arizona gubernatorial race is intensifying as both candidates face scrutiny over their contrasting records on tax policy. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has launched a series of sharp attacks against her Republican opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, targeting his past support for a controversial tax proposal.
Hobbs ad slams Biggs on taxes despite her own $1B tax record
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With just 76 days remaining until the midterm elections, the Arizona gubernatorial race is intensifying as both candidates face scrutiny over their contrasting records on tax policy. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has launched a series of sharp attacks against her Republican opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, targeting his past support for a controversial tax proposal.
Hobbs allies accuse Biggs of ‘bizarre history’ on protecting child predators Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Supporters of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs are ramping up political pressure on her Republican opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, ahead of the upcoming election. The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) is leading the latest charge, accusing Biggs of voting to protect child predators.
Arizona House slashes staff after budget cuts
By Dennis Welch | AZ Family Layoffs are hitting the Arizona State Capitol, but it isn’t the politicians who are losing their jobs. Instead, the cuts are falling on the everyday workers who keep the building running and the lights on. The Arizona House of Representatives slashed about 10% of its staff. The staff reductions span vital, non-partisan and administrative roles, ranging from secretaries and security personnel to legislative analysts.
Arizona House slashes staff after budget cuts
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Layoffs are hitting the Arizona State Capitol, but it isn’t the politicians who are losing their jobs. Instead, the cuts are falling on the everyday workers who keep the building running and the lights on. The Arizona House of Representatives slashed about 10% of its staff. The staff reductions span vital, non-partisan and administrative roles, ranging from secretaries and security personnel to legislative analysts.
Arizona House slashes staff after budget cuts
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Layoffs are hitting the Arizona State Capitol, but it isn’t the politicians who are losing their jobs. Instead, the cuts are falling on the everyday workers who keep the building running and the lights on. The Arizona House of Representatives slashed about 10% of its staff. The staff reductions span vital, non-partisan and administrative roles, ranging from secretaries and security personnel to legislative analysts.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Jacob Weinberg on his legislative race
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Democratic legislative candidate Jacob Weinberg joins us to talk about why he is running and whether Democrats can take a majority in the legislature. Then Dennis and Colin discuss poll results and Arizona Cardinals’ QB Carson Beck. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Arizona AG won’t say if Hobbs will ever face formal interview in ‘pay-to-play’ probe Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Monday defended her office’s slow-moving, two-year-old criminal investigation into Governor Katie Hobbs, insisting that “no one can blow off the Attorney General’s office.” However, she declined to say whether the governor would ever sit down with prosecutors for the formal interview that her office requested three months ago.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Rep. Greg Stanton on the midterm elections
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Rep. Greg Stanton on the midterm elections Rep. Greg Stanton on the midterm elections(azf) Published: Aug. 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM MST|Updated: moments ago
Hobbs investigation continues: Will it become a legal or political problem? Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs is campaigning for re-election while the state attorney general’s office continues a two-year investigation into accusations of a pay-to-play deal involving a state contract granted to a campaign donor. The case centers on allegations that Sunshine Residential Homes received preferential treatment from the Hobbs administration after making major donations to Hobbs and the state Democratic Party.
Hobbs ads blanket Arizona airwaves while Biggs settles for social media Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — There’s less than 100 days until Arizona voters pick a governor, and Rep. Andy Biggs, the Republican nominee, has the numbers. But his Democratic opponent, Gov. Katie Hobbs, has the money. Biggs starts the general election with a structural advantage. Arizona has more than 300,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats — a reality that gives any GOP nominee a favorable baseline.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Recapping the primary with Chuck Coughlin
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Independent consultant Chuck Coughlin gives us a brutally honest breakdown of the primary elections and why some of the candidates shouldn’t have run in the first place. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the current state of the Suns. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Biggs won’t say if Hobbs legitimately won 2022 Arizona governor election
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Andy Biggs declined to say Wednesday whether Gov. Katie Hobbs legitimately won the 2022 election, giving a 45-second response when asked about the results. Biggs was asked point-blank on a radio program whether he believes Hobbs was legitimately elected. “The reality is Katie Hobbs sits in the governor’s chair right now,” Biggs said. “I think every court has said she won, and, guess what, she’s the one who set a record for vetoes.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: A battle is brewing over Arizona’s elections Original
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Arizona’s Family Investigative Reporter Amy Cutler joins us to break down the fight over election control between the Board of Supervisors and Recorder Justin Heap. Then Dennis and Colin talk World Cup and the race for Treasurer. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Gov. Hobbs criticizes Biggs for avoiding debates while refusing to commit to one herself Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ campaign is attacking her most likely Republican opponent for dodging debates, even though she hasn’t faced an opponent on stage in nearly a decade. The latest dust-up began late last week when Gov. Hobbs’ political operation criticized U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs for skipping a Republican-organized primary debate. The statement came from Copper State Victory, the group running coordinated campaigns for Arizona’s top Democrats.
Arizona fans cheer Balogun’s return but fear politics in soccer Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Folarin Balogun’s return has Arizona soccer fans hopeful for USMNT’s chances, but uneasy about what Trump’s FIFA call could mean for the integrity of the tournament. Jaziel Camarillo is a die-hard soccer fan, the kind of guy who’ll tune into a match on a Monday. And for the past three weeks, he says he’s loved just about everything this World Cup has had to offer. Everything, that is, except FIFA’s red-card suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Headlines with Stacy Pearson and Marcus Dell’Artino
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Consultants Stacy Pearson and Marcus Dell’Artino return to talk about a possible special session and the algae growing in the reflecting pool. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the World Cup. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Arizona GOP governor candidates voted no on housing bill. Here’s why
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Congress passed a bipartisan housing bill with overwhelming support, but President Trump is refusing to sign it unless lawmakers pass new voting restrictions first. The Senate passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act on an 85-5 vote, and the House followed on a 358-32 vote. Two of those dissenting votes came from Republicans running for Arizona governor: U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert.
Gov. Hobbs embraced a GOP tax cut plan. Here’s the political impact Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs promoted a $1.4 billion tax cut in the new state budget Tuesday, highlighting savings for families as she campaigns for reelection. Hobbs held a news conference at the state Capitol to discuss the tax package, which she signed into law. Early voting for the primaries starts Wednesday. “I am thrilled we secured some big wins that will be a huge boost for Arizona families,” Hobbs said. The Democratic governor is not criticizing President Donald Trump on taxes.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: The investigation into Mark Lamb
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Arizona Republic reporters Robert Anglen and Laura Gersony join us to talk about their series investigating the behavior of Mark Lamb, the former Pinal County Sheriff now running for congress. Then Dennis and Colin talk underrated American bands.
Maricopa County election control dispute heads to court ahead of primary
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A legal fight over control of next month’s primary election in Maricopa County went before a judge Monday morning. Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is facing off against county supervisors over who will oversee the July 21 primary election. The dispute is between factions within the Republican Party, not between Republicans and Democrats.
Law firm tied to Trump advisor at center of Maricopa County election battle Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A law firm connected to one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisors is at the center of a legal battle over control of Maricopa County’s next election. The fight over White House influence in local elections is set for a showdown Monday in court. The law firm is America First Legal, which is based in Washington, D.C. It was co-founded by one of President Trump’s top aides, Stephen Miller, who is known to spread false claims of election fraud.
Producer: Kari Lake never won a Billboard award Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The producer who worked on a song featuring former U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake confirmed she never won a Billboard Music Award. Arizona’s Family first reported two weeks ago that the U.S. State Department falsely claimed that Lake was the “proud” winner of two of the prestigious awards. It was part of an official biography outlining Lake’s qualifications to become the next U.S. ambassador to Jamaica.
Senator’s chicken complaint sparks ‘Chickengate’ controversy at Arizona Capitol Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A complaint over catered fried chicken has become a controversy at the state Capitol as lawmakers prepare for final budget votes. The incident centers on Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, a restaurant hired by lobbyists to cater an event last week at the Capitol. The lobbyists paid for enough food to feed over 100 people, and by most accounts, the chicken was a hit. But Sen.
County supervisor describes video of Maricopa County ballot scanner removal
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko has seen security video at the center of an investigation into the recorder’s office and described it in detail. The video shows a staffer from the recorder’s office taking a ballot scanner off-site in his personal truck. “This is just kind of insane,” Lesko said. What the video shows Lesko described what county security cameras captured this spring as results of a local Tempe election were being counted.
AZ Democrat critical of Elon Musk profited from his company’s stock
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Marlene Galan Woods and her Democratic Party have a lot to say about Elon Musk. And none of it is any good. When she launched her second campaign for Congress last year, Woods called the businessman “an unelected billionaire tearing down our government.” And the Democratic Party that has thrown its full weight behind Woods in her primary race hasn’t been any more flattering. But that hasn’t stopped Woods from making a tidy profit off Musk’s flagship company.
Rep. Biggs votes against limiting Trump’s war powers in Iran Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) - Four House Republicans joined Democrats to limit President Trump’s war powers in Iran, but Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs was not among them. The five-term congressman, who is also running for Arizona governor, voted against the resolution. Following the vote, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned it will weaken the administration. “I think it is a very dangerous prospect to take away from the administration and the commander in chief right now the ability to negotiate.
Gov. Hobbs and Rep. Biggs exchange attacks ahead of Arizona primary
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP frontrunner Rep. Andy Biggs are taking shots at each other, jumping to the general campaign before the primary election. The Republican primary is still seven weeks away, with Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert both running. Early voting starts in three weeks. Biggs is the favorite, with polling and money showing him out front. Biggs attacks Hobbs on ethics Biggs is skipping ahead and going straight to the general election in the fall.
Gov. Hobbs and Rep. Biggs exchange attacks ahead of Arizona primary
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs and GOP frontrunner Rep. Andy Biggs are taking shots at each other, jumping to the general campaign before the primary election. The Republican primary is still seven weeks away, with Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert both running. Early voting starts in three weeks. Biggs is the favorite, with polling and money showing him out front. Biggs attacks Hobbs on ethics Biggs is skipping ahead and going straight to the general election in the fall.
Trump signals backing off controversial ‘anti-weaponization fund’ Original
WASHINGTON (AZFamily) — President Trump is signaling he will back off his controversial “anti-weaponization fund.” The Justice Department said Monday it will abide by a federal court ruling, at least temporarily putting the fund on hold. The $1.8 billion settlement stems from the illegal release of hundreds of tax returns by someone in the IRS tied to Trump and his family.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Paul Bentz on Trump’s GOP control
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Pollster Paul Bentz returns to talk about President Trump’s influence on the Republican primaries, and whether that’s good for the party. Then Dennis and Colin break down Rolling Stone’s list of the top punk albums. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
Arizona GOP attorney general debate turns personal with insults, name-calling Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The two Republicans running for Arizona attorney general faced each other Thursday in a debate that devolved into insults and name-calling. State Senate President Warren Petersen is running against military attorney Rodney Glassman in the Republican primary. The debate turned chaotic as the candidates clashed. “Are you asking the questions, Steve?” Petersen said. The moderator attempted to regain control. “Gentlemen, we’re going to reset,” he said.
Kari Lake nomination faces questions over Billboard awards claim Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — President Trump’s pick to be the next U.S. ambassador to Jamaica is raising questions—not about foreign policy, but about a surprising line in her biography. These aren’t questions about foreign policy or diplomatic skills, but a claim that she won two Billboard Music Awards—a claim we found no evidence to support. Earlier this month, President Trump nominated former Arizona political candidate and television anchor Kari Lake as the next United States Ambassador to Jamaica.
Arizona mom who used ESA vouchers now campaigns to reform program
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An Arizona mother who used the state’s school voucher program to help her autistic son is now working to place restrictions on it. More than 100,000 students are enrolled in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, costing taxpayers $1 billion a year. Kathy Boltz said her son struggled in public schools for years before he was diagnosed with autism. In 2017, she turned to the ESA program to pay for extra education services.
Arizona mom who used ESA vouchers now campaigns to reform program
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An Arizona mother who used the state’s school voucher program to help her autistic son is now working to place restrictions on it. More than 100,000 students are enrolled in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, costing taxpayers $1 billion a year. Kathy Boltz said her son struggled in public schools for years before he was diagnosed with autism. In 2017, she turned to the ESA program to pay for extra education services.
New Rep. Biggs campaign ad targets Gov. Hobbs over rising gas prices
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gas prices in Arizona have jumped about $1.50 since the start of the war with Iran, and polls show a majority of Americans blame the White House. But Andy Biggs campaign is placing blame on the governor’s office. “Arizonans are struggling under Katie Hobbs. Rising housing and gas costs are hurting our bottom line,” according to a new ad from a Republican candidate for governor, Andy Biggs. However, the spike in gas prices didn’t start at the state capitol.
New Rep. Biggs campaign ad targets Gov. Hobbs over rising gas prices
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Gas prices in Arizona have jumped about $1.50 since the start of the war with Iran, and polls show a majority of Americans blame the White House. But Andy Biggs campaign is placing blame on the governor’s office. “Arizonans are struggling under Katie Hobbs. Rising housing and gas costs are hurting our bottom line,” according to a new ad from a Republican candidate for governor, Andy Biggs. However, the spike in gas prices didn’t start at the state capitol.
Rep. Ciscomani under scrutiny for taking cash from scandal-plagued lawmakers Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Campaign contributions often come with political baggage. And as Republicans fight to hold onto the U.S. House, campaign cash is under fresh scrutiny in southern Arizona’s battleground 6th Congressional District. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., is not a national political brand name, but his reelection bid is considered crucial for the GOP’s path to maintaining House control.
Arizona GOP budget excludes summer food program for low-income children Original
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona lawmakers are fighting over a program that feeds children as struggling families face mounting economic pressures. Republicans passed a budget that does not include funding for the SUN Bucks program, which provides meals to low-income children during the summer months. The dispute comes as more than 400,000 Arizonans have lost their food stamp benefits, the most in the nation. Gov. Katie Hobbs is expected to veto the Republican budget plan when it reaches her desk.
Arizona GOP budget passes with tax cuts, Democrats criticize corporate breaks
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Republican state leaders have sent a budget to the governor. The plan includes tax cuts, but Democrats say those cuts are targeted at people and businesses that don’t need them. GOP lawmakers pushed through a plan that spends about $800 million less than what Gov. Katie Hobbs wanted. Democratic lawmakers say this is a win for corporations that leaves working families behind.
Arizona GOP budget passes with tax cuts, Democrats criticize corporate breaks
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Republican state leaders have sent a budget to the governor. The plan includes tax cuts, but Democrats say those cuts are targeted at people and businesses that don’t need them. GOP lawmakers pushed through a plan that spends about $800 million less than what Gov. Katie Hobbs wanted. Democratic lawmakers say this is a win for corporations that leaves working families behind.
Politics Unplugged Podcast: Stacey Barchenger on Arizona governor’s race
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger returns to talk about fundraising in the governor’s race. Then Dennis and Colin break down the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Available Now: Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | YouTube WATCH PRIOR EPISODES Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
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