Noem Calls Arizona Elections 'Absolute Disaster' During Phoenix Visit

Homeland Security Director criticizes Arizona's election systems, but state officials push back on 'baseless' claims.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Arizona's election performance 'an absolute disaster' during a press conference in Phoenix on Friday, criticizing the state's election systems and leaders. However, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a rebuttal, stating Noem's accusations were 'patently untrue' and that Arizona already has provisions in place similar to what Noem came to promote in the 'SAVE America Act' legislation.

Why it matters

Noem's comments highlight ongoing partisan debates around election integrity and reforms, with Republicans pushing for stricter voter ID laws and Democrats warning such measures could disenfranchise voters. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse.

The details

During the press conference, Noem said Arizona's leaders have 'failed' by not having 'systems that work' and 'disenfranchising Americans who wanted to vote.' However, Mayes rebutted Noem's claims, stating Arizona already requires proof of citizenship to register to vote and valid ID at the polls. The SAVE America Act Noem came to promote would impose similar requirements nationwide.

  • Noem made her comments during a press conference in Phoenix on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • Noem previously visited Arizona on February 4, 2026 to highlight border security accomplishments.

The players

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration.

Kris Mayes

Arizona Attorney General who issued a rebuttal to Noem's claims about Arizona's elections.

SAVE America Act

Legislation promoted by Noem that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and valid photo ID to cast a ballot.

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What they’re saying

“Secretary Noem told the press that Arizona 'is an absolute disaster' when it comes to elections — yet she could not provide a single example to support that claim because it's patently untrue.”

— Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General

“There's no state that could use more improvement than Arizona. And you should be asking all of your leaders what they're doing to fix the system. What are they doing to make sure that individuals in this state can trust that their vote is going to be taken, that it's going to be counted, and that it's going to matter?”

— Kristi Noem

What’s next

The SAVE America Act passed the House but faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it would need to overcome the filibuster's 60-vote threshold to advance.

The takeaway

Noem's criticism of Arizona's elections highlights the ongoing partisan battles over voting rules and election integrity, which are likely to remain a central political issue heading into the 2024 election cycle. While Republicans push for stricter voter ID laws, Democrats warn such measures could disenfranchise voters.