Arizona Lawmakers Vote to Repeal Cesar Chavez Day Holiday

The bill now heads to Governor Hobbs' desk for signature or veto.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:43pm

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A photorealistic painting of an empty Arizona state capitol building, its facade bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and uncertainty about the building's future.The Arizona state capitol stands alone, its future uncertain as lawmakers debate the legacy of a civil rights icon.Phoenix Today

The Arizona House voted 48-8 to approve legislation that would repeal the March 31 non-legal holiday named after labor activist Cesar Chavez. The bill was passed in response to a New York Times report detailing allegations of misconduct and abuse against Chavez, who died in 1993. The Senate had previously passed the bill with strong bipartisan support, and the Phoenix City Council has also voted to strip Chavez's name from all public facilities.

Why it matters

The repeal of Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona is a controversial move that reflects growing concerns over the labor leader's legacy in light of recent allegations. The decision highlights the complex debate around honoring historical figures and the importance of acknowledging both their accomplishments and potential misdeeds.

The details

The bill to repeal Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona passed the House in a 48-8 vote, with four lawmakers listed as not voting. The legislation was introduced in response to a New York Times report that detailed allegations of misconduct and abuse against Chavez. House Speaker Steve Montenegro stated that 'Arizona law should not honor a man tied to sexual abuse against children and violence against women,' and that 'victims deserve better, the truth cannot be ignored, and state honors carry meaning.' The Senate had previously passed the bill with strong bipartisan support, and the Phoenix City Council has voted to remove Chavez's name from all public facilities in the city.

  • The Arizona House voted 48-8 to approve the repeal bill on March 30, 2026.
  • The Arizona Senate had previously passed the repeal bill with strong bipartisan support.

The players

Katie Hobbs

The Governor of Arizona who will decide whether to sign or veto the bill repealing Cesar Chavez Day.

Steve Montenegro

The Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives who stated that the state should not honor Cesar Chavez due to allegations of misconduct and abuse.

Cesar Chavez

The famous labor activist and civil rights leader whose namesake holiday is being repealed in Arizona following allegations of misconduct and abuse made against him.

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What they’re saying

“Arizona law should not honor a man tied to sexual abuse against children and violence against women. The House acted today because victims deserve better, the truth cannot be ignored, and state honors carry meaning.”

— Steve Montenegro, Arizona House Speaker

What’s next

Governor Hobbs will now decide whether to sign or veto the bill repealing Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona.

The takeaway

The repeal of Cesar Chavez Day in Arizona reflects the ongoing debate around honoring historical figures and the need to carefully weigh both their accomplishments and potential misdeeds. This decision highlights the complexities involved in recognizing important leaders while also addressing allegations of misconduct.