Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office has come under scrutiny after internal emails revealed that Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel Barr reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Prison Law Office (PLO) for recommendations on attorneys to handle Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) matters. While the correspondence raises questions about the AG’s hiring process, Mayes’ record on public safety and support for law‑enforcement remains clear.
Emails show outreach to progressive legal groups
According to emails obtained by Fox News Digital, Barr emailed the ACLU and PLO in February 2023 asking for candidates to represent ADCRR in various capacities. He followed up in April and again in May when the initial outreach produced no candidates. The ACLU’s National Prison Project director, David Fathi, responded, promising to “redouble” efforts to find a suitable applicant.
Both the ACLU and PLO advocate sweeping reforms to reduce incarceration, including bail reform, shorter sentences and expanded release programs. Their policy goals contrast sharply with Mayes’ publicly stated law‑and‑order platform.
Mayes’ law‑enforcement credentials
Mayes, who describes herself as a “moderate,” has consistently highlighted her partnership with Arizona sheriffs and police departments. Her campaign website notes that she has secured “millions of dollars in funding and resources so border sheriffs and Arizona police can keep us safe,” and that her office has seized more than 27 million fentanyl pills – a record for any Arizona attorney general.
During her 2022 campaign, Mayes answered a direct question about defunding the police with a “resounding no,” underscoring her opposition to the ACLU’s calls for police budget cuts. She has also defended the state against ACLU‑filed lawsuits challenging Arizona’s immigration‑arrest authority and a law restricting when individuals may film police officers.
Hiring outcome and continued cooperation
Despite the outreach, ADCRR ultimately hired Ashley Oddo as general counsel. Oddo previously led Arizona State University’s Academy for Justice and has supported criminal‑justice reforms associated with the left, but she holds no formal affiliation with the ACLU or PLO, and her name does not appear in the email exchanges.
Other communications show a cordial relationship between Barr and the groups. Fathi requested a phone call with Barr in February 2023, and Barr replied within minutes. PLO attorney Don Specter also reported a “productive meeting” with ADCRR leadership in June 2023.
Political context
Mayes faces Republican state Sen. Warren Petersen in the November 2026 general election. Petersen has criticized Mayes for any perceived alignment with progressive legal organizations, but Mayes’ campaign emphasizes her strong support for police funding, border security and drug‑interdiction efforts.
Campaign manager Delaney Corcoran told Fox News Digital, “Mayes has consistently fought for funding for Arizona police and cartel task forces — and stands shoulder to shoulder with Arizona sheriffs and police.” She added that the ACLU “has repeatedly sued Kris Mayes over issues where they disagreed with her.”
What the community should know
Arizona voters can expect the upcoming campaign to focus on public‑safety achievements, including the massive fentanyl seizure and continued support for law‑enforcement agencies. While the email correspondence shows that the AG’s office explored all available recruiting avenues, Mayes’ policy record remains firmly rooted in supporting traditional families, faith‑based communities and individual liberty through robust law‑enforcement.
As the election approaches, Arizona residents should weigh Mayes’ proven track record against the policy positions of her opponent, keeping in mind the broader debate over criminal‑justice reform and the role of progressive advocacy groups in state government.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
