Mayes golf course comment ignites Arizona AG race

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is facing a new wave of criticism from Republican rivals following comments she made about the state's golf courses. The dispute erupted just days before voters head to the polls for the midterm elections.

Mayes discussed water usage in an interview with Politico. She argued that Arizona has too much grass and likely has too many golf courses. She cited tax incentives for rainwater catchment and lawn removal as tools for conservation. Her opponents quickly seized on the remarks to question her stance on local industries.

Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican candidate for the same office, issued a statement on Tuesday. He argued that golf courses support tourism, small businesses, and communities. Petersen said Mayes should focus on enforcing the law rather than dictating which industries thrive. In a separate social media post, he pledged to remove Mayes from office if elected.

Other political figures joined the critique. Republican Representative Eli Crane stated that the state faces a problem with Democrats, not golf. Justin Streiff, a Turning Point USA executive, noted that no one else had claimed Arizona had too much grass. Tom Spengler, CEO of an e-procurement software company, countered that tee times are difficult to secure and rates have doubled or tripled since the pandemic.

Business leaders provided specific data to support the golf industry. Courtney Coolidge, vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, cited a 2023 study by the Arizona Alliance for Golf. That study estimates golf contributes $6 billion to the economy and supports 66,000 jobs. The industry generates $2.3 billion in wages and $520 million in tax revenue. Coolidge added that golf courses use 2% or less of the state's water supply.

Mayes responded on social media to address the growing backlash. She clarified that she was not proposing the closure of any courses. She said the state needs incentives to replace thirsty grass and capture rainwater. She pointed to foreign mega-farms and data centers as major drains on the water supply. She also accused Petersen of spreading false claims in his attacks.

The exchange drew mixed reactions online. Some users on X called Mayes's response condescending. One user wrote that they heard her message clearly. Others labeled her approach to the golf industry as communist. Mayes's team did not immediately respond to a request for further comment on the specific social media reaction.

The controversy adds a new layer to the race for top law enforcement officer. Petersen is framing the debate as a dispute over government intervention in the economy. Republicans are seeking to regain control of state government institutions they previously held. Mayes remains the incumbent Democrat in the race.