Vice Chair at the Table: Representative Carter’s Leadership on Public Safety

Despite freshman status, Representative Carter secured a leadership position to shape Arizona’s public safety agenda

When Representative Pamela Carter took office in January 2025, she didn’t just arrive at the legislature hoping to make a difference—she earned a seat at the leadership table.
Her appointment as Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee represents a rare honor for a freshman legislator and positions her to directly influence criminal justice legislation, police funding measures, and border security bills that affect every Arizona family.

Leadership That’s Rarely Given to First-Term Legislators

Committee Vice Chair positions typically go to experienced legislators who have proven their expertise and judgment over multiple terms. That Republican leadership entrusted Representative Carter with this role in her very first year speaks volumes about their confidence in her abilities.

As Vice Chair, Representative Carter helps set the public safety agenda for Arizona, influences which bills advance through committee to the House floor, and serves as a key voice on law enforcement and border security issues.
This isn’t a ceremonial position—it’s real power to shape policy that keeps Arizona communities safe.

Why Public Safety Matters to District 4

Legislative District 4—encompassing north Phoenix, central Scottsdale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and the Biltmore area—deserves strong representation on public safety issues. Our communities have worked hard to maintain safe neighborhoods, support effective law enforcement, and ensure quality of life for families.

Representative Carter’s Vice Chair position ensures that District 4 has a powerful voice when critical decisions are made about:

• Law enforcement funding and resources
• Border security and immigration enforcement
• Criminal justice reform
• Police department support and staffing
• Drug enforcement and cartel designation
• Public safety infrastructure

Backing Our Law Enforcement Officers

Representative Carter has been crystal clear about her commitment to law enforcement: “We need to make sure our forces are fully funded and increased, not de-funded.”

She’s backing up those words with action:
Voted YES on HB2221 – Blocking municipalities from unreasonably defunding police departments unless part of proportional budget reductions across all departments, with penalties including state revenue reductions for cities that target police
Voted YES on HB2386 – Establishing pay parity for law enforcement officers to ensure competitive compensation
Voted YES on SB1161 – Supporting sheriff and constable service and mileage fees
Co-sponsored HB2870 – Requiring summaries for law enforcement applicants to improve hiring processes
Co-sponsored multiple qualified immunity protections – Ensuring law enforcement can do their jobs without frivolous lawsuits.

Representative Carter understands that supporting law enforcement isn’t just about rhetoric—it’s about funding, resources, fair pay, and legal protections that allow officers to keep our communities safe.

Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis and Drug Cartels

As Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Representative Carter has been at the forefront of Arizona’s fight against drug trafficking and the devastation of fentanyl:
Co-sponsored HB2855 and HCR2055 – Designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations (HCR2055 was adopted)
Voted YES on SB1621 – Enhancing sentences for narcotic drug deaths, ensuring accountability for dealers whose drugs kill Arizonans
Sponsored HB2929 – Requiring cellular companies to disclose location information for missing children, recognizing the connection between human trafficking and drug cartels.

These measures recognize that cartels aren’t just criminal enterprises—they’re terrorist organizations that are poisoning our communities, trafficking human beings across our border, and destroying Arizona families.

Securing Arizona’s Border

Representative Carter’s Vice Chair position amplifies her voice on border security, which she identifies as her number one mission: “Secure our border, and secure our elections.”
She’s been unwavering in her support for border enforcement:
Co-sponsored HB2099 – Directing the governor and attorney general to enforce immigration laws (vetoed by Governor Hobbs)
Voted YES on HB2542 – Prohibiting state contracts with foreign adversaries
Voted YES on SB1082 – Prohibiting land ownership by designated countries that threaten national security
Co-sponsored HB2374 – Addressing transnational repression by foreign adversaries (signed into law)

Representative Carter rejects the false choice between border security and compassion: “Legal immigration has long been a source of strength for America and deserves its own updating, but nothing meaningful will succeed until illegal immigration is largely ended.”

Protecting Arizona’s Children and Families

Public safety isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s about creating communities where families can thrive and children are protected. Representative Carter’s committee work extends to protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable:
Voted YES on HB2867 – Prohibiting antisemitism in public schools
Voted YES on HB2779 – Requiring parental notification for juveniles in temporary custody
Voted YES on SB1658 – Making failure to treat animals animal cruelty
Sponsored HB2929 – Requiring disclosure of location information for missing children
Co-sponsored HB2437 – Establishing drug-free homeless zones to protect neighborhoods (vetoed by Governor Hobbs)

Criminal Justice Reform That Makes Sense

Representative Carter supports criminal justice policies that balance accountability with fairness:
Voted YES on SB1500 – Providing compensation for erroneous convictions, ensuring justice for those wrongly convicted
Voted YES on SB1350 – Prohibiting unmanned aircraft near critical infrastructure to prevent security threats
Voted YES on HB2299 – Supporting the safe community enforcement fund
Co-sponsored multiple qualified immunity measures – Protecting law enforcement while ensuring accountability

The Equipment and Resources Our Officers Need

As Vice Chair, Representative Carter understands that keeping communities safe requires proper equipment and resources:
Sponsored HB2930 – Appropriating funding for Department of Public Safety ballistic shields to protect officers in dangerous situations
Supported FY 2025-2026 Criminal Justice budget – Ensuring adequate funding for law enforcement agencies across Arizona

Facing Opposition from Governor Hobbs

Representative Carter’s public safety priorities have repeatedly run into opposition from Governor Katie Hobbs, who has vetoed multiple bills Carter supported:

• HB2099 – Immigration enforcement measures
• HB2437 – Drug-free homeless zones
• HB2895 – Government contract transparency

Despite these setbacks, Representative Carter continues fighting for policies that will make Arizona communities safer. Her Vice Chair position ensures she’ll keep pushing these priorities forward.

What’s Next for Public Safety in Arizona

As Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee, Representative Carter will continue working on:

• Increased funding and resources for law enforcement agencies
• Border security measures to stop drug trafficking and illegal immigration
• Enhanced penalties for fentanyl dealers and cartel members
• Protections for officers who risk their lives to keep us safe
• Policies that support victims and hold criminals accountable
• Programs that address root causes while maintaining public safety

A Voice for Arizona’s Law Enforcement Community

Law enforcement organizations recognize Representative Carter as a champion for their officers and their mission. Her Vice Chair position, combined with her consistent voting record and willingness to stand up for public safety even when facing gubernatorial vetoes, makes her one of Arizona’s strongest advocates for those who protect and serve.

Back Representative Carter’s Fight for Public Safety

As Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Representative Carter is fighting every day to keep Arizona communities safe, support our law enforcement officers, and secure our border.
DONATE TODAY to support a proven law enforcement champion.
VOLUNTEER to help reelect a Vice Chair who’s tough on crime and supports our officers.
SIGN UP for updates on Representative Carter’s public safety initiatives.