Thomas Galvin, Rose Law Group partner and newly-elected Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, covers his top priorities in his swearing-in speech. Hear his remarks on addressing the housing crisis, reforms to the county sheriff’s department, bringing NHL hockey back to the desert, creating a task-force for economic development, and advocating for all Maricopa County residents, even those with four paws.

Rose Law Group partner and Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin Elected Chairman; Three New Supervisors Join Board

January 6, 2025 – PHOENIX – Newly-elected Chairman Thomas Galvin is proposing several initiatives that he says will bring increased prosperity and security to the nation’s fourth most populous county. 

“We aim to be a board of action, and I aim to deliver a consequential chairmanship that will achieve substantial results,” said Chairman Galvin, who represents District 2 on the Board of Supervisors and is making history in becoming Maricopa County’s first Latino Chairman three years after becoming the first Latino Republican elected to the Board.

Galvin is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and University of Notre Dame Law School. He and his wife are raising their young son in District 2.

Watch Chairman Thomas Galvin’s full address, outlining his vision for Maricopa County.

Read the Chairman’s Speech.

In a speech kicking off his chairmanship, Galvin said he would advocate for more support for law enforcement, including efforts to end federal oversight at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and an improved compensation structure for deputies, detention officers, and dispatchers.

Chairman Galvin said the County would hire its first-ever economic development advocate, implement a new budgetary ‘performance measurement’ system to eliminate waste, and work with housing experts to find ways the county can be helpful.  “I’m committed to taking a hard look at county policies and regulations that stand in the way of building homes that people can afford,” said Galvin.  “We will modernize our zoning ordinance to allow greater density where it makes sense while still protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods and community.”

In his speech, Galvin also addressed election administration, which happens at the county level, calling on the Arizona Legislature to pass key reforms to state election law.

“People want election results faster and when misinformation has more time to fester it breeds mistrust in our system,” he said.  “My 95:1 plan would ensure 95% of all votes are tabulated by the end of election night.”

In another initiative sure to make headlines, Galvin announced he’s forming an advisory panel of local leaders who will explore ways of bringing NHL hockey back to the Valley.

Thomas Galvin was elected Chairman by his colleagues today in a unanimous vote that followed the official swearing-in ceremony of all five members, including new supervisors Mark Stewart (District 1), Kate Brophy McGee (District 3), and Debbie Lesko (District 4).  He appointed Brophy McGee to serve as Vice Chair.

“This is a place where I believe I can make a difference on kitchen table, quality of life issues like cost of living, jobs, and public safety,” said Brophy McGee.  “I know there are good people and programs already in place at Maricopa County, but there’s so much work to be done to get drugs like fentanyl off our streets, address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis plaguing our county, and ensure our region grows in a smart way.  I can’t wait to get started.”

“I will collaborate with the community and staff to ensure our county government is transparent and delivers consistent, high-quality services at a fair cost,” said Stewart.  “Working together we can build a thriving environment where families and businesses succeed, and government serves as a reliable partner in our shared future.”

“Thank you to the great people of the West Valley for your continued support!  I’m excited to represent you as your Maricopa County Supervisor,” said Lesko.  “I promise to work hard for you, just as I have done as your U.S. Congresswoman and Arizona State Legislator.  My priorities include public safety, election integrity and ensuring your taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

Chairman Galvin is one of two returning board members.  The other is Supervisor Steve Gallardo, who has represented District 5 since 2014 and is the longest current-serving board member.

“I’m excited to continue serving on this Board and making the people of District 5 proud,” said Gallardo. “It’s going to be a great year of seeing Chairman Galvin’s leadership in action and working with my new colleagues to advance Maricopa County’s priorities and make our communities healthier, safer, and more secure.”

You can learn more about Chairman Galvin’s priorities on the District 2 website at Maricopa.gov/District2.  Pages outlining the backgrounds and priorities of all board members can be found at Maricopa.gov/BOS.