Arizona Senate Salaries: A Look at 2025 Compensation
Here is who is earning the most money from taxpayers in the Arizona Senate
John McLean came close to joining the Arizona Senate as a Democrat before narrowly losing his election to Vince Leach. He was a firm believer in government transparency and accountability. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident shortly after the election. Before his passing, he shared his appreciation for the investigative work of Fourth Estate 48 and was a paid subscriber. Here’s what he said:
"No one else is doing the deep dive into Arizona politics, particularly using public records requests to find out who are the influencers behind government decisions. Keep up the good work."
His words serve as a reminder of the importance of holding power to account and ensuring the public has access to the information shaping their state.
I recently gave you the salaries in the Arizona House1, so now it’s time for the chamber across the away – the Arizona Senate.
Thanks to newly obtained 2025 salary records, we can see just how much the staffers who shape policies and manage day-to-day operations are earning. From top leadership earning six-figure salaries to the critical support roles keeping the chamber running, the data reveals striking contrasts in pay and potential disparities across party lines. This isn’t just about numbers — it’s a glimpse into the Senate’s priorities and the power dynamics at play in Arizona’s legislative branch.
And remember, everyday Arizonans like you, dearest gentle reader, and us at Fourth Estate 48 are paying for their salaries through taxes.
Top Salaries in the Senate
The highest-paid staff member is Joshua Kredit, the Republican Chief of Staff, earning $216,300 annually — an 8% increase from his 2023 salary of $200,000. His deputy, Grant Hanna, now makes $181,692, also up 8% from $168,000 in 2023.
Other top earners include:
Fletcher Montzingo (Director of Fiscal Policy) - $170,000 (Up from $158,000 in 2023)
Kim Quintero (Director of Communications) - $155,000 (Up from $140,000 in 2023)
Paulino Valerio (Democratic Chief of Staff) - $184,658 (Up from $179,280 in 2023)
Talonya Adams (Sr. Democratic Policy Advisor) - $152,123 (Up from $147,692 in 2023)
Kate Sawyer (Deputy General Counsel) - $142,000 (Up from $115,000 in 2023)
Several staff members saw significant pay increases over the past two years:
Joshua Kredit (Chief of Staff) received a $16,300 raise.
Paulino Valerio (Democratic Chief of Staff) received a $5,378 increase.
The Sergeant at Arms’, Joe Kubacki, salary increased to $141,206, up from $137,093 in 2023.
The Director of Research, Liam Maher, now earns $159,434, a $16,000 increase from his 2023 salary of $143,325.
However, not all salaries saw significant movement. Interns remain at a modest stipend of $6,000, and many administrative roles only saw minor increases, reinforcing the pay disparity between high-level staffers and lower-tier employees.
Top 5 Salaries by Party
GOP Top Earners:
Joshua Kredit (Chief of Staff) - $216,300
Grant Hanna (Deputy Chief of Staff) - $181,692
Rusty Crandell (General Counsel) - $175,000
Fletcher Montzingo (Director of Fiscal Policy) - $170,000
Kim Quintero (Director of Communications) - $155,000 (Quintero seems to have lost her policy advisor title for this legislative session.)
Democrats Top Earners:
Paulino Valerio (Chief of Staff) - $184,658
Elizabeth Higgins (General Counsel/Senior Policy Advisor) - $160,115
Patricia Osmon (Senior Attorney/Policy Advisor/Intern Coordinator) - $160,115
Talonya Adams (Senior Democratic Policy Advisor) - $152,123
Sean Laux (Senior Democratic Policy Advisor) - $150,174
Overall salary analysis
Average salary: $103,215
Median salary: $91,000
The 2025 salary data shows that top staffers, particularly in leadership roles, continue to receive substantial raises, while lower-paid employees see little movement in their pay. The disparities between the highest and lowest earners highlight how the Senate prioritizes compensation, with leadership and senior advisors seeing the biggest pay bumps.
Other notes:
Calli Jones is the lowest paid communications director in the Arizona Legislature earning $106,790 as the Senate Dem spokesperson. Quintero is making $155,000, and their House counterparts Andrew Wilder (House GOP) earns $183,750, while Robbie Sherwood (House Dems) makes $151,200.
Talonya Adams continues to be one of the highest paid employees on the Senate Dem staff and is still the highest paid policy advisor in the entire Senate and the second highest paid policy advisor in the Legislature overall behind only Sean McCarthy the GOP Senior Policy Advisor in the House.
Let’s also not forget AZGOP chair Gina Swoboda is earning $15,000 per month to advise the Senate Elections Committee. That contract began in November and will go through sine die.
As legislative work continues in 2025, these salaries offer insight into the shifting financial landscape of Arizona’s state government, shaping the future of policymaking and staff retention in the Senate.
Next up: The governor’s office salaries.
This was before the news that longtime House Chief of Staff Michael Hunter will be leaving his position on February 14.
It would be helpful-but likely a lot more work-to include how many years those people have been at their jobs. (I do cite your work often in my bisbee Wire.)