Teresa Martinez, a Republican elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 representing the 16th House District, recently raised concerns on her social media regarding incidents within Phoenix Union and criticized Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly over pay during government funding disputes.
On October 2, 2025, Martinez questioned recent events at Phoenix Union, posting: “Doesn’t this make the third knife issue in @PhoenixUnion in less than 60 days? What on earth is going over there?!?!!!”
Later that day, she addressed Senator Ruben Gallego’s stance on government pay during shutdowns, stating: “So let me get this straight. @SenRubenGallego can’t go without a paycheck but military, CBP, and other govt workers can? Shame on you Ruben. You voted no and these people go without checks but you still get paid?” This tweet referenced ongoing debates about whether members of Congress should forgo their salaries when other federal employees face delayed payments due to budget impasses.
On October 3, 2025, Martinez reiterated her criticism toward both senators: “Share if you think @SenRubenGallego and @SenMarkKelly should go without a paycheck while our military works without getting paid! Please read and share the article! In his own words!”
Martinez succeeded John Fillmore as representative of Arizona’s 16th House District following her election in 2023.
