HighGround Inc.

05/26/2026

“It’s no longer the Republican Party that you and I grew up with — it’s Donald Trump’s Republican Party.”

Coughlin joins host Jim Sharpe to discuss why Arizona’s political future may be shifting more blue and what 2026 could mean for the state’s political landscape.

🎧 Listen here:

On the AZ Political Podcast, GOP consultant Chuck Coughlin predicts Democrats will gain ground in Arizona's 2026 races, including the governor's office.

05/11/2026

⛽️“The price of everything has gone up, Trump promised just the opposite,” Coughlin tells POLITICO. “He’s gonna pay a price at the polls.”

A surge in diesel costs is set to ripple through the U.S. economy, raising prices on everything from groceries to housing and adding new political risk for Republicans.

04/30/2026

🎱 Paul Bentz says Schweikert is “behind the eight ball” and his spending hasn’t closed the gap with Andy Biggs, who holds a strong polling lead. More on where he sees trouble ahead 👇
azcentral link in comments.

04/30/2026

Don't forget to vote! Voting closes May 1! https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/10/best-of-the-capitol-2026-voting-form/?utm_campaign=azct_BestoftheCapitol&utm_content=link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EspecialMail

🏆📢 Cortexa Therapeutics founder Nathan Cole has been nominated for "Best NonProfit Advocate" by the Arizona Capitol Times! In the face of an ALS diagnosis, Nate didn’t step back; he stepped forward. He’s challenging what this disease looks like, driving real momentum in research and awareness, and giving something that matters just as much as progress: hope. Hope for those living with ALS. Hope for families navigating the unimaginable. Hope that change is possible.

This recognition reflects not just his work, but the impact he’s making every single day.

🗳️ Voting is open through May 1—take a moment to support Nate and the mission he’s leading: https://tinyurl.com/votecortexa

04/21/2026

🎙️“You either run scared or you run unopposed," Paul Bentz says both sides should be paying attention.

📊Survey after survey shows voters are feeling stretched thin—groceries, gas, the basics. Bentz says those factors matter. Campaigns can't just run against Trump; they’ve got to clearly say what they’re for. KJZZ Phoenix 🔗 in comments.

04/20/2026

“He’s aware that a significant portion of the country outside his MAGA base, and even some within the MAGA base, are vehemently opposed ​to what he’s done,” Coughlin tells Reuters. “And I think the price is going to come due.” Link in comments.

04/13/2026

Voting has officially opened for the 2026 Best of the Capitol awards! After another year of dedication and hard work, HighGround is honored to be nominated alongside the many exceptional organizations and individuals we have here in Arizona.

The firm itself alongside our esteemed colleagues, has been nominated for various awards; the categories are listed below. HighGround would greatly appreciate your vote! We encourage you to check out all of the amazing nominees in recognition of their commitment to our great state. Voting is open to the public! To vote now, click here: https://tinyurl.com/botcvotehighground

Best PR Firm
Best Polling Firm
Best Lobbying Firm
HighGround Inc.

Best Lobbyist
Scott Smith

Best Power Broker
Nick Ponder

Best PR Person
Barrett Coughlin

03/30/2026

“Without local oversight, home standards suffer,” warns Nick Ponder. "There’s a difference between cheap and affordable. We can do affordable in Arizona without sacrificing quality.”
➡️ Losing simple crime-prevention tools like carriage lights
➡️ No buffers between homes, businesses & major roads
This isn’t about affordability; it’s cutting corners on safety, quality, and long-term sustainability. 🔗

Supporters say a bipartisan Senate bill eliminating most municipal aesthetic home-design requirements would spur much-needed affordable housing, while opponents – including Queen Creek – say it would eliminate municipalities’ ability

03/24/2026