Grand Canyon Times

In her second term as a member of the Arizona legislature State Senator Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) has been selected as Arizona Senate Majority Leader. 

The Senate Majority Leader is the primary spokesperson for the majority party and is responsible for managing floor debates and shaping legislative priorities in the Arizona State Senate, among other duties.

“As Majority Leader, my number one goal is to make sure that we're working on legislation that the citizens of Arizona are asking us for,” Shamp told the Grand Canyon Times. “The mandate has definitely been given and so we intend to follow that. It's my job to make sure that we are in the majority."

Since assuming office in January 2023, and securing re-election in November 2024, Shamp has made it clear that her leadership is rooted in a deep sense of service—a philosophy she attributes to her background as a nurse. 

“I’m not a politician,” Shamp said. “I’m just a nurse who saw a need, and the citizens have entrusted me with that responsibility. It’s an honor that I don’t take lightly. I will always fight for the individual, just like I fight for my patients.”

A perioperative nurse manager by trade, Shamp brings a unique perspective to her new role in the legislature. She compares her approach in the Senate to managing a hospital department, where collaboration and attention to detail are key. 

“I have that same kind of approach when it comes to being a leader in the Senate and it is making sure that we're doing everything for the citizens of Arizona that we have been tasked to do,” she said. “Individual districts have different issues and needs, and those need to be considered, much like I considered in the hospital with the different modalities.” 

Shamp’s background in healthcare has been pivotal in shaping her leadership style. Growing up with a sick parent and spending a lot of time in hospitals gave her a profound sense of empathy and duty to help others. 

“I’m a nurse all the way through to my core,” she said. “I’ve always had that desire to help people. I was wired that way from the start. And I’ve learned that when you do for others, God provides for you.”

Shamp said the transition from nursing to politics has been natural for her. 

“I've transitioned quite well and the members have entrusted me. It's truly an honor and I look forward to growing my leadership skills in the legislature much as I did in the healthcare space,” she said.  

Now in her role as Majority Leader, Shamp’s leadership style reflects that same commitment to service. 

Her passion for public service is also fueled by her desire to represent her district and give a voice to those who may feel unheard. 

“Getting out into the district and talking to the people—that’s what keeps me motivated,” she said. “They have needs, and they don’t always feel like they have a voice. I love being able to give them that voice and help bring their concerns to the forefront.”

However, Shamp acknowledges challenges within her own party and the need for unity. 

“The finger-pointing within our own party, they definitely need unification, and I think that's definitely something that has to happen,” she said. “And it has to happen because that's what's best for the citizens of Arizona.” 

She added that, despite the challenges of a divided government, it’s crucial to stay true to the conservative values that Arizona voters have asked for. 

“We've been given a mandate that the conservative values that I stand for are what the citizens of Arizona believe needs to be at the basis of all of the policy that we do,” she said. “And with a divided government the way it is and the next off-presidential election cycle that we are going to be having in '26, it's important that we're making sure that their voices are heard and we do everything we can to work towards that common goal of making sure that Arizona continues to prosper and thrive and that the citizens are taken care of.” 

For Shamp, the focus on state sovereignty and returning power to local governments following the re-election of Donald Trump is one of the most exciting aspects of being in politics today. 

“The thing that I'm most excited about is now it is time for federalism to actually be implemented,” she said. “With President Trump doing what he's going to do with the administration from the top down, now it's time for the states to take their powers back and to fight for their citizens and to kind of groundswell up. And again, the mandate has come from the voters, and that is what they want and so that's what we're going to do.” 

Through all her achievements and the challenges ahead, Shamp remains grounded in her commitment to her patients and her constituents, bringing the same compassion and determination to her political career that she brought to her nursing practice.

“Just like I fight for my patients, I fight for the people of Arizona,” Shamp said. “And I will continue to do that every day in the Senate.”

Present-elect Trump's recently appointed border czar, Tom Homan, congratulated Shamp and State Rep. Steve Montenegro.

“Congratulations and much respect to America First Patriots State Rep. Steve Montenegro, the new Speaker, and State Sen. Janae Shamp, the new Arizona Senate Majority Leader for Arizona!” Homan posted on X.

Ned Ryun, founder of American Majority Action, also praised Shamp and Montenegro for leading the most conservative legislative majority in the state's history. 

In a post on X, Ryun called the pair, “Staunch American First Conservatives who consistently support President Trump’s agenda.” 

Under their leadership, Republicans have increased their majority in the State Senate to 17 seats, with Democrats holding just 13, while the House also saw a Republican gain to 31 seats. 

On a recent Grand Canyon Times podcast, Shamp outlined her efforts to connect with young conservative voters and noted her legislative priorities, including border security, housing affordability and healthcare. She described illegal immigration as a "humanitarian crisis" and advocated for Arizona House Bill 2060, a bill vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs which aimed to make it illegal to enter the state from Mexico except through a lawful port of entry. The provisions of House Bill 2060 later passed as Arizona Proposition 314, which was approved by 62.58% of Arizona voters. 

Shamp has also reiterated her vociferous support for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides underprivileged students with greater access to educational opportunities, despite efforts by state Democrats to end it.