Guests - Peter Lumaj, Warren Petersen
On today’s edition of Winn Tucson, host Kathleen Winn welcomed two prominent Republican figures to discuss pressing issues facing the nation and their home states: immigration, election integrity, government overreach, and the urgent need to preserve American freedoms.
The conversation opened with Peter Lumaj, an immigration attorney, Republican strategist, and first-generation immigrant from Albania. Lumaj is currently running for Connecticut Secretary of the State in the 2026 election (website: peterlumaj.com).
Lumaj shared his dramatic personal story of escaping communist Albania in 1989 with his three brothers. He described the severe consequences: government agents arrested and tortured his father to death for failing to report his sons' plan to flee. His father, Lumaj said, sacrificed his life so his sons could live in freedom.
"We found that freedom in the United States," Lumaj explained. "We found that opportunity."
He contrasted his own legal immigration experience—nine months in a refugee camp, fingerprints, background checks, and sponsorship—with current U.S. border policies.
"Everything that we left behind in Eastern Europe is coming to the United States," he warned. "The left in this country is all about command and control. I saw that movie before, and I don't like the ending of it."
Lumaj strongly endorsed the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, arguing that high welfare usage rates from certain nations (such as Somalia, where he cited nearly 72 percent receiving public assistance) amount to exploitation rather than assimilation.
He criticized policies that reward illegal entry with benefits and questioned birthright citizenship interpretations under the 14th Amendment, calling it a discussion for another day but expressing deep concern.
Lumaj, a Christian who helps persecuted Christians immigrate legally, emphasized that immigrants must embrace American values.
"If you come to the United States, embrace our values, assimilate into our culture... do not exploit the country," he said, pointing to Rep. Ilhan Omar as an example of someone who criticizes America while holding high office.
He advocated for constitutional amendments limiting political office to those born in the U.S. or with generational ties, arguing that career politicians exploit the system contrary to the Founding Fathers' vision of temporary public service.
Lumaj stressed the importance of election integrity, citing Connecticut's disproportionate share of voter fraud allegations despite its small population. He supports voter ID (issued free), paper ballots, proof of citizenship, and felony penalties for illegal voting.
"I'm not looking for a job," he said of his campaign. "I'm an attorney. I'm a real estate investor. My family is doing well... I'm not after the money."
He closed by urging fearless defense of Americanism against what he described as a dangerous combination of leftist ideology and radical Islam.
Cochise County Election Integrity Case and Arizona Challenges
Winn shifted focus to ongoing fallout from Arizona's 2022 elections, spotlighting Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby. Crosby and fellow Republican Supervisor Peggy Judd initially refused to certify results amid constituent concerns and fraud allegations.
Crosby faces felony charges for refusing to certify by the statutory deadline. Judd negotiated a misdemeanor plea. The Arizona Supreme Court declined to hear Crosby's legislative immunity appeal.
Winn expressed support for Crosby's stand, arguing supervisors have a duty to voice constituent doubts and that forced certification despite concerns undermines trust.
She urged vigilance in voter registration, timely fraud reporting, observer presence, and Republican turnout to restore confidence in Arizona elections.
Conversation with Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen
The program continued with Warren Petersen, Arizona Senate President and candidate for Arizona Attorney General in 2026 (website: petersonforag.com).
Petersen outlined strategies for turnout and election integrity, crediting the 2024 Republican ground game—led by organizations like Turning Point USA, American Majority, and the state GOP—for overwhelming margins that made cheating impossible.
"We dominated on all the numbers... too big to rig," he said.
He discussed the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in the Save Women's Sports Act case (which he leads as defendant), predicting a 6-3 victory upholding state laws barring biological males from girls' sports.
Petersen criticized current Attorney General Kris Mayes for politicizing the office through lawsuits against Trump and Republicans, neglecting core duties like fighting crime and government corruption.
As AG, he pledged to refocus on crime-fighting, defending the Constitution, and rooting out fraud—particularly in welfare programs and government agencies.
He highlighted relationships with sheriffs, prosecutors, other state AGs, and the Trump administration, promising coordination on issues like human trafficking during major events.
Petersen described his tax-cut legislation mirroring federal Trump-era reforms, expressing hope Governor Hobbs might sign at least part of the $1.1 billion package.
He condemned Mayes' refusal to defend certain laws (forcing him to intervene) and vowed to restore the AG office's mission so attorneys want to serve there again.
Petersen closed by inviting listeners to petersonforag.com for more details and events.
Winn wrapped the broadcast emphasizing the importance of 2026 races, vigilance against corruption, and support for candidates committed to rule of law, border security, and constitutional principles.
She reminded listeners the fight for freedom requires active citizenship—registering voters, observing elections, and holding officials accountable.