State 48 News Exclusive: Rep. Walt Blackman on Stolen Valor, Photo Radar, Education and Major Issues in the Arizona Legislature
Exclusive one-on-one interview with Rep. Blackman and reaction from a former political rival to the lawmaker's Stolen Valor Act - and why he thinks it should be renamed.
In a one-on-one exclusive, State Representative Walt Blackman joins State 48 News Senior Investigative Journalist Jennifer Barber to discuss three of the most contentious issues dominating the Arizona Legislature: Stolen Valor, Photo Radar, and the so-called “Axon Bill.”
Rep. Blackman, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran and a powerful voice at the center of all three debates, opens up about the political forces at play and the personal stakes behind the legislation.
One-On-One with Rep. Walter "Walt" Blackman | Republican | LD7
Our interview also features reaction from Blackman’s former political rival, Steven Slaton, who explains why he believes the lawmaker’s Stolen Valor Act should be renamed.
STOLEN VALOR
In January, a bold and heartfelt bill—HB2030—was introduced in the Arizona Legislature by Representative Walt Blackman, the first black American Republican ever elected to the Arizona House. A constitutional conservative and decorated Army veteran of 21 years, Blackman brought forward legislation to make impersonating a veteran a criminal offense.
With momentum and sentimental meaning behind it, HB2030 sailed through two House committees and, on February 11th, passed the full House with a unanimous 58-0 vote. A rare and powerful show of unity—fueled by honor, integrity, and a promise to protect those who served.
But in the coming weeks, the tone would change.
HB2030 hit a wall in the Senate—assigned to the Judiciary Committee led by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), a former Air Force pilot and longtime political opponent of Rep. Walt Blackman.
Despite being a veteran herself, Rogers held the bill. Blackman says it was personal. Rogers backed his primary opponent, Steven Slaton—owner of The Trumped Store in Show Low—despite lingering allegations of stolen valor.
In a January 2025 press conference, Rep. Walt Blackman declined to name individuals accused of stolen valor in Arizona, stating, “We do have a lot of folks who’ve done it. And to say their names, people would think it’s a personal vendetta. It is not. It’s about the law — following the letter of the law — and respecting veterans.”
However, in a one-on-one interview with State 48 News, Blackman admitted, “In all transparency, I wouldn’t be truthful if I said it didn’t affect me.”
Blackman’s long-running feud with Steven Slaton — a former Republican challenger in last year’s House race — is now become entangled in the stolen valor debate. Slaton appears in our podcast, where he shares why he believes the Stolen Valor Act should be renamed.
THE TIMELINE
Stolen Valor Legislation and Political Rivalry
On March 6, Blackman issued a press release praising Rogers’ military service and expressing hope she'd give the bill a fair shot.
After weeks of having the bill, Senator Wendy Rogers placed HB2030 on the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee agenda—only to hold it.
“We did have staff reach out to Representative Blackman’s staff last week on this. I asked if he would amend the bill to comport with federal law. But was informed there was no interest in doing that. My staff let his staff know I was including it on today’s agenda. In case we had applicable discussions before committee. We have not. So I am holding the bill.”
Senator Wendy Rogers | March 26, 2025
Senator Analise Ortiz twice moved for a roll-call vote to pass HB2030, the "Stolen Valor" bill. Both motions failed, leaving the bill stalled in committee.
On March 26th, Rep. Walt Blackman condemned the killing of his Stolen Valor bill, HB2030, by Senator Wendy Rogers, calling the move a disgrace to Arizona veterans. He criticized Rogers for placing the bill on the agenda only to kill it in front of Vietnam vets, Gold Star families, and Navajo Code Talker descendants. Blackman accused her of violating the military honor code and failing both as a leader and officer. He also called out Mark Finchem, saying only those who’ve served in combat should speak on veterans’ issues. Declaring he won’t back down, Blackman reaffirmed his loyalty to Arizona’s veterans and dared his political opponents to come at him directly.
“I’m a decorated combat veteran of the Iraq War. I don’t hide. You know where to find me.” -Rep. Blackman on X | March 26, 2025
That same day, Rep. Walt Blackman had initially scheduled Sen. Rogers’ SCR1002—a resolution to ban photo radar enforcement—on the House Government Committee agenda. However, due to time constraints, the meeting was rescheduled to March 27. Notably, SCR1002 was omitted from the revised agenda. The timing sparked speculation. With the clock ticking, SCR1002’s fate hinged on whether Blackman took action—or let it die. In our podcast, Blackman explains it was Rogers’ responsibility to follow up.
Back-and-Forth Between Blackman and Rogers Heats Up Over Stolen Valor Bill & Photo Radar
On March 27th, the Arizona Senate Republican Caucus released a statement in which Senate Judiciary Chair Wendy Rogers “set the record straight” on why HB2030, the Stolen Valor bill sponsored by Rep. Walt Blackman, did not advance in her committee.
Rogers stated Blackman refused to collaborate on amending the bill to align with federal law, expressing concerns that the legislation could be misused against federally regulated veterans already covered by the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. She emphasized that state governments lack access to certain military records, complicating enforcement. Rogers accused Blackman of pursuing a personal vendetta, hindering genuine efforts to support combat veterans. Blackman denies that Rogers contacted him.
The two lawmakers continue to battle out their differences on social media, trading pointed statements and public jabs as the future of the Stolen Valor legislation hangs in the balance. What began as a policy dispute has now turned into a personal and highly visible political feud.
Blackman is not about to give up. On April 1st, he posted news in which he and Senator Bolick were engaged in good faith negotiations with Senate President Warren Petersen on SB1424, the Arizona Stolen Valor Act. He expressed confidence they would reach an agreement genuinely defending and supporting Arizona’s veterans.
Driving momentum on April 2nd and in our State 48 News podcast, Blackman called the productive meeting with Bolick a decisive step forward. He emphasized Senator Wendy Rogers had no role in the amendment process and was not invited to the meeting. He praised Bolick for her leadership and personal connection to military service, highlighting that the bill reflects the voices of real veterans and aims to deliver honest, integrity-driven reform.
The Arizona Stolen Valor Act (SB1424) is expected to be heard in committee on Monday, today April 7th. Blackman intends to introduce the amendment to address concerns raised during the process and say they’re united in pushing the bill across the finish line to safeguard the integrity of Arizona’s veterans.
The Amendment: Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act
Master Sergeant Orlando Jose Dona was a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran whose 20-year career included service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Born in Nicaragua, he fled political oppression and immigrated to the U.S. in the 1940s. Enlisting in 1952, he served as a navigator and crew chief, earning honors like the Bronze Star and Air Medal. After retiring in 1973, he led computing centers in higher education. He passed away on June 8, 2024.
To honor his legacy, Arizona introduced the “Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act” (HB2030), reinforcing penalties for false claims of military service—protecting the honor of those who served.
The amendment makes it a crime to knowingly impersonate a U.S. military veteran for personal gain—covering false claims of service, medals, elite training, or discharge status. It requires certified military records before prosecution and mandates removal from office for convicted public officials. Exemptions apply to actors and the homeless. Penalties range from a misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony, depending on the benefit gained. The goal: protect the integrity of military service and hold impostors accountable.
THE MORE YOU KNOW.
State 48 News offered Senator Wendy Rogers the opportunity to respond to our story and interview. As of now, we have not received a response. She is welcome to appear on our podcast.
This is a complex story with many people, personalities, and perspectives involved.
State 48 News will continue to follow the facts and track the legislation as it moves forward.