Senate Bill 1010 to designate Loop 202 as the "Charlie Kirk Highway" cleared the Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee

Phoenix, Arizona — A Republican-led measure to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk by renaming a major Phoenix-area highway advanced in the state legislature on January 21, 2026.

The Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 1010 in a party-line vote, clearing the proposal to designate Loop 202—a 77-mile freeway loop encircling much of the Valley—as the "Charlie Kirk Highway." The bill, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert), received full support from Republican committee members.

If enacted, the legislation would require the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to install signage along the route reflecting the new honorary name. Official state records, documents, and maps would also incorporate the designation. Supporters emphasize that the change would not override existing names for specific segments of the loop, including one currently honoring the late U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor.

The proposal pays tribute to Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed in September 2025 during a speaking engagement at a college event in Utah. Petersen described Kirk as a dedicated advocate for public discourse and political engagement.

"Charlie devoted his life to public discourse and political participation," Petersen stated in a release from the Arizona State Senate Republicans.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. No immediate fiscal impact is anticipated from the signage changes, according to legislative sources.

Reactions to the measure have been mixed on social media, with some praising it as a fitting memorial and others questioning the use of legislative time and resources for the renaming.

Loop 202 serves as a key transportation artery in the Phoenix metropolitan area, connecting with Interstate 10 and facilitating daily commutes across the region.

17GEN4.com