HighGround Inc.

👏🏆 What an incredible evening at the 2026 Best of the Capitol Awards!

HighGround Inc. was honored to be recognized by Arizona Capitol Times as the 2026 Best PR Firm, Best Polling Firm, and Best Lobbying Firm.

We’re proud to celebrate our colleague, Nick Ponder, on being named Best Power Broker, and grateful that our work on the Yes on 409 campaign helped contribute to its recognition as Best PAC.

These awards reflect the dedication of our clients, partners, and team members who work every day to shape meaningful outcomes for Arizona. Not pictured: our outstanding teammate Leigh Moreno, who is currently enjoying maternity leave. She was dearly missed and remains an invaluable part of our lobbying team.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and honorees who are helping make the state we call home an even better place!

🗳️🇺🇸 The economy is booming. So why are voters still uneasy?

“You used to be able to sell anything if it created jobs... We aren't in that spot anymore because we've been very economically successful — but the electorate doesn't feel that success.”

Pollster Paul Bentz says a disconnect between affordability and voter sentiment is reshaping politics, and that Trump’s endorsement remains the “gold standard” in GOP primaries.

🔌Bentz joins azfamily 3TV CBS 5 Politics Unplugged to break down Trump’s grip on the Republican Party and what it means for 2026. 🔗 in comments.

“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:

AZ Political Podcast: Chuck Coughlin sees blue wave - KTAR.com On the AZ Political Podcast, GOP consultant Chuck Coughlin predicts Democrats will gain ground in Arizona's 2026 races, including the governor's office.

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

Diesel price spike raises stakes for Trump, GOP ahead of midterms 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.

🎱 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.

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

🎙️“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.

“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.

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