Arizona lobbying & government relations
Your win starts at the Capitol.
SPM helps organizations pass, stop, and shape policy in Arizona. We pair direct advocacy with the campaign tools that get lawmakers' attention: organized constituents, sharp messaging, and media that reaches the people they answer to.
What we do
Policy strategy from first draft to final vote
Legislative advocacy
Bill strategy, sponsor outreach, amendments, committee testimony, and vote counts at the Arizona House and Senate.
Agencies & rulemaking
Clear engagement with state offices and agencies when a rule, program, or decision affects your work.
Local government
Advocacy with city councils, county boards, and school governing boards, informed by years of serving on one.
Coalitions & grassroots
Partner organizing and constituent engagement, so lawmakers hear from the people in their districts.
Public affairs
Message development, earned media, digital advertising, and creative that keep public pressure aligned with your policy goals.
Policy monitoring
Bill tracking, hearing coverage, and plain-English updates so your team knows what is moving and what it means.
The SPM difference
We work the Capitol and the campaign
Policy fights are won in the hearing room and in the district. SPM brings both sides of that work under one roof.
Inside the room
- Know the process, players, and timing
- Prepare testimony and policy briefs
- Meet directly with decision-makers
- Adapt quickly when a bill changes
Outside the room
- Build coalitions and active supporters
- Target the voters who matter on an issue
- Run digital, mail, and field programs
- Turn complex policy into a clear message
In the 2021-22 cycle, Patrick was involved in 37 campaigns. His programs have reached more than 1.2 million voters through digital, mail, and in-person outreach, and gathered more than 15,000 signatures in 2022 alone. SPM's campaign work has also earned national Reed Award recognition.
Arizona focus
Built for the decisions that shape Arizona
Where we engage
- Arizona House and Senate
- Governor's Office and state agencies
- Arizona's public universities and community colleges
- Cities, towns, and county boards
- School district governing boards
- Arizona's congressional delegation
Issues we know
- K-12 and higher education
- Wages and workers' rights
- Immigration
- LGBTQ rights
- Voter access and civic participation
- Nonprofit, labor, and community priorities
How we work
A clear plan for a fast-moving process
Define the win
We pin down your goal, your limits, and what success looks like.
Map the path
We identify who decides, who influences them, and when action matters.
Build support
We line up the message, messengers, allies, and materials.
Move and report
We work the plan, adjust in real time, and keep you informed.
Track record
Experience you can point to
Defended the student minimum wage
As a legislative director, Patrick advocated to pass and defeat bills for Arizona students, including a successful fight to defend their minimum wage.
Represented 540,000+ students
He lobbied at the Capitol for community college and university students while working with local, state, and federal officials.
Delivered from the dais
On the Tempe Elementary governing board, he helped secure staff raises, expand preschool with the City of Tempe, and rebuild school campuses.
Turned advocacy into turnout
SPM's digital work with the Arizona Students' Association helped increase student voter registration by more than 500 percent in 2022.
Meet your lobbyist
Patrick Morales
Managing Partner, Strategic Political Marketing
Patrick Morales has spent his career moving public policy in Arizona. As Legislative Director and Organizing Director of the Arizona Students' Association from 2014 to 2021, he represented more than 540,000 students at the State Capitol and led work to pass and defeat legislation.
He also knows how decisions look from the other side of the table. Patrick served on the Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board from 2014 to 2023 and as President of the Arizona School Boards Association's Hispanic and Native Caucus.
Today, he leads campaign strategy, field, digital, and client programs at SPM. The son of an immigrant teacher, Patrick studied political science at Arizona State University and brings the same commitment to every client: know the issue, know the people, and do the work.
Arizona lobbying FAQ
What to know before you start
What counts as lobbying in Arizona?
The Arizona Secretary of State describes lobbying as attempting to influence legislation by directly communicating with a legislator, or attempting to influence formal rulemaking by directly communicating with a state officer or employee. It can also include some efforts to influence state agency procurement. Exceptions apply.
Does our organization need to register?
It may. In general, the organization registers with the Secretary of State as a principal or public body, and then its lobbyist is registered. We can help you think through the steps and the right questions to ask your counsel.
What has to be reported?
Designated lobbyists, designated public lobbyists, and lobbyists for compensation file quarterly expenditure reports. Principals and public bodies file annual reports of lobbying activity. The Secretary of State publishes the current filing calendar.
When should we start?
As early as you can. Arizona's regular session begins in January, and almost 1,300 bills were introduced within the first two weeks of the 2026 session. Starting before session gives you time to build relationships, refine your ask, and find the right allies.
Do you only work at the state level?
No. Many issues are decided by a city council, county board, school district, or state agency. We will look at where the decision is actually made and focus your effort there.
Let's talk
Have an issue at the Capitol?
Tell Patrick what you are trying to pass, stop, or change. He will help you map out the next step.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Arizona lobbying requirements can change. Confirm current rules with the Arizona Secretary of State or qualified counsel.