PHOENIX — Arizona’s Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is aware of her limited legislative power this session, as Republicans have increased their dominance in the state legislature following the recent elections.
However, the first-term governor is optimistic about the possibility of bipartisan agreements that could help her push forward policies that have previously been hindered by the GOP-led legislature.
In a recent interview, Hobbs referenced the electoral success of Democrat Ruben Gallego for the U.S. Senate, indicating that Arizona residents are looking for leadership that prioritizes collaboration on critical issues.
“The challenges we are facing—affordability for families, water security, border protection, and community safety—are not strictly Democratic or Republican issues,” she stated. “They are issues that affect all Arizonans and require our elected officials to come together to find solutions.”
On Monday, Hobbs expressed her willingness to collaborate with Republicans, though she cautioned that she would veto any proposals that do not adequately address the pressing concerns of her constituents. During her first two years in office, she vetoed a total of 216 bills put forth by Republicans, including legislation concerning transgender student rights.
As she prepares for reelection next year, Hobbs outlined her key priorities in a speech to lawmakers at the beginning of the session.
Focusing on border security, Hobbs made a commitment to work on matters such as combating fentanyl trafficking, citing her visit to the Arizona-Mexico border shortly after the November election. Nevertheless, she recognized the apprehension that some families feel about potential deportation threats from Trump’s administration.
Without going into specifics, she indicated that Arizona will prioritize its law enforcement resources on preventing violent crime, regardless of the perpetrators’ immigration status.
In her address, Hobbs reiterated the need to secure the state’s borders and protect citizens from illegal drugs entering Arizona. She highlighted the significant achievements of the Arizona National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, noting their success in seizing over 8 million fentanyl tablets and 2,000 pounds of various illegal substances since July.
“Protection from the cartels that threaten our safety must remain a priority,” she declared.
GOP Senate President Warren Petersen responded positively to Hobbs’ comments on border security and expressed enthusiasm for her support of the Laken Riley Act, which calls for the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of specific crimes. He expressed curiosity about how she would interact with the future Trump administration, stating, “Perhaps she has had a change of heart; we will wait and see,” referring to Hobbs’ previous actions on the issue.
Meanwhile, Reyna Montoya, the executive director of an immigrant advocacy organization, voiced her agreement with Hobbs on the need to combat drugs and crime, yet expressed disappointment that she did not address the protection of immigrant communities, an important concern with Trump taking office soon.
“Many Arizona families, including Dreamers and those with mixed immigration status, would appreciate the acknowledgment of their importance to our community,” she noted.
Last year, Arizona voters authorized a measure that empowers local law enforcement to arrest individuals suspected of illegal border crossings, leaving the extent of new immigration measures from Republicans somewhat ambiguous.
In terms of water scarcity, Hobbs plans to prompt lawmakers once again to address regulatory gaps to safeguard groundwater sources. Her previous attempts to reform water laws were unsuccessful, leading her to take executive measures to curb over-pumping in a rural area.
This session, Hobbs is hopeful for a legislative agreement concerning groundwater regulations, yet she warns that she will not hesitate to act unilaterally if necessary.
“Let me be clear, if this legislature does not take action, I will intervene once more,” she emphasized, earning applause from Democratic lawmakers and Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis.
Given Arizona’s long-standing drought, the urgency for a sustainable water management plan by the end of 2026 is critical.
Education remains another priority for Hobbs, particularly regarding Arizona’s school voucher program, which enables parents to use public funds for private school tuition.
Launched in 2011 for disabled children and extended to all students in 2022, the program has faced criticism from Hobbs and other Democrats who argue it strains state finances.
In her speech, she drew a contrast between funding for police raises and border security versus the costs associated with the voucher program, which she referred to as a “billion-dollar boondoggle.”
“Should we prioritize our police and border security, or continue funding ski resort passes?” she questioned.
Republican legislators have strongly supported the voucher program, positioning it as a critical element of school choice, and efforts to reform the initiative face significant hurdles with GOP dominance in the legislature.
“It’s reasonable to assume her proposals could undermine the Empowerment Scholarship Program,” commented Republican Representative Matt Gress, who chairs the House education committee.
Unlike the previous year, the state has adequate budget forecasts, with projections showing an increase of $231 million for the next fiscal year compared to earlier forecasts.
