PHOENIX — Arizona’s Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs finds herself facing a challenging legislative session, as the Republican party has solidified its control in the state legislature following the most recent elections. However, Hobbs, who is in her first term, is optimistic about finding bipartisan collaboration to push forward initiatives that have previously been stalled under Republican dominance.
In a recent discussion, Hobbs reflected on the election outcomes in Arizona. While former President Donald Trump secured a significant win in this pivotal state, the election of Democrat Ruben Gallego to the U.S. Senate illustrates the voters’ desire for their elected representatives to engage in cross-party cooperation on pressing matters. Hobbs emphasized, “The issues we’re facing — affordability for families, water security, protecting our border and ensuring community safety — are not confined to just one party. They are issues for all Arizonans, and it’s essential that our leaders unite to address them.”
As Hobbs prepares for reelection next year, she is set to present her key priorities to lawmakers during the session’s opening on Monday. Here are some focal points she aims to address:
**Border Security**
Just weeks post-election, Hobbs visited the Arizona-Mexico border and expressed her willingness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration on key challenges, such as combating fentanyl trafficking. At the same time, she recognized that some families are anxious due to the president-elect’s deportation policies. Without delving into speculation, Hobbs indicated that Arizona’s law enforcement efforts would concentrate on keeping violent offenders off the streets, irrespective of their immigration status.
In light of a recent voter-approved measure granting local law enforcement the authority to detain individuals suspected of illegal border crossings, it remains uncertain what further immigration policies Republicans might propose other than ensuring sufficient funding for law enforcement operations.
**Water Scarcity**
Hobbs is poised to once again urge legislators to address gaps in regulations safeguarding groundwater sources. Her previous attempts to amend state water laws did not gain traction in the legislature, compelling her administration to implement executive measures in December aimed at regulating excessive water extraction in specific rural regions. With a renewed sense of hope, Hobbs aims to broker an agreement with lawmakers on groundwater regulations. Should discussions fail, she is prepared to take unilateral action.
Water management is critical, as Arizona faces ongoing drought conditions and must develop a comprehensive strategy by the end of 2026 for managing its dwindling allocations from the already overused Colorado River.
**Education**
Another priority on Hobbs’ agenda is reforming Arizona’s school voucher program. Launched in 2011 for children with disabilities and extended to encompass all students in 2022, this program provides parents with financial assistance for private school tuition and educational expenses through public funding. Hobbs and her Democratic peers have labeled the program as detrimental to state finances, while Republican lawmakers consider it a key element of the school choice movement. The most recent budget proposal, approved after lengthy discussions with Hobbs’ administration, only included minimal reductions in funding for the voucher system.
Fortunately for the state, the fiscal outlook has improved compared to last year, with a projected revenue increase of $231 million for the upcoming fiscal year based on recent analyses.
