After a tense election, and six days of ballot counting, Democrat Katie Hobbs officially flipped the Arizona governor’s seat, by 1 percentage point. As one of nine new governors entering 2023, Katie Hobbs is just one name you need to know.
Hobbs was a social worker and has served in the state House and Senate. Most recently, she was Arizona’s secretary of state. The Democrat will replace term-limited Republican governor, Doug Ducey.
“As soon as my term begins, I will do everything in my power to repeal the draconian 1864 abortion ban that put so many women’s lives at risk,” Hobbs said.
Arizona’s abortion ban dates back to the Civil War, and it is set to be enforced in 2023. Hobbs said she will call a special legislative session to repeal it, and if that doesn’t work, she will push for Arizonans to vote on a ballot measure.
Addressing water shortages caused by a decadeslong drought, Hobbs’s plan is to modernize groundwater management so rural communities can monitor and restrict pumping. She will also expand water reuse efforts.
For public education, Hobbs committed to raising teachers’ pay, developing free universal pre-K, and fixing school buildings. She believes in a choice between district and charter schools, with further oversight and limitations on the latter.
Finally, Hobbs vowed to increase funding for managing Arizona’s border crisis. That includes law enforcement, hospitals and community centers. All of which are overwhelmed.
Hobbs has not indicated how she will pay for these projects, but says she has no plans to raise taxes.
With Republicans holding control of the state Senate and House of Representatives, Hobbes could encounter difficulty executing her agenda.
