Did Hobbs Gain from China’s Land Veto?

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently surprised many by vetoing Senate Bill 1109 (SB1109), a measure proposed to impose land ownership restrictions on the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The primary objective was to mitigate espionage and safeguard critical state infrastructure.

The veto sparked considerable backlash. AZ Senate leader Janae Shamp described Hobbs as “a total disgrace,” reflecting the sentiments of those concerned about national security.

This decision came in the wake of a foiled domestic agroterrorism plot linked to researchers affiliated with the PRC, raising questions about Hobbs’ rationale. Critics viewed her veto as defying “common sense.”

In a surprising turn, Hobbs introduced the Blocking Adversarial Nations Act (BANA), which extends land ownership restrictions not only to China but to other adversarial nations like North Korea and Russia. This move signals a strategic pivot ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.

The political landscape reveals that while 42% of Americans see China as an enemy, Hobbs’ veto may have strategically positioned her to strengthen her national security image and correct what many perceived as ineffective legislation.

Opponents of SB1109 argue it was inadequate for protecting Arizona from foreign threats. The revised BANA seeks to address concerns about discrimination while providing a more comprehensive strategy against espionage.

Unlike SB1109, which allowed the PRC to purchase land under certain conditions, BANA provides broader protections, closing gaps that could enable foreign adversaries to exploit Arizona’s resources.

By rejecting a seemingly weak bill, Hobbs positions herself favorably against her critics, turning the narrative around national security. Historically, Republicans have leaned on stronger security credentials, yet Hobbs has reframed the debate.

This strategic maneuver could prove pivotal in a state where elections are fiercely contested. Recent polls indicate she holds a narrow lead over Republican candidates. With 34% of Arizona voters identifying as Independents, the upcoming election is expected to be competitive.

Political dynamics in Arizona suggest that pragmatism can outweigh party loyalty. Recent dissatisfaction with former Republican candidate Kari Lake exemplifies how swiftly leadership perceptions can shift.

For Hobbs, executing a successful veto could lend weight to her legislative initiatives. If BANA is pushed through early next year, it could cement her reputation as a proactive leader in national security.

Previous instances, like her veto of the “Tamale Bill” in 2023, illustrate her capability to refine and reposition legislation for political gain. A revamped version of SB1109 could serve a similar purpose in the upcoming gubernatorial cycle.

As the election nears, Republicans would do well to propose robust legislation. Failure to do so may inadvertently strengthen Hobbs’ position and lead to her securing another term in office.

Peter Clark is an Arizona-based writer. His work has appeared in several notable publications.