Arizona’s Democratic Governor Fights to Break GOP’s Legislative Stronghold

PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, facing a Republican-dominated Legislature, is poised to address lawmakers on Monday. She aims to highlight key priorities as she prepares for reelection next year.

In a climate where Republicans recently expanded their majorities in the statehouse, Hobbs remains optimistic about finding common ground. “The issues we’re facing — affordability for families, water security, protecting our border and keeping communities safe — those are not Republican or Democratic issues,” she stated in a recent interview. She emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing these challenges.

While many Arizonans supported President-elect Donald Trump, the election of Democrat Ruben Gallego to the U.S. Senate conveys a desire for political leaders to collaborate across party lines. Hobbs is determined to meet this expectation.

Key areas of focus include:

Border Security: Following the November election, Hobbs visited the Arizona-Mexico border, pledging to collaborate with the new administration on crucial issues such as fentanyl trafficking. However, she acknowledged concerns regarding possible deportation threats from Trump. The governor indicated that public safety will remain a priority, aiming to concentrate law enforcement efforts on violent criminals, irrespective of immigration status. Despite a voter-approved measure empowering local police for immigration-related arrests, the scope of new restrictions from Republicans remains uncertain.

Water Scarcity: Hobbs plans to push lawmakers to strengthen regulations protecting groundwater sources. Last year, her attempts to amend state water laws were unsuccessful, prompting her to take executive action to limit excessive water pumping in specific areas. With looming deadlines for managing resources from the Colorado River, the governor is keen on reaching a legislative agreement to update groundwater regulations. If necessary, she won’t hesitate to take unilateral action.

Education: Addressing Arizona’s controversial school voucher program is also on Hobbs’ agenda. Originally designed for disabled children and expanded to all students in 2022, this program allows parents to use public funds for private-school tuition. While Democrats criticize its impact on the state’s budget, Republicans defend it as essential to school choice. Unlike last year, the state is projected to have a budget surplus of $231 million, creating opportunities for potential budget discussions regarding the program.

As Hobbs approaches the start of the legislative session, the stakes are high for Arizona’s pressing issues, from education to water management and border security.

Gabriel Sandoval is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.