Hobbs Moves Forward with Director Nominations Post-Court Ruling via Senate Committee

By Daniel Stefanski |

In a notable legal outcome, Arizona Legislative Republicans have secured a significant victory against Governor Katie Hobbs regarding her handling of director nominations. The Senate Republicans announced earlier this week that Governor Hobbs has acknowledged violating state law by attempting to bypass the Senate confirmation process. As a result, she has agreed to submit new nominees for consideration.

Senate President Warren Petersen emphasized the legislative role in maintaining accountability, stating, “No elected official is above the law.” He criticized the Governor’s actions as a serious overreach and expressed relief at the return to a structured confirmation process. This process aims to ensure that qualified individuals fill critical roles in state agencies.

The Senate’s press release detailed a series of events leading up to this resolution. In September 2023, after a Senate committee declined to confirm a nominee due to plagiarism allegations, Hobbs attempted to circumvent the mandated protocols by withdrawing 13 nominations. She then reinstated these individuals with the title of “Executive Deputy Directors,” claiming they held the same authority as confirmed directors, a stance later deemed questionable by her own legal team.

Republican Senator Sine Kerr hailed the outcome, stating it reflects a victory for the rule of law in Arizona. Kerr underscored the importance of having qualified agency directors confirmed by the Senate, reinforcing a commitment to lawful governance.

On the other hand, Democrat Senate Leader Mitzi Epstein offered a contrasting perspective. She commended Governor Hobbs for her dedication to serving Arizonans and criticized Republicans for obstructing her ability to govern effectively. Epstein called for an end to partisan games and emphasized the need for cooperation to ensure seamless governance moving forward.

The Senate Republicans further asserted that adhering to the confirmation process is not only a legal obligation but also a safeguard for citizens’ liberties. They argued that legislative checks on executive power are essential for maintaining balance within government.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this legal victory may influence future interactions between Arizona’s Governor and Legislature.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.