Hobbs Takes Bold Step: 3 Agency Leaders to Skip Senate Confirmation

Governor Katie Hobbs has decided to re-nominate only 16 of her initially proposed 19 “executive deputy directors” to the Senate, marking a significant step in resolving a dispute that recently led to a lawsuit. This agreement with Senate leadership was reached earlier this week, allowing the confirmation process to move forward.

Christian Slater, Hobbs’ communications director, confirmed that three individuals—David Lujan from the Department of Child Safety, Karen Peters from the Department of Environmental Quality, and Dana Allmond from the Department of Veterans’ Services—will not be nominated again. Slater attributed this decision to Senate leadership’s unwillingness to compromise during negotiations.

“With the re-nominations, the Governor is delivering on her promise to put aside partisan politics and deliver sanity and stability to state government,” stated Slater. He emphasized Hobbs’ expectation for a fair confirmation process, underscoring her readiness to collaborate with Senate members focused on the welfare of Arizona families.

Hobbs’ initial nomination process faced significant challenges last year, culminating in her withdrawal of remaining director nominees in September 2023. In their place, she appointed these individuals as “executive deputy directors.”

Following this development, Senate Republicans filed a lawsuit against Hobbs, claiming the Governor lacked the authority to bypass the nomination process. A judge initially sided with the Senate but later refrained from deciding whether the actions of the executive deputy directors could be legally contested.

Hobbs and Senate leadership have agreed to resume the confirmation process when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Ben Henderson, the Governor’s director of operations, will take on the role of interim director for both the Department of Child Safety and the Department of Environmental Quality, while John Scott will assume directorship at the Department of Veterans’ Services.

Lujan, Peters, and Allmond will transition into deputy director roles within their respective departments. Slater defended the qualifications of Hobbs’ nominees, noting their commitment to producing results for Arizona residents.

Among those slated for renomination is Joan Serviss, the former director of the Arizona Department of Housing, who was previously rejected by the Senate Committee on Director Nominations due to accusations of plagiarism. This rejection led Hobbs to appoint her nominees as executive deputy directors.

Senate leadership has specifically identified Lujan, Peters, and Allmond as disqualified nominees, leaving questions regarding the remaining nominees to be addressed by Senate Republicans. The legislative committee that will evaluate the nominations in January could see significant changes, especially if Democrats gain control, potentially leading to a 15-15 split in the Senate.

Regardless of the political landscape, the Senate must confirm the remaining nominations by the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session.