Low Approval Ratings and GOP Momentum: Will Hobbs Become Arizona’s Lame Duck Governor?

Arizona’s political scene is in a state of uncertainty as Governor Katie Hobbs struggles with a mere 36% approval rating. Her attempts to shift the state legislature toward Democratic control have not gained traction, leaving the state in a potential political stalemate for the next two years. Since taking office, Hobbs has vetoed 216 bills, which may label her as a lame-duck governor.

During an interview on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Hobbs highlighted her vetoes, criticizing the current legislative environment. “We have a legislature that is run by literal insurrectionists and indicted fake electors. They didn’t get the message that voters wanted sanity over chaos,” she stated, referring to the extreme measures presented to her that led to her extensive veto record. There was a silver lining, however, as she expressed optimism about a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in Arizona’s constitution.

Meanwhile, conservative voices have challenged Hobbs’s claims. Dan Coulson from Citizens for Free Enterprise shared a clip of Hobbs’s interview, questioning her narrative. He noted her low approval rating and the expansion of Republican majorities in the state legislature as indicators that her assertions may be out of touch.

Political consultant Constantine Querard also weighed in, pointing out the significant proposals Hobbs has dismissed, including crucial issues like border security and child trafficking. He suggested that her current stance is a preparation for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

According to AZCentral, unofficial election results show Republicans likely to enhance their hold in the Arizona House, with the State Senate remaining under GOP influence. If such an imbalance persists between the legislative and executive branches, constructive governance could be hindered, paving the way for intense partisan conflicts until the next election cycle.

As Arizona navigates this challenging political landscape, the stakes are high for both parties as they prepare for potential 2026 showdowns.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for the latest updates, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.