In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs makes an unexpected decision, creating a political dilemma. Her withdrawal of agency head candidates, claiming “partisan obstructionism,” complicates matters.
This choice creates a stalemate with Republican legislators, heightening the stakes in an already complicated political scene. As concerns about the reasons behind these activities swirl, Arizona waits for answers to the growing riddles.
Katie Hobbs: Who is she?
Kathleen Marie Hobbs, a Democrat, has been the 24th governor of Arizona since 2023, having previously served as the 21st secretary of state of Arizona from 2019 to 2023.
From 2013 to 2019, she served in the Arizona Senate, and from 2011 to 2013, she served in the Arizona House of Representatives.
Hobbs is wedded to Patrick Goodman, whom she met at church in 1992 and married in 1996. Goodman is a child therapist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the couple has two children who live in Phoenix.
She is a practicing Catholic, an experienced triathlete, and has been a bike enthusiast since high school.
What happened to Katie Hobbs?
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has unexpectedly decided to stand down from her job, according to state Treasurer Kimberly Yee.
The cause for this temporary leave has not been revealed, and Governor Hobbs has stayed mum on the subject.
This unexpected shift lasted less than 24 hours, prompting excitement and discussion about the reasons surrounding her brief leave from her duty as Arizona’s governor.
Here you go for the video regarding Katie Hobbs’s absence:
Who is taking the place of Katie Hobbs?
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee declared that she would serve as acting governor for a limited while owing to Governor Katie Hobbs’ strange disappearance.
This surprising event was announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, with Yee expressing her readiness to temporarily fill this job.
Yee elected not to designate directors to the 13 agencies with openings during her less than 24-hour term as acting governor and did not summon the Arizona Legislature into session for confirmation.
She expressed optimism that when she returned, Governor Hobbs would quickly fill these critical state agency posts.
The cause for Governor Hobbs’ absence has not been divulged, and neither Yee nor Hobbs have responded to the media with rapid remarks or clarity.
Yee has posted the notice on Instagram. Here you go for the post:
Erin Elizabeth, a self-described “free speech journalist” with a sizable social media following, posted that Katie Hobbs is not the Governor of Arizona and that the state treasurer, Republican Kimberly Yee, is presently functioning as Acting Governor.
Many people were taken aback by this statement, and Erin Elizabeth expressed her confusion over why this happened.
She solicited her followers’ views and conjecture, hinting that there was some inexplicable situation causing this shift in leadership inside the state of Arizona.
JUST IN — As of this evening, Katie Hobbs is not the Governor of Arizona.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 28, 2023
Republican Kimberly Yee the state treasurer is currently the Acting Governor. The reason is unknown. pic.twitter.com/AENUDeXWBb
Katie Hobbs withdraws nominees:
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs withdrew her remaining candidates for state agency heads from the Senate vetting committee, claiming “partisan obstructionism” as the basis for her decision.
This decision follows the rejection of one of Hobbs’ director nominees for the Arizona Department of Housing by the Arizona Senate Committee on Director Nominations due to plagiarism allegations.
Because Republicans control the legislature, they have the votes to reject the governor’s candidates, resulting in a deadlock between Republican legislators and the Democratic governor.
I withdrew my cabinet nominees today to pursue other lawful means of ensuring the state government can work for Arizonans.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) September 25, 2023
Hobbs’ withdrawn candidates included positions in economic security, administration, environmental quality, gambling, housing, child safety, and veteran services.
These nominees will now serve as executive deputy directors until the Arizona Senate begins the usual confirmation process, and interim agency directors can serve without Senate approval for up to a year.
Senate President Warren Petersen slammed Hobbs’ action, saying the nominations committee is ready to start confirmation proceedings and accused Hobbs of thinking she is “above the law.”
