Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs Is Having a Bad Week

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced she would not join the “Governors Safeguarding Democracy” coalition, a group of Democratic governors forming to actively oppose the policies of the incoming Trump administration. Hobbs, instead, is opting to focus on state-level governance and avoid partisan fights.

“I don’t think that’s the most productive way to govern Arizona,” Hobbs said during a press conference last week. While she emphasized her commitment to “stand up against actions that hurt our communities,” she avoided specifics on whether she would use her gubernatorial powers to resist federal deportation efforts.

The governor reiterated her support for federal involvement in immigration and border security, highlighting her administration’s allocation of $100 million for law enforcement technology to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking. “We’ll continue to make the case to the federal government of how they can support real border security in Arizona,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs’ pragmatic tone contrasts with that of some of her Democrat colleagues, who are taking a combative stance toward the Trump administration. While other governors pledge to use state resources to oppose federal immigration policies, Hobbs prioritizes bipartisan issues like public safety, economic development, and voter rights. She framed these as nonpartisan “Arizona issues” that transcend party politics.

Hobbs announced plans for a major border policy update during an upcoming visit to Nogales on Monday. In a press release, she promised to deliver “critical resources border communities need to manage the challenges we face.” The event will feature Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol representatives.

This move underscores her approach to addressing border concerns with a focus on local needs and federal cooperation, an approach that has received backlash from some in her own party.

Hobbs Is Cautious; Mayes Goes on the Attack

While Hobbs treads carefully, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking a far more aggressive tone. Mayes has fiercely opposed Trump’s proposed immigration policies, including his plans to terminate DACA and implement mass deportations. Calling the potential end of DACA a “line in the sand,” Mayes claimed Trump’s proposals could lead to economic disruptions and human rights violations.

Mayes, a former Republican who switched parties during Trump’s first term, drew sharp criticism for likening proposed migrant detention camps to “concentration camps.” She focused her rhetoric on targeting violent cartel members but has also claimed U.S. citizens could be mistakenly caught up in mass deportation efforts.

Critics claim that Hobbs’ approach reflects a careful balancing act between addressing Arizona’s unique border challenges and avoiding direct conflict with the Trump administration. As the state’s political climate leans further right, pundits say Hobbs is thinking of her political future and not what is best for Arizona.

The GOP secured voter approval for Proposition 314, which empowers state and local police to arrest individuals crossing the border illegally outside of official ports of entry—a measure Hobbs previously vetoed.

Progressives Rebuke Hobbs

The Arizona Republic, a left-leaning publication, issued a sharp critique of Governor Katie Hobbs last week, with opinion columnist Elvia Díaz delivering a scathing rebuke of the Democratic governor’s approach to the incoming Trump administration.

“Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs should join Kari Lake in the biggest losers’ tent, where she can be shoved into its gutless corner,” Díaz wrote, lambasting Hobbs’ perceived lack of leadership.

Díaz condemned Hobbs for her perceived unwillingness to stand up to Trump, writing, “The Democratic governor, who ditched Vice President Kamala Harris during the campaign, will not fight Donald Trump on his immigration crackdowns — and who knows what else.”

She continued, “That’s not just pathetic. It’s throwing in the towel and becoming a useful tool to a disruptive and dangerous administration.”

Díaz also criticized Hobbs for distancing herself from other Democratic governors who have pledged to oppose Trump’s policies. “Hobbs is ditching other Democratic governors who are joining forces to oppose some of Trump’s policies. Instead, Hobbs appears ready and willing to help Trump,” Díaz argued.

In a final jab, Díaz concluded, “And, even worse, she doesn’t have the guts to say it clearly.”

Dear @katiehobbs, if you would like to join MAGA, please contact my office for details and we will be happy to assist!

Let the deportations BEGIN! pic.twitter.com/VVngCuxZJO

— Rep. Alexander Kolodin (@realAlexKolodin) November 16, 2024

Laurie Roberts, a prominent voice at the same publication, wrote, “Democrats spent $10 million, and all they got were more Republican Legislators.”  Roberts continued, “Turns out, that perfect storm was a full-on Trump tornado, one that blew away Hobbs’ plans and left her hobbled as she enters her final two years as governor, with a strengthened Republican Legislature that despises her.”

The biting critique highlights growing frustration within Hobbs’ own party as she navigates a delicate balance between governing Arizona and addressing the expectations of her Democrat base.