Hobbs Caves, Joins States Opposing Trump Border Resolution

On November 14, 2024, Arizona’s Democrat Governor, Katie Hobbs, announced that she would remain “above the fray” by declining to join other Democrat Governors in defying incoming President Trump’s announced border security measures, stating, “I don’t think that’s the most productive way to govern Arizona.” Less than a week later, after being pummeled by members of the Democrat political machine, she flipped, announcing she would not be aiding the incoming administration with its plan to launch a mass deportation operation.

Her original position acknowledged that she needed assistance from the federal government to solve critical issues such as Colorado River water allocations and CHIPS Act funding for tech development in the state. She advised, “We need the federal government’s involvement,” adding, “These are important issues for Arizonans, and I intend to work with the Trump administration on them.”

However, she recanted on November 19, 2024, stating, “We will not be participating in misguided efforts that harm our communities, and I’ve been incredibly clear about that.” She continued, “I think the diversion of law enforcement from the work that they do every day to keep our communities safe, people hiding in fear – we saw that under previous state policies here – and it harms communities. It tears families apart. And we’re not going to… that’s not going to happen on my watch.”

It appears that she succumbed to pressure from within her own party, joining Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Maura Healy of Massachusetts, and Gavin Newsom of California in publicly vowing to refuse to assist with Trump’s deportation plan. Critics surmise that Hobbs’ change of heart may have to do with her unpopularity, making her vulnerable to a challenge in Arizona’s 2026 gubernatorial election. Recently, some within her party have floated the idea of running AZ Secretary of State Adrian Fontes against her in the primary. Any hint that she would support the Trump agenda could hurt her chances to win reelection from her party. However, given Arizona’s support for Trump in the 2024 election, she may face an uphill battle in the general election if she thwarts Trump’s agenda.

Arizona became a hotspot of illegal migrant crossings after Texas implemented aggressive border protection measures. In 2024 Pre-Presidential-election polling, illegal immigration nearly tied economic concerns as the top voter issue for Arizonans. Trump topped Kamala Harris 52.2% to 46.7%, outpacing other battleground states and the nation as a whole. Given the importance of immigration, Hobbs will likely be hard-pressed to explain to constituents why she refuses to support Trump’s border security plans.