Crossing the Border: Katie Hobbs signals a change as she recognizes tidal social forces at work
Phoenix, Arizona: In the wake of the general election earthquake -- at least for Democrats -- and president-elect Donald Trump's victory in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs is now in the proverbial minefield.
Trump ran on a platform largely based on enhanced border security measures and mass deportations, and the Democrat Hobbs, was vocally committed to flipping the state legislature from Republican to Democratic control. However, best laid plans and all that. Now, Hobbs has stressed on her focus of collaboration and future-oriented governance rather than engaging in partisan conflicts.
“I am certainly focused on the future, not on the past,” Hobbs said. “As governor, I will continue to stand up against actions that hurt our communities but work with anyone who is doing what’s right for Arizona.”
Arizona voters also passed the 'Secure the Border Act', which garnered 62% support. The measure includes provisions that Hobbs had previously vetoed at the state Capitol.
Hobbs acknowledged voters’ frustrations, noting, “We’ve borne the brunt of the lack of action on border security from the federal government.”
“Look, I understand voters’ frustration because we’ve borne the brunt of lack of action on border security from the federal government,” Hobbs said. But she was convinced “this is not the right tool” to address border security.
“It harms our communities. It will destroy jobs,” she said. “And it detracts law enforcement away from other important issues in their communities that they should be addressing. And so, it’s not the right answer.”
Hobbs’ office announced plans for a major statement on border security, set to take place in Nogales next week. Although framed as official state business, analysts speculate this event could signal the start of her 2026 reelection campaign.
Most tellingly, Hobbs has declined to sign-up to Governors Safeguarding Democracy, an initiative by a group of blue state governors to thwart what they percieve as Trump's illegal plans at mass deportation.
The Trump administration has proposed deploying the National Guard and building additional border walls—policies that align with the sentiments expressed by many Arizona voters. How Hobbs balances her own personal -- and her party's -- politics with those of Arizona voters could prove to be her toughtest and most complex challenge yet.