Katie Hobbs was born on December 28, 1969, in Tempe, Arizona, and raised in a working-class family that taught her the value of hard work, empathy, and public service. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and later completed a master’s degree in social work at Arizona State University. Before entering politics, Hobbs worked as a social worker, helping families navigate challenges related to housing instability, domestic violence, and access to critical services. These experiences shaped her people-first approach to leadership.
Hobbs entered public office in 2011, serving in both the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona State Senate, where she built a reputation as a pragmatic legislator focused on education funding, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. In 2018, she was elected Arizona Secretary of State, overseeing elections during a period of unprecedented scrutiny and political pressure. Hobbs earned national recognition for defending free and fair elections, standing up to election denialism, and ensuring Arizona’s voting systems remained secure and accessible. In 2022, she was elected Governor of Arizona, becoming the state’s first Democratic governor in more than a decade. As governor, Hobbs has focused on lowering costs, protecting reproductive freedom, expanding water security solutions, investing in public education, and bringing bipartisan leadership to a politically divided state. She is now running for re-election to continue delivering results for Arizona families.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs & Strengthening the Middle Class — Hobbs is focused on making Arizona more affordable by lowering prescription-drug costs, addressing housing affordability, and cutting everyday expenses for working families.
- Reproductive Freedom — She is a strong defender of abortion rights and reproductive healthcare, vetoing extremist legislation and standing firm on protecting personal freedom.
- Water Security & Climate Resilience — As governor of a desert state, Hobbs prioritizes long-term water solutions, conservation, and responsible growth to protect Arizona’s future.
- Public Education & Workforce Development — Hobbs supports increased investment in K-12 education, higher pay for teachers, and workforce training programs that prepare Arizonans for good-paying jobs.
- Border Security & Humane Immigration Policy — She advocates for practical, humane border solutions that strengthen security while respecting human dignity and supporting border communities.
- Defending Democracy & Rule of Law — Known nationally for her role as Secretary of State, Hobbs continues to champion democratic institutions, voting rights, and the peaceful transfer of power.
Accomplishments & Record of Service
- First Democratic Governor in Over a Decade: Elected in 2022, breaking a long Republican hold on the governor’s office.
- Defended Arizona Elections: As Secretary of State, oversaw secure elections and stood up to unprecedented political pressure to overturn results.
- Protected Reproductive Rights: Used executive authority to block extreme abortion restrictions and defend access to healthcare.
- Focused on Bipartisanship: Worked across party lines to deliver budgets, infrastructure investments, and public-safety funding.
- People-First Leadership: Brings a social worker’s perspective to governance — focusing on real-world impacts, not political theatrics.
I know what it takes to turn our challenges into opportunities — opportunities to make Arizona the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We need leaders who will look to the future, not dwell on the past. Leaders who can bring people together to get the job done. I’m going to keep doing just that, and I hope you’ll stand with me.- Katie Hobbs