TJ Kim | Arizona List Intern
How did Katie Hobbs, the 24th governor of Arizona, get the nickname the “Veto Queen?” Hobbs is a social worker specializing in domestic violence, mental health, and homelessness. Her political experience started in 2010 when she was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives, representing the 15th legislative district. On January 2, 2023 Hobbs was sworn in as the 24th governor of Arizona replacing Doug Ducey and becoming the state’s 5th female governor, breaking America’s record. However this wouldn’t be the only record the Veto Queen would break.
Being the governor of Arizona comes with the responsibility of the veto stamp. With the veto stamp, Hobbs has the ability to prevent any law passed by the Arizona legislature. As of today, Hobbs has vetoed over 140 bills, but for good reason. In the Arizona Legislature, the vast majority of representatives are Republicans. This unfair and unrepresentative super majority of Republican elected officials results in far right bills arriving at Hobb’s desk without a single vote from the Democratic Party. Hobbs has killed a variety of these sorts of bills such as laws to decrease abortion access, attack LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Due to this Hobbs has broken the record for most bills vetoed in a legislative session, reaching 63 vetoes. Hobbs beat out Janet Napolitano’s record of 58 vetoes in a 2005 legislative session.