The answer is Katie Hobbs. Honestly, if you haven't been keeping a close eye on the Southwest lately, it's easy to miss just how much the political landscape in the Grand Canyon State has shifted. She’s a Democrat who stepped into the role back in January 2023, and as of early 2026, she’s still the one calling the shots from the 9th floor of the Executive Tower in Phoenix.
You've probably seen her name in the news quite a bit, especially if you follow the back-and-forth drama of state politics. Before she was "Governor Hobbs," she was the Secretary of State during that incredibly chaotic 2020 election cycle. That’s really where she made her mark on the national stage, defending Arizona’s election results against a mountain of challenges.
The Road to the Governor’s Office
Hobbs didn't just wake up one day and decide to run the state. She’s a social worker by trade. That's kinda her whole thing—approaching policy from the perspective of someone who spent years in the trenches of domestic violence shelters and helping homeless youth.
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She spent about eight years in the Arizona Legislature before becoming Secretary of State. Then came the 2022 election. It was one of the tightest races in the country. She ran against Kari Lake in a contest that felt less like a local election and more like a national referendum on where the country was headed. Hobbs won by just about 17,000 votes. In a state with millions of voters, that’s basically a rounding error, but it was enough to flip the seat for the Democrats after years of Republican control under Doug Ducey.
Who is current governor of Arizona focusing on right now?
Right now, in January 2026, Hobbs is deep into her "Arizona First" agenda. If you caught her recent State of the State address, you know she’s obsessed with one word: affordability.
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Arizona has a housing problem. It’s no secret. Prices in Phoenix and Tucson have skyrocketed over the last few years. Hobbs has been pushing for something called the Housing Acceleration Fund. The goal is to mix public money with private investment to build homes faster. She’s also been vetoing a lot of bills from the Republican-led legislature that she thinks give too much away to big corporations while leaving middle-class families in the lurch.
Key Battles and Bipartisan Friction
Being a Democratic governor with a Republican legislature is a recipe for a lot of vetoes. She actually broke the state record for vetoes in a single session during her first year.
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- Tax Cuts: She’s currently pushing for a "Middle Class Tax Cut Package." This includes things like ending taxes on tips and overtime pay.
- Water Security: This is Arizona. Water is life. She’s been working on protecting the Colorado River and managing groundwater, which is a huge deal for the rural parts of the state.
- Education: There is a constant tug-of-war over school vouchers (ESAs). Republicans want to expand them; Hobbs wants more accountability for where that money is going.
The 2026 Reelection Campaign
Since we're already in 2026, the election cycle is spinning up again. Hobbs has officially filed for reelection. She’s going into the race with a pretty decent war chest—roughly $4.7 million—and a lot of momentum within her own party.
The Republican field is already getting crowded. Big names like Andy Biggs and David Schweikert are in the mix, and Karrin Taylor Robson, who ran last time, is back for another round. It’s going to be another high-stakes showdown. This election will also be the first time Arizonans pick a Lieutenant Governor on the same ticket, thanks to a law passed back in 2022.
What should you do next?
If you live in Arizona or just care about how the state is being run, the best thing you can do is stay updated on the legislative session. Things move fast in January and February.
- Check your voter registration. The primary is coming up in August 2026. Make sure your info is current at the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.
- Follow the budget talks. The "FY2027 Executive Budget" was just released. This is where you see exactly where the state plans to spend your tax dollars on things like roads, schools, and healthcare.
- Track the Middle Class Tax Cuts bill. Keep an eye on HB 2531 and SB 1203. If you're a senior or a service worker, these could actually change your take-home pay this year.
Staying informed isn't just about knowing who is current governor of Arizona; it’s about knowing how their choices actually land on your doorstep.