Big Blow to GOP: Governor Sets New Record For Vetoes

Governor Katie Hobbs has shattered Arizona’s veto record, rejecting 169 bills so far this year, the most ever recorded by a sitting governor. Her latest action was vetoing two Republican-crafted budget proposals and 28 associated bills, citing a lack of support for essential public services. Knewz.com has learned that the rejections have pushed Arizona to the brink of a government shutdown, with lawmakers facing a tight deadline to reach a compromise.

Governor Hobbs Sets New Veto Record

Democratic Governor Hobbs surpassed her previous record of 143 vetoes in 2023, setting a new mark for gubernatorial rejections in Arizona’s history. Her vetoes in 2025 reflect deepening tensions with the Republican-controlled Legislature. Hobbs has criticized Republican lawmakers, saying they are focused on political tactics rather than serious policymaking. “For months, I worked with leaders of both parties, in both chambers, to craft a bipartisan, balanced, and fiscally responsible budget that the majority of Senate Republicans support,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I have long made clear that both of the partisan and reckless House Republican budgets are unacceptable.”

Governor Characterizes Latest Proposals as ‘Partisan, Sham Budgets’

Hobbs characterized the latest proposals as “partisan, sham budgets,” accusing House Republicans of wasting time and putting the state of Arizona at risk. Her official website reads, “Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed partisan, sham budgets passed by House Republicans after the majority caucus wasted days bringing the State to the brink of a government shutdown.” Her office added that “in her veto letters,” she exposed “the shortfalls of their reckless and partisan budgets and called on the House Republicans to end the political games.”

A Legislative Deadlock

House Speaker Steve Montenegro acknowledged that attempts to pass a balanced budget and a continuation plan have fallen short. Although Republicans maintain control of the Arizona Legislature, they do not have the necessary votes to override Governor Katie Hobbs’ vetoes, resulting in a legislative deadlock just as Hobbs gears up for her reelection campaign. Hobbs, the state’s first Democratic governor in more than a decade, has repeatedly clashed with GOP lawmakers since taking office in 2023. However, with no budget in place, Arizona faces the threat of a government shutdown. If a new spending plan is not passed soon, essential services could be disrupted, and state operations may grind to a halt.

House Democratic Leaders Have Backed Her Vetoes

Governor Hobbs has emphasized the need for a fiscally responsible and balanced budget and has ruled out any further negotiations with House Republicans, according to reports. House Democratic leaders have supported her vetoes, framing them as essential to protecting the interests of Arizona residents. Meanwhile, Republican leaders have turned their focus toward strengthening their electoral strategy in hopes of regaining control of the governor’s office.

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