Arizona Governor Sets New Veto Record Amid Budget Disputes
In a historic move, Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed a record number of bills during the current Arizona legislative session. This latest development came as she rejected two budget proposals from the state legislature, marking a significant moment in her tenure.
Governor Hobbs, a Democrat, had previously set a record in her first year by vetoing 143 bills. However, she has now surpassed that figure by rejecting a total of 168 bills in 2025 so far. This new record was reached with the dismissal of two budget plans that were approved strictly along party lines by Republican legislators.
The two budget proposals, each consisting of numerous bills, were swiftly vetoed by Hobbs, who had previously vowed to block them. Within an hour of receiving the proposals, she fulfilled her promise, citing concerns over their impact on public services and the community.
“I have long made clear that both of the partisan and reckless House Republican budgets are unacceptable. They gut public safety, slash health care for Arizonans, harm businesses, fail to lower costs, and leave our Veterans out in the cold. These unserious budgets are wrong for the people of Arizona,” Hobbs stated.
Throughout the past three legislative sessions, the majority of the bills vetoed by Governor Hobbs have been introduced by Republican lawmakers and passed without the backing of Democrats. This ongoing political standoff underscores the divisions within the Arizona state government.
For a detailed list of the bills vetoed by Governor Hobbs in 2025, click here. Further analysis of the budget proposals can be found here.
