FOLLOW US

In 2022, the Arizona gubernatorial election made major headlines. The race came down to Republican Kari Lake vs. Democrat Katie Hobbs.

Despite Hobbs running a much less visible campaign than Lake, in the end, she still prevailed. Hobbs defeated Lake by roughly 17,000 votes, despite the latter's refusal to concede or admit defeat.

Lake's challenges of Hobbs' election win have been thrown out of court. On top of that, the failed GOP candidate was ordered by a judge to pay a portion of the legal fees that Hobbs incurred amid Lake's litigation.

She's since talked about taking her lawsuit to the Supreme Court; although there is a very real likelihood the highest court in the land will refuse to hear Lake's case.

Meanwhile, on Monday morning in Arizona, Hobbs received her swearing-in as the state's governor.

A new day in Arizona

Hobbs is the fifth female governor of the Grand Canyon State. She is also the first Democrat since 2009 to hold the state's gubernatorial office. The governor's swearing-in occurred at Arizona State Capitol's executive tower on the ninth floor.

Joined by her family, Hobbs did not have the press attend the event. However, on Thursday, January 5, the governor will have a public inauguration ceremony, as will other Arizona officials assuming office.

Throughout her four years as governor, Hobbs will have to work with the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate. Both chambers have slim GOP majorities.

Since Hobbs' swearing-in today, "Governor Hobbs," "Katie Hobbs," and "#Arizona" have trended on Twitter in the state.

Challenges ahead for Hobbs

Along with a state legislature under a slight GOP majority, there are additional issues the Democratic governor will have to contend with.

One of them is the southern border and illegal immigration happening across it. In November, Hobbs stated she does not believe the Biden administration is doing enough on this issue.

Yet, in December, Hobbs also said she would discontinue now-former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's creation of a border wall made of shipping containers.

Phoenix, Arizona's capital city, likewise struggles with issues such as water droughts, inflation, and rising housing expenses as the population increases. It remains to be seen how Governor Hobbs will take on these challenges.