In an unexpected turn of events garnering nationwide attention, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has abruptly vanished from the public eye, thereby temporarily relinquishing her gubernatorial duties. This unforeseen departure has precipitated the transference of political power to the state’s Treasurer, Kimberly Yee, who has promptly been appointed as Acting Governor in Hobbs’ absence. The reason for Hobbs’ absence is currently unknown.
In the 2022 election, Katie Hobbs secured victory over Republican candidate Kari Lake by a margin of fewer than 8,000 total votes, amidst widespread concerns about potential irregularities and inaccuracies in the electoral process.
Yee took to Platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the public, announcing her interim governorship while expressing a cautious restraint in exercising her newly-acquired executive powers. She made it clear that during this transient period of leadership, she would abstain from appointing directors to the thirteen state agencies currently grappling with vacancies. Moreover, Yee committed not to convene the Arizona Legislature for confirmation sessions related to these appointments, instead deferring these crucial decisions until Governor Hobbs’ anticipated return.
Yee took to X, saying:
“I have been notified that I will be serving as Acting Governor beginning later this evening until mid-morning tomorrow. Read my full statement below.”
I have been notified that I will be serving as Acting Governor beginning later this evening until mid-morning tomorrow. Read my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/sSuiSCebk4
— Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee (@AZTreasurerYee) September 27, 2023
