Arizona Republicans launch Sunshine Residential Homes probe, subpoena Katie Hobbs, Kris Mayes

Arizona Republican lawmakers are launching an investigation into whether Sunshine Residential Homes received preferential treatment from Gov. Katie Hobbs in exchange for donations.

The move comes after an investigation by Attorney General Kris Mayes cleared fellow Democrat Hobbs of wrongdoing in an alleged pay-to-play scheme.

State Sen. Jake Hoffman announced Wednesday that he has scheduled a Sept. 29 Senate Government Committee special hearing about the Sunshine Residential Homes case. He also issued subpoenas to compel Hobbs, Mayes, members of their staffs and other involved parties to testify and for Mayes to turn over records from her probe.

“Individuals connected to Sunshine Residential contributed more than half a million dollars, benefiting Gov. Katie Hobbs, her political operation, the Arizona Democratic Party, her inaugural fund and her legal defense fund. Sunshine then received extraordinary rate increases from the Hobbs administration,” Hoffman, who chairs the Senate Government Committee, said during a news conference.

Katie Hobbs spokesperson accuses Jake Hoffman of trying to help Andy Biggs

Michael Beyer, the communications director for Hobbs’ reelection campaign, dismissed the effort as a ploy by supporters of U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, the governor’s Republican opponent for the Nov. 3 general election.

Beyer noted that a company owned by Hoffman reportedly has been paid more than $1.2 million to support Biggs over Hobbs in the current cycle.

“With just 21 days until voting starts and Andy Biggs’ cronies realizing they are running out of time to change the trajectory of his floundering campaign, it’s no surprise a political consultant profiting from Biggs’ campaign is resorting to desperate political stunts to rescue him,” Beyer said in a statement.

Kris Mayes cleared Katie Hobbs after Sunshine Residential Homes investigation

Mayes’ office spent two years investigating the pay-to-play accusations against Sunshine Residential Homes and Hobbs. On Aug. 21, the attorney general announced there was no evidence to support a bribery charge.

Hoffman questioned the legitimacy of Mayes’ investigation into her Democratic ally and said the Legislature has a responsibility watch for “possible misconduct within the executive branch.”

“Hobbs benefited from the money and refused to sit down with investigators. Mayes closed the case and refuses to release the underlying files,” Hoffman said.

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