ARIZONA NEWS

Democrat Katie Hobbs projected to become Arizona’s next governor, defeats Kari Lake

Nov 14, 2022, 8:30 PM | Updated: 8:36 pm

PHOENIX — Arizona has selected a new governor and it’ll be Democrat Katie Hobbs.

The Democrat and current secretary of state was projected to defeat Republican Kari Lake on Monday evening, according to The Associated Press.

Hobbs had a 50.4%-49.6% lead and led by 19,494 votes as of 8:30 p.m. Monday night after Maricopa County results were released, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.

She will be the Grand Canyon State’s 24th governor and assume the office from outgoing Gov. Doug Ducey in January. She is also the second Democratic governor of Arizona since the turn of the century after Janet Napolitano (2003-09).

Hobbs’ projected win was the conclusion of a drama-filled race that was in the national spotlight for months.

She easily won the Democratic nomination on the strength of her rebuttal of fraud claims pertaining to the 2020 election.

Lake, the former television news anchor with Fox 10, won the Republican nomination over Karrin Taylor Robson, and centered her campaign around the values of former President Donald Trump.

The two candidates never debated during the cycle, a decision Hobbs said was due to her belief Lake “was only interested in a spotlight and creating a spectacle.”

Tensions between Hobbs and Lake continued into the final weeks before the election.

Hobbs’ campaign office was broken into Oct. 24, a crime the Democrat attributed to Lake’s words and actions.

No link was found between the accused thief and Lake’s campaign.

Polling averages had the two candidates close in the months leading up to the election.

FiveThirtyEight had Lake up 2.5 percentage points, while RealClearPolitics had Lake with an advantage of 1.8 percentage points.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Officials: WM Phoenix Open 2025 more peaceful than last year...

Serena O'Sullivan

This year’s WM Phoenix Open upgrades made event smoother, more respectful, organizers say

Event organizers put in place a variety of changes during the WM Phoenix Open 2025 after weather conditions and crowd issues last year.

21 minutes ago

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

1 hour ago

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend....

Kevin Stone

Man stabbed to death at bus stop near Arizona Capitol in Phoenix

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Phoenix forecast rain...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix could see its heaviest rainfall in months later this week

The metro Phoenix forecast calls for a warm start to the week followed by a quick cooldown, with a good chance for the heaviest rainfall in months.

3 hours ago

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits.

6 hours ago

arizona state parks and trails...

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

Arizona State Parks and Trails is increasing fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for 33 locations to support park operations.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Democrat Katie Hobbs projected to become Arizona’s next governor, defeats Kari Lake