Hobbs meets with Ducey, praises outgoing Arizona governor for cooperation in transition

PHOENIX — Doug Ducey on Wednesday met with Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs, a summit Hobbs said was reassurance the outgoing governor would assist in the transition of power.

“[Ducey] has been incredibly gracious and just continues to reiterate that his office is at our disposal in every way possible to make this a seamless transition,” Hobbs told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

The meeting happened more than a week after media outlets called the race in favor of Hobbs, but it wasn’t their first post-election correspondence.

Ducey called Hobbs to congratulate her last Tuesday, the day after Hobbs was declared projected winner.

“Arizona voters sent a clear message that they want leaders that are going to work together and at the end of the day, the constituents of every legislator are all my constituents,” Hobbs said.

Ducey tweeted out photos of his meeting with Hobbs on Wednesday and offered his support to his successor.

The Democrat defeated Republican nominee Kari Lake by 17,116 votes.

Lake has refused to concede the race and has threatened legal action.

“All of us have waited patiently for the democratic process to play out,” Ducey said in a press release. “The people of Arizona have spoken, their votes have been counted and we respect their decision.”

Hobbs is set to be Arizona’s second Democratic governor this century. Janet Napolitano served as the state’s top executive from 2003-2009.

Hobbs has already begun preparations in taking over the role, putting together a transition team and naming a chief of staff in the past week.

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