PHOENIX— Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who notably avoided formal debates during her gubernatorial campaign two years ago, recently shared her thoughts on President Joe Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump and addressed key legislative priorities and election issues facing her administration.

"As you know, I am not a fan of debates," Hobbs stated in an interview on "Sunday Square Off." Reflecting on the president's performance, she commented, "I know the pundits like to talk about them, and I'll leave that to you. As the president himself has said, don't compare him to the Almighty. Compare him to the alternative. And by that metric, the choice is abundantly clear in this race."

Hobbs is one of the few elected Democrats in Arizona to comment on Biden's debated performance, which has led to calls for him to step aside as the party's 2024 presidential nominee. However, Hobbs avoided direct questions about whether Biden should step down or if he might negatively impact Democratic candidates.

"I've been really clear, my priority this election is getting a governing majority that will work with me to deliver an agenda that I ran on for Arizona," she emphasized. "That's what I'm going to be focused on."

In 2022, Hobbs chose not to participate in televised debates with her Democratic primary opponent Marco Lopez or her Republican general election opponent, Kari Lake, ending a two-decade debate tradition in Arizona. Lake, who labeled Hobbs a "chicken" in 2022, also skipped a scheduled debate on Wednesday with her U.S. Senate primary opponent, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

Legislative Review and Future Plans

During a comprehensive review of the recent legislative session and a discussion about the upcoming general election, Hobbs touched on several key issues:

- 2024 Election Significance: Hobbs addressed whether the 2024 vote is crucial for her governorship if Democrats fail to win control of the Legislature in November. "This election is pivotal," she said. "We need a governing majority that aligns with our vision for Arizona to continue the progress we've made and tackle the challenges ahead."

- Empowerment Scholarship Accounts: Hobbs discussed her challenges in delivering on promises to reform the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), a rapidly growing program that funds private school tuition and expenses with state taxpayer dollars. "Reforming ESAs is complex, and while we haven't achieved all our goals yet, we are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in how these funds are used," she explained.

- K-12 Financial Concerns: Hobbs highlighted the looming $300 million financial cliff for K-12 schools if Proposition 123 is not extended by the end of next year. "Education is a top priority, and we must find a sustainable solution to ensure our schools are funded adequately," she stated. "We are working with legislators and stakeholders to address this impending crisis."

- State Budget Approach: She defended her office's approach to the new state budget, which she claims has been "mischaracterized" by fellow Democrats in the state Senate. "Our budget approach is focused on strategic investments that benefit all Arizonans. Mischaracterizations only hinder progress, and it's crucial that we present a united front to achieve our goals," Hobbs said.

Political Commentary

The "Square Off" politics panel, featuring Stacy Pearson, co-founder of the Democratic consulting firm Lumen Strategies, and Tyler Montague, a longtime Republican activist, discussed:

- Stephen Richer's GOP Primary: Whether Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer can survive his Republican primary after defying his party's election denial and revealing his plan to vote for Democrat Joe Biden. "Richer's stance is courageous but risky in today's political climate," said Pearson. "It will be interesting to see if his integrity resonates with voters or if party loyalty prevails," added Montague.

- Controversial Statements: The panel addressed a Republican Party leader's declaration that she would "lynch" Richer and her desire to support Christian candidates, noting Richer is Jewish. "Such rhetoric is dangerous and has no place in our political discourse," Pearson remarked. Montague concurred, saying, "It's crucial for leaders to promote unity and respect, regardless of religious or political differences."

- Election Security Incident: They discussed the implications of a temporary election worker taking home a security key from the Maricopa County Elections Department and whether there were political motives behind this action. "Security breaches, intentional or not, undermine public trust in our electoral system," Montague noted. "Investigations must be thorough to prevent such incidents in the future," Pearson emphasized.

Commitment to Progress

Governor Hobbs remains focused on advancing her agenda for Arizona, working towards achieving a majority that supports her policies, and addressing pressing educational and budgetary issues. Her administration continues to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all Arizonans as they navigate the complexities of governance and political challenges.

Hobbs concluded, "Our mission is to create a better, more equitable Arizona for everyone. This requires dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our principles. As we move forward, I am confident in our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful progress for our state."