Katie Hobbs Bans Reporters from Swearing in Ceremonies

Katie Hobbs prohibited reporters from attending her inauguration as Governor of Arizona on Monday.

The Democrat’s team allowed only a single photographer from the Associated Press into the room at the state Capitol while directing others to instead watch the event via live steam, according to local reporter Stacey Barchenger. The media were present outside the event.

“Arizona’s 24th governor, Katie Hobbs, assumed power at 10 a.m. on Monday and in her first official act, she decided to take the public’s business private. Not a great start,” tweeted Laurie Roberts, columnist for The Arizona Republic.

New year, new leadership in Arizona, new stakeouts because reporters aren’t allowed into the 10 a.m. swearing in of incoming Gov. @katiehobbs. Here’s @Adrian_Fontes Arrive for the joint swearing-in pic.twitter.com/ArWf8aWWfE

— Stacey Barchenger (@sbarchenger) January 2, 2023

Roberts wrote in a column that the restricted access prevented reporters from asking questions of the officials now leading the state. Other people who were elected to office Monday included Kris Mayes, attorney general, and Adrian Fontes, secretary of state for Democrats.

Roberts also mentioned Monday as a state holiday, and Hobbs will be attending a ceremonial inauguration Thursday. She added that Hobbs will still be in attendance at the ceremonial inauguration Thursday. “decided to take the public’s business private” In her first official act, part a celebratory affair funded by secret donors.

Hobbs was seen laughing while taking the oath. This viral clip prompted a rebuke by Kari Lake, the Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate. gone to the courts To challenge her 2022 election defeat.

“This is one of the darkest moments in the history of Arizona. An illegitimate ‘Governor’ laughing in the face of our constitution. But it’s always darkest before the dawn. We will expose this fraud for the world to see. Justice is coming. [Hobbs] won’t be laughing then,” tweeted the Kari Lake War Room.

Timothy Sandefur, vice president for legal affairs at the Goldwater Institute, came to Hobbs’ defense, saying the full video Hobbs “was feeling emotional & made a little joke to her mother (holding the Bible) about how they were both getting choked up.”