Katie Hobbs will replace Michele Reagan as Arizona’s next Secretary of State

Katie Hobbs (D) has officially been elected as Arizona’s next Secretary of State.

Friday afternoon, Governor Doug Ducey (D) told reporters he congratulated Hobbs on her victory as Arizona’s number two executive officer.

However, Hobbs did not declare victory until around 7:00 p.m.

“Tonight we won the race for Arizona’s Secretary of State. I want to thank all of my supporters, volunteers, staff and Arizona voters for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Hobbs wrote in her statement. “As Secretary of State, I will work to ensure that every eligible voter – Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, Libertarian – can cast your ballot with the confidence that your voice matters and do so in a way that is meaningful and convenient for you.”

Although the race was called by the Associate Press on Nov. 6, Hobbs did not want to concede until all ballots were counted. The weekend after election day, Hobbs and Gaynor alternated between leading the race.

Monday Nov. 12, Hobbs took a significant lead of more than 1,000 votes and at the time of her declared victory, she led Gaynor by 15,025 votes.

Her opponent, Steve Gaynor (R), conceded on Twitter saying “tonight I called @KatieHobbs to congratulate her on winning the race for AZ Secretary of State. It was an honor to be the Republican nominee. Many thanks to everyone who supported my campaign. Best of luck to Katie.”

Prior to running for Secretary of State, Hobbs was in the Arizona State House and Senate.

With the additional ballots counted and recorded, this also led to changes in key legislative races.

In Legislative District 17, three candidates were vying for two seats in the Arizona House of Representatives. Jennifer Pawlik (D) took the first seat with a total of 46,103 votes and Jeff Weninger clinched the second seat with 45,877 votes. Both candidates defeated Nora Ellen (R), who had 42,859 votes.

In the Legislative District 28 House race, two Democrats grabbed the seats up for grabs, as incumbent Kelli Butler was the top vote-getter with a total of 47,456 votes, while newcomer Aaron Lieberman (D) secured the second seat with 42,739 votes. The two defeated Maria Syms (R) (40,375 votes) and Kathy Pappas Petsas (R) (39,667).

For state senator in Legislative District 28, Kate Brophy McGee (R) secured her seat against Christine Marsh (D) by 347 votes.

Emily Richardson

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