The Veridus BLOG

It took only five weeks, but the newly minted Arizona Independent Party has its first entrant in what’s already a crowded field for Governor this year. Arizona health care executive Hugh Lytle joined the race Tuesday, vowing to “bridge the partisan divide.” He accused the Democratic and Republican parties of being “trapped in a fight that never ends. They argue, they posture, they divide, but they don’t solve big problems.”

The Arizona State Capitol revving to life wasn’t the only political news in recent days. Statewide candidates also filed their Q4 campaign-finance reports, giving us a good idea who’s got cash as the 2026 election year gets underway.

Today, Governor Katie Hobbs released her fiscal 2027 Executive Budget, a $17.7 billion General Fund spending plan that prioritizes her affordability agenda - including a $236 million tax cuts package.

This evening, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a GOP-led tax cuts package - forcing legislators back to the negotiating table to discuss to what degree Arizona will conform to federal tax code changes.

Today, the 57th Arizona Legislature assembled for the 2nd regular session at the Arizona State Capitol as Governor Katie Hobbs delivered her fourth State of the State address. 

The 2nd Regular Session of the 57th Arizona Legislature convenes Monday at the State Capitol, with Governor Katie Hobbs set to deliver her fourth State of the State address as the headliner of Opening Day.