A Wednesday report revealed the existence of a “group chat” that includes eight female Democratic governors, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who befriended other influential Democrats including Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
The gubernatorial group chat additionally includes Governors Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Laura Kelly of Kansas, Tina Kotek of Oregon, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Janet Mills of Maine, according to the 19th News report.
A friendship between the female, Democratic governors apparently emerged in response to criticism from former President Donald Trump, with Lujan Grisham claiming Trump “was sort of barking at some of the women” on a phone call during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lujan Grisham claimed the alleged episode led Whitmer to declare, “You know what? We’re not going to let any elected leader create division among a group, particularly a group of women,” and eventually formalize their relationship in a group chat.
Hobbs told the outlet that she, Kotek and Healey are considered “the newbies,” but described a collaborative relationship that developed “during the pandemic” among the other five members.
The Arizona governor additionally confirmed she spoke to Whitmer about her experience handling the implementation of a new abortion law.
Hobbs told the outlet, “It’s great to talk to her about how they did that and because she just got the legislature in ’23 and with the possibility of our getting the legislature in ’24, that’s really helpful, talking to these women about how a different environment with a divided government can create different challenges.”
Hochul told 19th News that the veteran female Democrats “really embraced” the “newer members” of the gubernatorial group chat, specifically naming Hobbs and Kotek.
Hochul added of her relationship with Hobbs and the other governors, “We really have a lot of fun together, to be honest. I think it’s because you really do have to have a sense of humor to get what we do.”
Healey similarly lauded Hobbs for her efforts to “promote the semiconductor industry” and “protect abortion access” in Arizona.
Asked about how her administration addresses women’s issues, Hobbs pointed to Arizona’s economy and declared, “Every issue that our legislature deals with is a women’s issue.”
While the Democratic governors seem to suggest collaboration and mentorship, Hobbs stands alone among her peers with her frequent vetoes.
Hobbs was dubbed the “veto queen” in 2023 when she broke the record for most vetoes in a single session in 2023, and this year, she achieved the record for most vetoes by an Arizona governor.
– – –
Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Katie Hobbs” by Katie Hobbs.
