Governor of Arizona

Governor of Arizona
source
Post	Governor
Body	Arizona
Insigniacaption	Seal of Arizona
Flagcaption	Flag of the Governor of Arizona
Incumbent	Katie Hobbs
Incumbentsince	January 2, 2023
Department	Arizona state government
Style	The Honorable (formal), Governor (informal)
Residence	Arizona Governor's Mansion
Seat	Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix
Termlength	Four years, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Arizona Constitution
Inaugural	George W. P. Hunt
Formation	February 14, 1912
Salary	$95,000 (2013)
Website	[https://azgovernor.gov/ Official website]

Governor of Arizona is the head of government of the U.S. state of Arizona and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The officeholder is responsible for implementing state laws, appointing officials, and preparing an annual budget for consideration by the Arizona Legislature. The governor also possesses the power to grant pardons and reprieves, and may convene special sessions of the legislature.

History

The office was established upon Arizona's admission to the Union on February 14, 1912, with George W. P. Hunt taking the oath as the first state governor. Prior to statehood, the Arizona Territory was governed by a series of territorial governors appointed by the President of the United States, including figures like John C. Frémont and Lewis Wolfley. The political history of the governorship has seen periods of dominance by the Democratic Party, particularly in the early 20th century, and a modern shift toward the Republican Party, though control has alternated in recent decades. Significant historical events involving the office include Governor Jack Williams's deployment of the Arizona National Guard during the Phoenix garbage strike and Governor Evan Mecham's controversial term and subsequent impeachment by the Arizona House of Representatives.

Powers and duties

The governor's powers are derived from the Arizona Constitution and state statutes. Key executive powers include the authority to sign or veto legislation passed by the Arizona Legislature, and to issue executive orders to direct the operations of the state bureaucracy. As commander-in-chief, the governor can mobilize the Arizona National Guard during emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. The office also holds significant appointment power, naming individuals to lead major agencies like the Arizona Department of Public Safety and to serve on boards and commissions, subject to confirmation by the Arizona Senate. Other duties include submitting a state budget proposal and delivering an annual State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature.

Election and succession

Gubernatorial elections are held every four years, coinciding with the midterm congressional elections. Candidates must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for ten years, and an Arizona resident for five years immediately preceding the election. If a vacancy occurs due to death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation, the Secretary of State is first in the line of succession, followed by the Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. A governor is limited to two consecutive terms in office, a restriction established by a 1992 ballot initiative known as Proposition 107.

List of governors

Since statehood, Arizona has had 24 governors, serving 27 distinct terms. The longest-serving governor was the first, George W. P. Hunt, a Democrat who served seven non-consecutive terms. The first Republican governor was Thomas Edward Campbell. Notable modern governors include Bruce Babbitt, who later served as United States Secretary of the Interior, and Janet Napolitano, who resigned to become United States Secretary of Homeland Security. The first female governor was Rose Mofford, who ascended from Secretary of State following the impeachment of Evan Mecham. The current governor, Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 after serving as Secretary of State.

Residences and offices

The official residence is the Arizona Governor's Mansion, a nine-bedroom home located in the Phoenix neighborhood of the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District; it has been the executive residence since 1975. The primary working office is located within the Arizona Executive Tower, an annex to the historic Arizona State Capitol complex in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona State Capitol itself, which now houses the Arizona Capitol Museum, was the original seat of government. The governor also maintains a security and transportation detail managed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Category:Governors of Arizona Category:Arizona state agencies