Hobbs’ claims lack critical context with one key exception
GILBERT, AZ—In a sign of weakness matching her status as the most vulnerable Democrat in America, Katie Hobbs released her first TV commercial with out-of-context claims and ridiculous statements designed to mislead Arizona voters.
The following fact check should be used in any media coverage of the ad and can be attributed to Drew Sexton, Senior Advisor to the Biggs for Arizona campaign:
CLAIM: “As Governor, she balanced the budget without raising taxes.”
FACT CHECK: Completely misleading. Hobbs’ budgets have been described by legislators as using “fantasy revenue” and included “roughly $1 billion” in hidden tax hikes and fee increases, including a tax applied to short-term rentals that would likely be primarily paid by Arizonans.
CLAIM: “…reducing electricity bills…”
FACT CHECK: Jaw-dropping dishonesty. Utility rates for Arizonans have increased under Katie Hobbs by an average of 27% according to the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. Hobbs’ largest Inaugural Fund donor, Arizona Public Service (APS), is demanding a 14% utility rate hike on Arizonans after Hobbs signed a bill that was described by Democrats as a “blank check to utilities”.
CLAIM: “…cutting red tape to build more affordable housing…”
FACT CHECK: Delusional. Hobbs’ harmful housing moratorium stopped home construction in parts of Maricopa County, driving up home costs and reducing the supply of homes for Arizonans. The moratorium was recently ruled to be illegal and could lead to lawsuits from homebuilders which may cost Arizona taxpayers up to $1 billion, all because of Hobbs’ efforts against homes.
CLAIM: “My race is tied…”
FACT CHECK: To her credit, we rate this claim as absolutely true. Andy Biggs is consolidating support within the Republican Party as a dominant frontrunner for the nomination and he will defeat Katie Hobbs in November.