Arizona’s leaders are following the same troubling playbook as Minnesota’s, shielding corruption and resisting accountability while hardworking American taxpayers foot the bill. In a striking sequel to the massive welfare fraud scandals rocking Minnesota—where billions in taxpayer dollars have been siphoned off through fraudulent day care and health care schemes—Arizona now faces its own wave of stonewalling, favoritism, and outright obstruction from Democrat officials.
Arizona has long stood as a beacon of independence and straight dealing, values rooted in honest governance and respect for the people’s right to know. But under Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, that reputation is being replaced with excuses, secrecy, and a clear preference for protecting a corrupt status quo over serving the public good.
The parallels to Minnesota are unmistakable. In the North Star State, investigators have exposed major abuses of taxpayer funds in programs meant to help the vulnerable, with Democrat overseers appearing asleep at the switch—or worse. Arizona’s leaders seem determined to write the next chapter in this national disgrace.
Consider the pay-to-play allegations swirling around Governor Hobbs. Reports from the Arizona Republic detail how Sunshine Residential Homes, a for-profit group home operator, donated to Hobbs’ inaugural fund—only to receive a rate increase shortly after, something denied under the previous Republican administration. Meanwhile, other facilities faced contract terminations or denials. This raises serious questions about whether access to state contracts is being bought with political contributions.
Attorney General Mayes announced an investigation into these claims but quickly moved to divert it away from Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and the Arizona auditor general—despite clear legislative requests for independent oversight. Nearly two years later, the public has seen little clarity or progress.
Then there’s the fight over SNAP fraud. The Government Accountability Office estimates hundreds of millions in stolen benefits nationwide, with fraud rates as high as 12% in some programs according to the USDA. Yet Mayes has sued to block federal data requests aimed at rooting out abuse, and Hobbs has refused compliance. When officials battle transparency in programs handling billions of dollars, they aren’t defending the vulnerable, they’re protecting a system ripe for exploitation.
This pattern extends further. U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh has called for a Department of Justice probe into alleged bribery schemes involving Mayes and political groups. A top official in Mayes’ office was even arrested for controlling and trafficking stolen property, despite prior warnings.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They reflect a broader refusal to embrace oversight. Hobbs resisted disclosing donors to her inaugural fund, withholding over $1 million from taxpayers despite bipartisan calls for transparency. Mayes and Hobbs have fought legislative efforts to close loopholes and demand accountability.
Taxpayers deserve better. Whether in Minnesota, Arizona, or anywhere else, government should never treat disclosure as optional or oversight as an attack. When leaders prioritize favoritism over fiscal responsibility, they betray the trust of the American people, people who work hard, pay their taxes, and expect their leaders to uphold integrity and stewardship of public resources.
Arizona voters must take note. Honest government won’t restore itself. It requires demanding transparency at the ballot box and through aggressive legislative oversight—before a culture of corruption takes permanent root. As people of faith and patriots, we know that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. It’s time for Arizona to choose the path of integrity once more.
