Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp (R-Surprise) is taking aim at Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs after the governor vetoed Senate Bill 1109, which would have banned Chinese land ownership in the state. Shamp, who introduced the bill, called the veto a “disgrace” and accused Hobbs of undermining public safety.
SB 1109 aimed to block China from buying, leasing, or acquiring land in Arizona, particularly near military bases and critical infrastructure. Shamp warned of national security risks, pointing to a previous attempt by Chinese interests to lease land near Luke Air Force Base, located in her district.
Shamp said the bill was a “commonsense security measure” designed to protect Arizona from foreign surveillance and potential espionage. “It is utterly insane that Arizona’s top elected official would rather be an obstructionist against safeguarding our citizens from threats,” she said.
In her veto message, Hobbs claimed the legislation was ineffective in countering espionage and lacked clear enforcement guidelines. She argued the bill could lead to arbitrary enforcement without providing real protection for military assets.
Shamp fired back, accusing Hobbs of violating her oath of office by continually rejecting legislation aimed at protecting Arizona. She warned that the state’s future is “in jeopardy” if Hobbs continues to block security measures.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson also slammed Hobbs for the veto, stating it jeopardizes Arizona’s security and proves the need for “new leadership.” Robson is currently leading Rep. Andy Biggs in the Republican primary race for the 2026 election.
This is not Hobbs’ first veto of security-related legislation. Earlier this year, she rejected SB 1027, which would have banned telecom equipment from foreign adversaries, and SB 1066, which sought to stop the sale of Arizona land to hostile nations.
