Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has been a vocal supporter of President Biden in the past. However, after a Wednesday night meeting with Biden and other Democratic governors, she’s choosing to stay quiet. Sources tell The Post that party officials are being told to present a united front.
“Everyone’s in lockstep until they’re told not to be,” said a source, hinting at ongoing discussions about the future of Biden’s re-election campaign. At 81 years old, Biden’s campaign strategy and stamina are under scrutiny.
Unlike other governors, Hobbs hasn’t publicly backed Biden since the meeting. During this gathering, Biden reportedly emphasized the need to sleep more, work less, and avoid late events to maintain his sharpness. Hobbs’ spokesperson, Christian Slater, declined to comment further.
The Biden campaign is reportedly using a “top-down” approach to keep state party activists and officials aligned. However, some Democrats, like Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva, have voiced concerns. Grijalva, 76, urged Biden to step aside in a New York Times interview, only to face backlash from party loyalists.
State Rep. Alma Hernandez criticized Grijalva, tweeting, “I find it ironic for elected Dems to call on Biden to step aside when they don’t. Some have been ill and unable to work but refuse to step down, feeding into MAGA rhetoric. I stand with my president and will ensure Arizona voters turn out for him.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero supported Biden after his ABC News interview with George Stephanopoulos, tweeting, “There is no one more qualified or better prepared to beat Trump in November and lead our nation into the future than Biden. I’m proud to stand with our president.”
Despite these statements, Biden’s ability to campaign effectively remains a topic of concern, especially among those looking for stronger leadership to challenge Trump.