Senator Hoffman Slams Hobbs' "Partisan" Veto of Charlie Kirk License Plate Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 6, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senator Jake Hoffman is condemning Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing SB 1439, legislation that would have authorized an optional specialty license plate recognizing Charlie Kirk and supporting civic engagement efforts.
In her veto letter, Hobbs claimed the measure "inserts politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan." Senator Hoffman describes Hobbs' reasoning as hypocritical and deeply disappointing, particularly following the tragic assassination of Kirk last year.
"Katie Hobbs' grotesque partisanship knows no bounds," said Senator Hoffman. "Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader - an Arizona resident and her own constituent - being assassinated in broad daylight for his defense of the First Amendment, Hobbs couldn't find the human decency to put her far-left extremism aside simply to allow those who wish to honor him to do so. Katie Hobbs will forever be known as a stain on the pages of Arizona's story."
Senator Hoffman notes Hobbs' explanation does not align with how Arizona has historically recognized individuals and causes through state designations and specialty license plates.
"It's absolutely absurd for Hobbs to suddenly claim that honoring someone through a state recognition is 'too political'. Arizona highways, buildings, and memorials have been named after elected officials and public figures for decades. Congressman Ed Pastor, a proud Democrat, has a freeway named in his honor. No one suggested that recognition was inappropriate simply because he held political views," said Senator Hoffman.
Arizona already offers dozens of specialty license plates representing various causes and organizations, all available on a voluntary basis for drivers who wish to support them. SB 1439 simply would have allowed Arizonans the same option to honor a man whose life's work centered on civic engagement and the defense of free speech.
"Charlie Kirk inspired millions of young Americans to engage in their communities, exercise their First Amendment rights, and participate in our democratic system," said Senator Hoffman. "Hobbs' veto sends a chilling message that honoring someone who championed free speech is unacceptable if their views do not align with her political ideology. This was a simple, voluntary way for Arizonans to honor a man whose life's work centered on civic engagement and the peaceful exchange of ideas. Katie Hobbs chose petty politics instead."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus