Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs Faces a Pay to Play Question She Can’t Ignore

Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is facing criticism over an alleged pay-to-play scheme, where she reportedly accepted donations and then allowed a government contractor to dramatically increase rates. She even brought her campaign finance manager to a dinner with the contractor. During a recent interview, she appeared nervous and stumbled over her words.

The controversy centers on Sunshine Residential Homes, a nonprofit running group homes for foster children in Arizona. Its CEO, Simon Kottoor, and other executives donated roughly $400,000 to Hobbs-related entities, including her campaign. After receiving these donations, Sunshine Residential Homes was permitted to raise rates by 30–60%.