The Arizona Senate committee, known for its intense sessions, surprisingly approved Governor Katie Hobbs’ nominee to head the Department of Economic Security (DES) without any issues on Thursday.
Over the past two years, Governor Hobbs and Senator Jake Hoffman, the Director Nominations Committee chair, have frequently clashed over agency appointments. Their disagreements even reached the courts, where Hobbs’ bid to bypass the committee was dismissed.
However, the committee’s first meeting of 2025 marked a change in tone, as Hoffman remarked, as they endorsed Hobbs’ choice for the DES leadership.
“We have seen an unfortunate lack of vetting by the governor in nominees, however that’s not the case today,” stated Hoffman.
Michael Wisehart, who previously held the position under former Republican Governor Doug Ducey, is already serving as the acting director, pending full Senate confirmation.
In his address to lawmakers, Wisehart expressed, “My passion for the work runs extremely deep. We have some of the most amazing people working for the state of Arizona.”
On the same day, Senate Republicans urged the resignation of Hobbs’ housing director, Joan Serviss, due to an auditor general’s report of misused housing funds and Hoffman’s earlier critiques.
The DINO committee had previously voted against Serviss, but the Senate never voted on her nomination as Hobbs withdrew her candidacy.
According to a GOP press release, the Republican-majority Senate plans to decide on Serviss’ future next week.
Senate President Warren Petersen expressed strong opposition, stating, “Disturbing fraud, waste, and abuse have occurred under her watch. State lawmakers and citizens who rely on this agency are outraged. The Senate cannot in good conscience confirm this Director. We are calling on her to do the right thing by stepping down immediately before the vote occurs.”
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