In a recent development that has stirred the political landscape of Arizona, State Representative Alexander Kolodin has revealed findings from an investigation implicating Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes in a controversial partnership with the States United Democracy Center. Kolodin claims that both officials have allowed this far-left activist organization to influence official state operations and strategies.
The report by Kolodin provides evidence of agreements between Hobbs, Mayes, and the Washington, D.C.-based group. According to the documents, States United has been involved in advising both officials on implementing measures perceived as antagonistic towards conservative parties and interests. The agreements allegedly include, States United's provision of “free” services while representing outside interests in conflict with the State of Arizona.
The States United Democracy Center, known for its ties to progressive funders, has been charged with guiding both Hobbs and Mayes in navigating legal and regulatory proceedings. This complex relationship dates back to Hobbs's tenure as Secretary of State, where she is reported to have engaged the group's services three times over two years, a connection she purportedly rekindled upon becoming governor. This interaction has raised concerns over the potential misuse of official positions for political gains.
Adding to the controversy, Kolodin's findings suggest that States United was tasked with the destruction of public records. This action, which both acknowledges the potential illegality and the possibility for concealing actual governmental proceedings, is an allegation denied by Mayes. "The Attorney General's Office in unaware of any such agreements [allowing for the destruction of public records] entered into by this office since January," she stated in a letter cited in the findings, as reported by the Arizona Legislature.
Representative Kolodin's investigation and subsequent revelation have triggered demands for transparency and accountability within Arizona's highest levels of governance. "Governor Hobbs and Attorney General Mayes have betrayed Arizonans by allowing radical, dark-money activists to infiltrate and weaponize Arizona’s government,” Kolodin said, as noted by the Arizona Legislature.
