Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is once again in the national spotlight as the 2026 election cycle heats up. With the Republican primary now decided, many people searching for background on the governor also want to know basic facts about her, starting with her age, birthdate, and career timeline. Here’s a complete, up-to-date look at Katie Hobbs’ age and how it fits into her political story.
How Old Is Katie Hobbs?
Katie Hobbs, whose full name is Kathleen Marie Hobbs, was born on December 28, 1969, in Phoenix, Arizona. As of 2026, she is 56 years old. She was born and raised in Arizona, splitting her early years between Phoenix and nearby Tempe, where her family instilled values of hard work and community service.
Hobbs’ age places her firmly in the same generation as many of her political peers, and her decades-long career in public service reflects that experience. She has spent more than a decade in elected office, first at the state legislative level and now as Arizona’s chief executive.
Katie Hobbs’ Background and Early Career
Before entering politics, Hobbs worked as a social worker, a career path that shaped much of her public policy focus. She helped run one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country and worked as an advocate for survivors of abuse. According to reports on her biography, Hobbs grew up in a working-class family and has spoken about her family relying on public assistance during difficult periods, experiences she says influenced her commitment to helping working families.
Hobbs earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. That educational and professional background eventually led her into elected office, where she built a reputation as a policy-focused legislator.
Katie Hobbs’ Political Career Timeline
Hobbs’ rise through Arizona politics has been steady and well documented:
- 2011–2013: Served in the Arizona House of Representatives
- 2013–2019: Served in the Arizona State Senate, including as Senate Minority Leader from 2015 to 2019
- 2019–2023: Served as Arizona Secretary of State, where she oversaw a contentious and closely watched election cycle
- 2023–present: Serving as the 24th Governor of Arizona
Hobbs made history in 2022 when she was elected governor, becoming the fifth woman to lead the state and the first social worker in the country to be elected governor. She was sworn in on January 2, 2023, succeeding former Governor Doug Ducey.
Katie Hobbs’ Personal Life
Beyond her political résumé, Hobbs is married to Patrick Goodman, whom she wed in 1996, and the couple has two children. She has a twin sister named Becky, along with several younger siblings, and has spoken publicly about growing up in a close-knit family that shaped her values around responsibility and public service.
Katie Hobbs Seeks a Second Term in 2026
As governor, Hobbs has focused her administration on issues including affordable housing, water security, public education, infrastructure, and economic development. In October 2025, she officially announced she would seek re-election in 2026, setting up what is expected to be one of the most closely watched governor’s races in the country this fall.
Andy Biggs Wins the Republican Nomination
The Republican side of the race has now been settled. U.S. Representative Andy Biggs has secured the Republican nomination for Arizona governor, defeating fellow Congressman David Schweikert and other primary contenders. Biggs, a former chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, campaigned with the backing of President Donald Trump and held a significant lead in the polls throughout the primary.
Biggs previously served in the Arizona Legislature, including as Senate president, before being elected to Congress in 2016. His campaign has emphasized border security, lower taxes, and a message aligned closely with Trump’s political priorities.
With the primary now decided, Biggs will face Governor Hobbs directly in the November 2026 general election. Arizona is considered a key battleground state, and this race is expected to draw heavy national attention given the state’s history of closely contested statewide elections.
What to Expect in the November 2026 Governor’s Race
The matchup between Hobbs and Biggs is shaping up to be a defining contest in this year’s midterm elections. Hobbs will run on her record over the past term, while Biggs is expected to lean heavily on his alignment with Trump and conservative policy priorities. Given Arizona’s recent electoral history, where races for statewide office have often been decided by narrow margins, both campaigns are likely to invest heavily in outreach and turnout efforts between now and Election Day in November.
For voters searching for background on the candidates, Katie Hobbs’ age, 56, and her long record in Arizona government offer useful context as the race unfolds. Her experience as both a legislator and a statewide officeholder will likely be a central talking point as she makes the case for a second term.
Quick Facts About Katie Hobbs
- Full name: Kathleen Marie Hobbs
- Date of birth: December 28, 1969
- Age: 56 (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona
- Current role: Governor of Arizona (since January 2, 2023)
- Party: Democratic
- Education: Northern Arizona University (BSW), Arizona State University (MSW)
- Spouse: Patrick Goodman
- Children: Two
- 2026 general election opponent: Andy Biggs (Republican)
As the general election campaign gets underway, expect Katie Hobbs’ background, record, and age to continue coming up in conversations about her fitness for a second term, alongside broader debates over policy direction for the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 Arizona governor’s race, and drop a comment below with who you think will come out on top this November!