Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement Nov. 23 saying he met with Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs and wished her well as Hobbs takes over the governor's seat.

“Today I congratulated Governor-elect Katie Hobbs on her victory in a hard-fought race and offered my full cooperation as she prepares to assume the leadership of the state of Arizona," Ducey stated on the governor's office website.

Hobbs narrowly defeated Republican rival Kari Lake in the Nov. 8 general election for governor, according to Ballotpedia. Ducey's eight-year-term ends Jan. 1.

“My administration will work to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible," Ducey said. "Our duty is to ensure that Arizona’s 24th governor and her team can hit the ground running and continue our state’s incredible momentum."

Ducey, who had been critical of Hobbs' unwillingness to meet Lake in debates, nonetheless recognized Hobbs' victory, even after Lake contested the results, delaying Ducey's meeting with the winner.

“All of us have waited patiently for the democratic process to play out,” he said. “The people of Arizona have spoken; their votes have been counted and we respect their decision."

Now it's time to turn votes into action, Ducey said.

“No matter who we voted for, all of us have a stake in Arizona’s success,” he said. “Our future is bright and boundless. Let us never forget that as we begin this next chapter in our state’s history.”