Democrat Katie Hobbs takes office as Arizona governor
![](https://ktvz.b-cdn.net/2019/11/KTVZ-USworld2.png)
By JONATHAN J. COOPER
Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — Katie Hobbs took the oath of office to become Arizona’s 24th governor and the first Democrat to hold the office since 2009. Power transferred in a private ceremony Monday as Hobbs formally took over from Republican Doug Ducey. A public inauguration for Hobbs and others taking statewide offices is scheduled for Thursday. Hobbs is the outgoing secretary of state and was previously a state legislator who rose to become the top Democrat in the Senate. As governor, she’ll have to work with a House and Senate narrowly controlled by Republicans. The new Legislature convenes for the first time next week.