By Jonathan Eberle |
On Thursday, Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-LD3) accused Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes of improperly delegating state powers to a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization. The accusation raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the administration of state business.
According to documents Kolodin says he obtained through a months-long investigation, both Hobbs and Mayes engaged in undisclosed agreements with the States United Democracy Center, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting elections and democratic norms. Kolodin alleged that the group holds connections to progressive donors and political agendas.
The materials released by Kolodin indicate that Hobbs, during her tenure as Secretary of State, contracted with States United on three separate occasions to provide assistance in managing her office. One such arrangement was reportedly renewed shortly after Hobbs assumed the governorship. Kolodin contends that while these services were presented as being provided at no cost to the state, States United simultaneously received permission to advocate in regulatory and legal proceedings against Arizona’s interests—even while advising top state officials.
The report also includes allegations that the group was allowed to delete public records, potentially in violation of state law. Kolodin claims that the organization’s acknowledgment of this risk was disregarded by AG Mayes, who publicly denied any wrongdoing. The Attorney General’s office, according to Kolodin, has yet to release additional documents tied to its interactions with States United.
“Governor Hobbs and Attorney General Mayes have betrayed Arizonans by allowing radical, dark-money activists to infiltrate and weaponize Arizona’s government,” said Kolodin in a statement. “This corrupt collusion must be exposed. The people deserve answers, transparency, and immediate accountability.”
The allegations are likely to intensify tensions in the state, where debates over election integrity and government transparency have remained prominent in recent years. Representative Kolodin, a Republican, serves in the Arizona House of Representatives and has been a vocal critic of Governor Hobbs’ agenda.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
