Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes Charlie Kirk memorial license plate, sparking GOP outrage

A bill that would have created a “Charlie Kirk memorial” license plate was vetoed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, sparking outrage from conservatives.

The plate was set to honor the Turning Point USA founder, who lived in Arizona with his family before he was assassinated in September. Kirk’s photo and the TPUSA logo were featured on the specialty plate, referred to as the “Conservative grassroots network special plate,” which included an American flag background.

The veto by the Democratic governor ignited Republicans, who are shredding Hobbs over the move.

(Video Credit: Fox News)

“Of the $25 fee required for the plate, $17 would be an annual donation deposited into the Conservative Grassroots Network Special Plate Fund, according to the legislation,” Fox News reported. “The $25 fee and annual $17 donation are consistent with the fees for the other 109 nonprofit license plates offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).”

Hobbs claimed the plate would “insert politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan,” as the Democrat vetoed the bill that would have created it.

Governor Hobbs just vetoed a specialty plate “For Charlie” that was passed by the Arizona Legislature.

They’re very worried about Arizonans wanting to support the cause of Charlie. pic.twitter.com/plVM4TPOUe

— Tyler Bowyer (@tylerbowyer) March 7, 2026

“Charlie Kirk’s assassination is tragic and a horrifying act of violence,” Hobbs wrote in a letter justifying her action. “In America, we resolve our political differences at the ballot box. No matter who it targets, political violence puts us all in harm’s way and damages our sacred democratic institutions.”

“I will continue working toward solutions that bring people together, but this bill falls short of that standard,” she added.

Republicans blasted the governor for her “grotesque partisanship” in vetoing the bill after the state Senate passed it, 16-2, and the House of Representatives voted in favor, 31-23. Arizona Sen. Jake Hoffman, who sponsored the bill, said Hobbs would go down as a “stain” on the state’s history.

Arizona Democrat Katie Hobbs VETOED the Charlie Kirk Memorial License Plate bill today.

My statement on her veto 👇🏼

Katie Hobbs’ grotesque partisanship knows no bounds. Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader — an Arizona resident and her own constituent — being… pic.twitter.com/yLz9tQN3ET

— Jake Hoffman (@JakeHoffmanAZ) March 7, 2026

“Katie Hobbs’ grotesque partisanship knows no bounds. Even in the wake of a global civil rights leader — an Arizona resident and her own constituent — being assassinated in broad daylight for his defense of the First Amendment, Hobbs couldn’t find the human decency to put her far-Left extremism aside simply to allow those who wish to honor him to do so,” the GOP lawmaker said. “Katie Hobbs will forever be known as a stain on the pages of Arizona’s story.”

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) also slammed Hobbs for her “petty and callous act.”

Charlie Kirk was one of America’s most influential voices and leaders.

He made his home in Arizona, building a company and raising a family in this state before he was assassinated because of his political beliefs.

Katie Hobbs had a chance to honor Charlie and she vetoed it.… pic.twitter.com/vbbjQhRyrJ

— Andy Biggs (@andybiggs4az) March 7, 2026

“Katie Hobbs had a chance to honor Charlie, and she vetoed it,” he posted on X. “A simple license plate for Arizonans to show they stand with Charlie for freedom and Katie Hobbs vetoed it.”

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