Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes will not say whether Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs will ever sit for a formal interview in a criminal investigation that has remained open for more than two years.
Mayes defended her office’s handling of the case Monday, telling Arizona’s Family that “no one can blow off the Attorney General’s office.” Her office formally requested an interview with Hobbs in April, but the meeting has not occurred. Mayes said the probe is “nearly complete” and investigators will obtain the information they need, yet she declined to say whether it could end without questioning Hobbs or before the Nov. 3 election.
The inquiry began in June 2024 after the Attorney General’s Office received a criminal referral from Republican state Sen. T.J. Shope. It centers on allegations involving Sunshine Residential Homes, a provider of group homes for foster children, and whether political donations influenced a state-approved rate increase.
Sunshine and figures connected to the company contributed roughly $400,000 to Hobbs’ inaugural fund and the Arizona Democratic Party. The provider later received a substantial increase in what the Arizona Department of Child Safety paid it per child, while other providers had previously been denied increases, according to reporting that prompted the investigation.
Hobbs has denied wrongdoing and maintains her administration followed state procurement laws. Her office has characterized the allegations as partisan, while Sunshine has said it would cooperate with investigators.
The investigation now carries added political weight because Hobbs and Mayes are both seeking reelection. Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs has featured the probe in campaign advertising, and Mayes has not committed to resolving it before voters cast ballots in the Nov. 3 election.
No charges have been announced, and the investigation itself does not establish misconduct by Hobbs, Sunshine or anyone else.
