Hobbs Draws Criticism Over Hiking Post Amid Arizona Flooding; Emergency Declaration Announced Later

November 2, 2026 ADI Staff Reporter
hobbs
Governor Katie Hobbs enjoyed a hike while Arizonans dealt with flooding.

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs drew criticism from Republican officials Monday after her campaign account posted a photograph and message about a morning hike as northern Arizona communities dealt with severe flooding. Her office announced an emergency declaration later that afternoon, saying state agencies were already conducting rescues, removing debris, and responding to storm damage.

“Nothing like hitting the trail for a morning hike before hitting the campaign trail,” Hobbs wrote in the November 2 post accompanying the photograph.

The post followed flooding that forced evacuations and emergency rescues across northern Arizona on Sunday. KNAU reported Monday morning that rising water along Oak Creek trapped people in their homes in Sedona, with some evacuated from rooftops by helicopter. Evacuation orders also affected portions of Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and other communities near swollen waterways.

Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok posted footage of flooding in Sedona and wrote, “Katie Hobbs is out doing photoshoots and enjoying a hike while thousands of Arizonans were evacuated for extreme flooding and saw their entire lives get washed away.”

“No words,” she added, “Beyond despicable.”

State Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) criticized the governor’s hiking post, contrasting it with the emergency response underway.

“Northern AZ was devastated this weekend by severe flooding. Arizonans are being rescued out of their homes amidst raging flood waters,” Hoffman wrote. “Entire communities, tens of thousands of Arizonans, have been impacted. Katie Hobbs’ response… she goes hiking before campaigning. FIRE HOBBS.”

Turning Point Action’s Tyler Bowyer also criticized the post, writing, “Arizona has devastating floods happening and here is Katie Hobbs response. This woman is an absolute idiot.”

The Maricopa County Republican Committee shared Hoffman’s post and urged voters to support Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs, calling for voters to keep Hobbs in “‘Take A Hike’ mode.”

Later Monday, the Governor’s Office announced an emergency declaration making $200,000 in emergency funding available to affected communities. The release described substantial damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure, along with evacuations and displaced residents.

“The safety and security of every Arizonan is my top priority,” Hobbs said in the release. “I am issuing this emergency declaration to ensure our local authorities have the resources they need to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and help displaced residents. We will continue working directly with local emergency managers to rebuild and recover from this disaster.”

The office said state agencies had already been responding with rescues, debris removal, and other operations before the announcement. It also said the declaration activates the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan and that the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated.

Although the Governor’s Office described the action as a statewide declaration, Arizona’s Family reported that it covered parts of Apache, Coconino, Gila, Greenlee, Navajo, Pinal, and Yavapai counties, along with five tribal communities.

Maricopa County separately declared a local emergency for unincorporated areas and requested inclusion in the state declaration, FOX 10 reported.

Monday’s announcement followed a separate October 30 declaration for Navajo and Coconino counties after earlier flooding and tornadoes, according to KJZZ.

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