Both candidates running for Arizona governor this November agree securing water for the future is important. Conservation is a must, they say. But they diverge on how — and when — to bring water from new sources to the state.
The focus on water comes as reductions to the Colorado River supply force cities to activate drought plans and upend rural farmers’ way of life, and rapidly declining groundwater threatens development in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
Republican Kari Lake says the next governor must take the lead on water augmentation. At campaign events, she’s sympathized with farmers and played up the need for solutions that safeguard their livelihoods.
Democrat Katie Hobbs has focused more on ways to better manage the state’s existing water, like more cross-agency collaboration and law or regulation changes that will safeguard residents and promote water reuse.
Whoever wins will guide the state strategy, affecting federal Colorado River negotiations and how the $1 billion designated by the Legislature for water this past session is spent. She also will sign off on or veto legislation that affects Arizona water management.
Lake and Hobbs declined interview requests, so The Arizona Republic reviewed their online policies and public comments, and asked experts to weigh in on what voters should know.
