Tucson Watch: National Security Expert Questions Governor Hobbs as China-Related Bills Head to Her Desk

Seven New Bills Target China’s Influence in Arizona

A national security expert is watching closely to see how Gov. Katie Hobbs handles a wave of legislation aimed at curbing China’s influence in Arizona. The scrutiny comes as the governor faces up to seven new bills that could land on her desk this session.

The bills cover a broad range of state vulnerabilities. They include measures to protect critical infrastructure and state-owned land. Others would shield higher education institutions and state procurement contracts from foreign adversaries. One bill would require lobbyists to register and disclose activities tied to foreign adversaries. Another targets foreign-adversary entities that violate Arizona consumer laws.

A Pattern of Vetoes

Hobbs has a record of rejecting similar legislation in recent years. In 2024 and 2025, she vetoed multiple bills aimed at limiting China’s footprint in Arizona.

One vetoed measure would have prevented Arizona from investing in or contracting with foreign adversaries. Hobbs said the bill "would be detrimental to the economic growth Arizona is experiencing as well as the State’s investment portfolio."

In 2025, she also vetoed legislation that would have barred foreign adversaries from purchasing land near Arizona’s military bases and critical infrastructure. The governor called that bill "weak and spineless legislation that would let the People’s Republic of China own land in Arizona for three years."

This legislative session, Hobbs vetoed another bill targeting genetic sequencing procedures performed with devices made by companies linked to foreign adversaries. She cited concerns about the impact on Arizona’s "strained healthcare system."

Expert Warns Against Carve-Outs

Josh Hodges, a former senior director at the National Security Council under President Donald Trump, told The Center Square that the pending China-related bills are "massively impactful." Hodges currently serves on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and previously served as a national security adviser to House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.

"The only reason someone would veto these pieces of legislation is if they’re trying to play friendly with the [Chinese Communist Party] or there’s active lobbying campaigns that aren’t being disclosed," Hodges said.

Hodges warned that if Hobbs signs the bills with significant carve-outs or requires major restructuring, "then [she is] not putting Arizonans first."

He said states across the country are beginning to act. He pointed to bipartisan legislation passed in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Florida to deter Chinese influence.

"The Chinese are always looking to exploit the nuance from one state to another," Hodges said.

Arizona in the Crosshairs

Hodges said federal government entities have identified an "active and ongoing effort at a sub-national level across the United States to embed Chinese Communist Party operations in key assets across the United States, including Arizona."

He said China’s strategy includes flooding American markets with subsidized goods and attempting to dominate key industries. Beyond energy, he pointed to Arizona’s telecommunications, investment, and gene-sequencing sectors as targets.

The Center Square reached out to Hobbs’ office for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

What It Means for Tucson

Tucson is home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, one of the nation’s largest military installations, and a growing technology corridor. Bills that restrict foreign ownership of land near military bases or limit state contracts with companies tied to foreign adversaries would directly affect the region.

Hodges said the threat China poses to America is not a partisan issue. He urged Arizonans to watch how Hobbs acts when these bills reach her desk.

"Most Americans, including Arizonans, understand that they don’t want the Chinese increasing their leverage over the United States’ national, economic, state or regional security," Hodges said.

If the governor vetoes the bills again, Hodges said Arizonans "will find out quickly whether their interests are being chosen over politics."