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Katie Hobbs releases diversity plan, discusses backlash over Talonya Adams case

Katie Hobbs senate testimony
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs testifies before the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee on Oct. 26, 2021.

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is releasing her diversity, equity and inclusion plan.

The other Democrats in the primary race, Aaron Lieberman and Marco López, have also released theirs.

Hobbs’s move comes after the case of an Arizona Senate staffer, who said she was the victim of gender and race discrimination.

Talonya Adams argued she was fired for complaining about being paid less than her white and male colleagues. A federal jury agreed with her and awarded her $2.75 million. That came after a separate jury awarded Adams $1 million, and the judge ordered the Senate to rehire her.

Hobbs was Senate minority leader at the time, and has acknowledged, and apologized for, her role in Adams’ firing.

The Show spoke with Secretary Hobbs about it.

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Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.