A historically turbulent Senate committee approved Gov. Katie Hobbs’ pick to lead the Department of Economic Security on Thursday without drama.
Hobbs and Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek), the chair of the Director Nominations Committee, have sparred over the governor’s agency appointees, and Hoffman’s treatment of those nominees, for the past two years.
Their dispute eventually wound up in court, where a judge rejected Hobbs’ attempt to circumvent the committee.
The committee’s first hearing of 2025 went smoothly by comparison, as Hoffman noted, as lawmakers recommended approval of Hobbs’ nominee to lead DES.
“We have seen an unfortunate lack of vetting by the governor in nominees, however that’s not the case today,” Hoffman said.
Michael Wisehart previously served in the same role under Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Even though he hasn’t been approved by the full Senate yet, he’s already serving as acting director.
“My passion for the work runs extremely deep,” he told lawmakers. “We have some of the most amazing people working for the state of Arizona.”
Shortly after Wisehart’s hearing, Senate Republicans called on Hobbs’ housing director, Joan Serviss, to resign, citing an auditor general’s finding of wasted housing funds and Hoffman’s previous criticisms of Serviss.
The DINO committee voted to reject Serviss, but the Senate never got to vote on her because Hobbs pulled her from consideration at the time.
According to the GOP lawmakers’ press release, the Republican-controlled Senate is scheduled to vote on whether to confirm or reject Serviss next week.
“Disturbing fraud, waste, and abuse have occurred under her watch. State lawmakers and citizens who rely on this agency are outraged. The Senate cannot in good conscience confirm this Director," Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) wrote in a statement. "We are calling on her to do the right thing by stepping down immediately before the vote occurs.
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