The oldest Gen Xers are turning 60 in 2025 — hard to believe if you happen to be one. In My So-Called Midlife, KJZZ takes a closer look at this generation and what they’re up to — or, rather, up against.
Running for any kind of political office can mean being on the receiving end of a lot of criticism — from all sides. As we wrap up our special series on Generation X, KJZZ talked to Gov. Katie Hobbs — herself a Gen Xer — about how her upbringing shaped the way she handles public life.
Growing up, Democrat Hobbs says she was always pretty independent as a kid.
She was also responsible, along with her twin sister, for taking care of their younger siblings, including her baby brother.
“I was 10 years old when my brother was born, and my parents left us home to babysit him a lot,” Hobbs said.
"I wasn't the popular kid. ... And I think that just hardened me and made me be able to really weather the criticism and not let it bother me."Gov. Katie Hobbs
Classic Gen Xer. Her school experience also shaped her — and not always in the easiest ways.
“I wasn't the popular kid. And I always felt on the outside. And I think that just hardened me and made me be able to really weather the criticism and not let it bother me."
Which, it turns out, is pretty useful when you're running for public office.
“If someone said, 'well, that race you're going to run is unwinnable for you.' And I'm like, 'well, I'm going to do it anyway.' And here I am," Hobbs said.
Hobbs is optimistic about younger generations, including Gen Alpha, generally defined as those born between 2010 and 2024.
"They don't seem to care what other people think a lot — and they should just keep doing that. Just be themselves," Hobbs said.
