WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2026)—Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislation Fund, is endorsing Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for reelection. As the nation’s leading political animal advocacy organization, Humane World Action Fund endorses candidates based on their demonstrated commitment to animal protection, evaluating each candidate only on their record and positions on animal welfare issues.

“Governor Katie Hobbs has earned our endorsement by heeding the overwhelming support by Arizonans for commonsense animal protection policies,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund. “Her actions as governor have strengthened Arizona’s animal cruelty laws, safeguarded wildlife and protected animals from harm and exploitation. We urge voters in Arizona to reelect Governor Katie Hobbs.”

As governor, Hobbs has been a line of defense against harmful legislation, including bills that would undermine protections for Mexican gray wolves, while also signing pro-animal legislation into law. Just this year, she vetoed a House bill (HB 2787) that would have would have prohibited Arizona state and local agencies from cooperating with the federal Mexican gray wolf recovery program, as well as a Senate bill (SB 1280) that would have imposed additional restrictions on wolf recovery and management efforts.

“This year has been a fight for animal protection in Arizona, particularly when it comes to safeguarding our state's wildlife, and we are grateful for Governor Hobbs's leadership,” said Briana Romero, Arizona state director for Humane World Action Fund. “Arizonans care deeply about our wildlife and understand the important role healthy wildlife populations play in maintaining balanced ecosystems. Governor Hobbs has consistently recognized the importance of wildlife protection and demonstrated her commitment through her record, and we endorse her re-election and her continued leadership on animal protection in Arizona."

Hobbs has signed several pro-animal bills into law that are featured in the 2025 and 2026 Arizona Humane Scorecards, which track state lawmakers’ votes on key animal protection legislation:

  • Coercive Control Definition (HB 2995): Signed into law in 2026, the legislation adds threat to injure or kill family pets to definition of coercive control, among other domestic violence protections for victims.
  • Failure to Treat (SB 1658): Signed into law in 2025, the legislation closes loopholes in Arizona’s cruelty laws and sets clear, humane standards. It removes the “protracted suffering” requirement so authorities can act before neglect becomes fatal, defines “cruel neglect” to include lack of food, water, shelter or medical care, and ensures animals are protected from preventable pain. These updates give law enforcement stronger tools and make Arizona a leader in compassionate, commonsense protections.
  • Animal Cruelty Felony Classification (SB 1198): Signed into law in 2025, the legislation makes severe animal cruelty a felony, ensuring Arizona treats egregious neglect and abuse as serious crimes. It gives law enforcement stronger tools to hold offenders accountable, deters future abuse, and reflects the state’s commitment to compassion and public safety.
  • Assistance Animals (HB 2068): Signed into law in 2025, the legislation clarifies rules for assistance and emotional support animals in housing, setting fair documentation standards and clear landlord obligations. It protects tenants with legitimate needs, prevents misuse and promotes housing access, stability and animal welfare.

Hobbs also vetoed a Senate bill (SB 1721) in 2025 that would have blocked Arizona and local governments from setting housing size standards for egg-laying hens, leaving producers free to use restrictive cages. While framed as ensuring uniform rules, the bill would have stripped communities of the ability to adopt stronger welfare protections and allowed continued confinement practices harmful to hens.

View a running list of 2026 endorsements made by Humane World Action Fund at humaneaction.org/endorsements.

Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo; ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org, 240-472-0475