Today, Gov. Katie Hobbs is proud to announce the endorsement of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, underscoring the strong partnerships she has built with Tribal Nations across Arizona. The San Carlos Apache Tribe, which spans across Gila, Graham, and Pinal Counties in Southeastern Arizona, is supporting Hobbs because of her record of investing in Tribal healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety, and her ongoing commitment to sovereignty, self-determination, and working in full partnership with Tribal leaders.
“The San Carlos Apache Tribe is thankful for Gov. Katie Hobbs’ ongoing partnership and efforts to provide funding for important infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental projects. We are pleased to endorse Katie Hobbs for re-election because we know she will continue fighting for the Apache people and other Tribal Nations across Arizona,” said the Tribe’s Chairman, Terry Rambler.
“As governor, I’ve worked hand-in-hand with Tribal Nations to understand the issues facing Indigenous people and to implement solutions that meet critical needs while honoring Tribal sovereignty,” said Katie Hobbs. “I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and I look forward to continue delivering resources that allow Tribal Nations to thrive on their own terms.”
Since taking office, Hobbs has delivered major wins for Arizona’s Tribal communities, including:
- Establishing critical Tribal safety measures, including the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force and the Turquoise Alert, which tackles the crisis of missing Indigenous persons by increasing law enforcement responsiveness and ensuring timely action for missing Indigenous individuals.
- Expanding access to Tribal healthcare and wellness, including expanding Medicaid to cover traditional healing services at IHS and 638 facilities, and investing $100,000 to support the advisory committee on OB/GYN and mental health services in high-risk Tribal and rural communities.
- Ensuring reliable and sustainable water supplies for Tribal Nations, including by signing the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement and the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement – the largest tribal water settlement in U.S. history.
- Defending Tribal sovereignty and honoring Native veterans by safeguarding the 22 Tribal Nation flags removed from the Phoenix VA hospital and displaying them at the Arizona Capitol until they can be returned to their rightful place.
- Delivering needed infrastructure, including funding over $1.4 million in safety improvements to US Route 70 through the San Carlos Apache Reservation to reduce fatalities and support safer travel, and over $53 million in State Route 347 improvements through the Gila River Indian Community to reduce emergency response times and address one of Arizona’s most dangerous corridors.
