Arizona Troopers Endorsed Biggs Amid Funding Dispute
The Arizona State Troopers Association backed the congressman following criticism of Governor Katie Hobbs.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Live Poll
Do you believe state leaders are doing enough to address staffing shortages in local law enforcement?
The Arizona State Troopers Association announced its endorsement of Congressman Andy Biggs on September 29, 2026. Biggs utilized the press conference to criticize Governor Katie Hobbs over staffing vacancies and department funding.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on the adequacy of current law enforcement funding in Arizona, specifically regarding personnel shortages and department infrastructure. The endorsement highlights the divide between the governor's office and union leadership over budget priorities.
The Department of Public Safety currently reports 400 vacancies, a figure noted alongside the fact that no staffing increase has occurred since the mid-1990s. Only one new department facility has been constructed within the last 30 years.
The players
Andy Biggs
Andy Biggs is a U.S. Congressman representing Arizona who has voiced critical stances on state-level law enforcement funding and the current administration.
Katie Hobbs
Katie Hobbs is the Governor of Arizona who is responsible for negotiating the state budget with the Legislature and has overseen recent funding allocations for law enforcement.
Arizona State Troopers Association
The Arizona State Troopers Association is a representative body for state law enforcement officers that manages labor relations and issues political endorsements.
The details
Congressman Biggs pointed to the governor's veto of a 2025 municipal funding bill as evidence of insufficient support for police, while the state has allocated $6 million for raises and $215 million for border security. The union stated that current staffing levels and pay concerns drove their decision to endorse the candidate.
Timeline
Staffing levels have not increased since the mid-1990s.
Only one new Department of Public Safety building was built in the last 30 years.
The endorsement and criticism occurred on September 29, 2026.
A public-safety forum regarding trooper benefits is scheduled for August 2026.
Legal Context
The debate over the 2025 Arizona municipal law enforcement funding bill reflects broader ongoing tensions regarding the state's legislative authority over local policing resources. Recent cases have highlighted how vetoes of such bills are frequently cited by political candidates as evidence of departmental neglect.
The 400 existing vacancies within the Department of Public Safety raise concerns about potential impacts on emergency response times for residents across the state. Travelers and residents may also see changes in local law enforcement presence as officials negotiate the next state budget cycle.
The takeaway
Staffing and facility maintenance remain the primary friction points between state leadership and law enforcement unions in Arizona. Public debate will likely continue as stakeholders assess whether current funding allocations sufficiently address long-term operational needs.
Further reading
For more on local policing and legislative oversight, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
Live Poll
Do you believe state leaders are doing enough to address staffing shortages in local law enforcement?
