Arizona’s Death Penalty Halted by Gov. Hobbs and Attorney General Mayes

Arizona Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs (R) looks on as Kris Mayes (L), Democratic candidate for Arizona Attorney General, speaks at a press conference calling for abortion rights outside the Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 7, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) announced a new executive order on Friday to establish a Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner to provide transparency around the state’s processes and protocols for executions.

In a statement, Hobbs’ office said she signed an executive order establishing the commissioner as part of her First 100 Days initiative to “build an Arizona for everyone,” which outlines the first 100 actions she will take as governor.