Governor Hobbs vetoes Kirk memorial plate, Republicans cry 'grotesque partisanship'

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Governor Katie Hobbs is facing intense Republican criticism after vetoing legislation that would have created a specialty memorial license plate for the late Charlie Kirk. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University.

The proposed "Conservative grassroots network" plate featured Kirk’s photo and the TPUSA logo against an American flag.

While the bill passed both the state Senate and House, Hobbs claimed the measure would "insert politics" into government functions that should remain nonpartisan.

Governor cites concerns over political partisanship

In her veto letter, Hobbs described Kirk’s assassination as a "horrifying act of violence" but argued that the bill failed to meet the goal of bringing people together.

She emphasized that political differences should be resolved at the ballot box rather than through state-authorized specialty plates.

Republicans were quick to highlight that Arizona already offered several plates tied to political or social interests, such as the "Choose Life" and "In God We Trust" plates.

Critics also pointed to Alice Cooper’s specialty plate, noting the musician’s past political comments on social issues.

GOP blasts 'grotesque' act of partisanship

State Senator Jake Hoffman, the bill’s sponsor, released a statement claiming the governor’s "grotesque partisanship knows no bounds." 

He argued that Hobbs lacked the human decency to allow Arizona residents to honor a constituent who was killed for defending the First Amendment.

The rhetoric escalated further on Saturday when TPUSA COO Tyler Bowyer shared a social media post calling for Hobbs to be deported.

Republican leadership maintained that the veto was a stain on the state's history, given Kirk's role as a global leader in the conservative movement.

Funding designed for grassroots activist networks

The legislation proposed a $25 fee, with $17 directed annually to a fund supporting a nonprofit focused on traditional values and campus activism.

Although TPUSA was not named explicitly, the bill described an organization matching its 2012 founding date and mission.

TPUSA is currently headquartered in Phoenix, where Kirk lived with his wife and two children prior to his death.

The fee structure for the memorial plate was consistent with the other 109 nonprofit plates managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation.