Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today announced it has named Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs as Person of the Year. After being elected to the Arizona House in 2010, Governor Hobbs went on to serve in the Arizona State Legislature for four terms, including two as Senate Minority Leader. In 2018, she was elected Secretary of State, where she successfully oversaw a contentious election cycle and forcefully defended the votes and voices of every single Arizonan. Seeing her home state at a critical turning point, Governor Hobbs made the decision to run for Governor, and in 2022 was elected the fifth woman, and also fifth Arizona native, to lead the state.
“Governor Hobbs is a true friend to Arizona’s working families,” said Jim McLaughlin, President, UFCW Local 99. “From prioritizing affordable housing to ensuring every voter’s voice is heard, Governor Hobbs has supported UFCW’s members in Arizona and inspired members across state lines. I’m proud to have worked hand in hand with Governor Hobbs to ensure Arizona’s working people can thrive and even more proud to have her named as UFCW Western States Council’s 2023 Person of the Year.”
“Governor Hobbs is an absolute powerhouse in Arizona, showing everyone, nationwide, what it means to defend our democracy,” said Mark Ramos, President, UFCW Western States Council and UFCW Local 1428. “Our nation is stronger because of her tenacity and stand up against the forces trying to remove voters’ voices. Governor Hobbs was the only choice for UFCW Western States Council in deciding who our 2023 Person of the Year would be.”
“The power of UFCW is bringing people together – giving a collective voice to those who aren’t typically heard,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “That idea is exactly what motivated me to run for office in the first place, and what continues to guide me. The honor of being UFCW’s Person of the Year isn’t just for me, it’s for every Arizonan whose life is better because of the change each of us has fought for. Thank you for this honor.”
UFCW Western States Council also named two members of UFCW Local 99, Jocelyn Cruces and Cesar Escobedo, as Members of the Year during the award ceremony Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2023
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620, [email protected]