Andy Beshear Podcast
Episode: Governor Laura Kelly, Governor Katie Hobbs and a Big Announcement
Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Andy Beshear
Episode Overview
This episode brings together two prominent Democratic governors from red and purple states—Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas and Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona—for candid, unscripted discussions on public service, problem-solving, and resilience in governance. Beshear also makes two big announcements: his new leadership role at the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) and the launch of the podcast merch store. The conversations move far beyond politics, touching on personal motivations, policy challenges, leadership lessons, and moments of humor and warmth.
Key Discussions & Insights
1. Governor Katie Hobbs: The Journey, Governance, and Resilience
[00:48–15:58]
Personal Background & Motivation
- Triathlete & Social Worker: Katie Hobbs shares that she’s run two half-ironman races and is the only social worker ever elected as a governor in the U.S.
- “Social work is why I got into politics... I didn’t leave social work.” —Katie Hobbs [02:52]
- Upbringing: Grew up in a faith community, experienced family struggles including reliance on food stamps, and worked through college, even driving Uber after losing her home during the Great Recession.
- “I drove for Uber to put presents under the tree for my kids.” —Katie Hobbs [03:53]
From Social Work to Politics
- Witnessed firsthand how policy shortcomings deeply impact families.
- Entered the legislature to solve systemic issues ignored by “career politicians.”
Governing in a Divided State
- Faced a Republican-controlled legislature and still achieved bipartisan victories.
- “We got more done this year than in my first two years as governor...because we continued to work across the aisle.” —Katie Hobbs [06:15]
- Focuses on solutions, not parties:
- “You can’t get to solving problems if you’re focused on the politics...I’ve always focused on what we can do to find common ground.” —Katie Hobbs [05:36]
Making Issues Nonpartisan
- Beshear posits that issues like jobs, schools, healthcare, and safety are “nonpartisan.”
- “Families in Arizona...they just want our elected leaders to work together to solve [life’s challenges].” —Katie Hobbs [06:58]
SNAP Benefits, Politicization, and Federal Tensions
- Frustration with federal brinksmanship on food assistance.
- “It is really maddening how much they are politicizing [SNAP benefits]... why government exists.” —Katie Hobbs [07:41]
- Defends states’ rigorous fraud protection and privacy practices.
Achievements & Policy Highlights
- Border Security: Secured $100M for local enforcement, activated the National Guard to interdict drugs, worked with federal agencies.
- Housing Affordability: Major investments for affordable housing, down-payment assistance, and red tape reduction.
- Water Management: Bipartisan coalition for groundwater reform, repurposing agricultural land for housing, ending unchecked groundwater extraction by foreign corporations.
Re-election and the Stakes
- Arizona is a critical swing state—Hobbs is “one of just two Democratic governors up for reelection in states Trump won.”
- “I'm 100% every single day focused on how I can make life better for Arizonans.” —Katie Hobbs [11:42]
Candid & Personal Moments
- Superpower: “I'm a mediocre pool player, but I love playing pool.” —Katie Hobbs [15:04]
- Family Time: Loves hiking Arizona’s trails and binge-watching Netflix.
- Campaign Info: “They can go to KatieHobbs.org. I’m on all the social media platforms...” [15:51]
2. Governor Laura Kelly: Lessons in Leadership and Rural Advocacy
[17:25–46:08]
DGA Leadership & Recent Wins
- Led the DGA to major wins in Virginia and New Jersey, credits “phenomenal candidates” and their grassroots approach.
- “They... ignored all of the sort of distracting social issues.” —Laura Kelly [19:46]
- The successful campaigns focused on “the people, on what they need, and how to deliver for them.” [19:46–20:59]
Connecting with Rural Voters
- Emphasizes value of showing up in rural America:
- “Even if the conversations are tough, I think Americans give you credit for showing up and trying, especially if they can tell that you're genuine.” —Andy Beshear [21:04]
- “I just found that they weren’t used to having somebody have the conversation with them.” —Laura Kelly [22:57]
- Her own first Senate race was won by only 39 votes, highlighting the impact of meeting every voter.
Policy Turnarounds & Leadership Style
- Took over Kansas when it was economically devastated by her predecessor’s tax cuts.
- “The only people who benefited from that tax cut were those who really didn't need to.” —Laura Kelly [27:26]
- First priority was restoring economic development and jobs as prerequisites to social improvements.
- Economic and educational improvements now central to Kansas’ attractiveness.
On Motivation and “Superpowers”
- Motivated by responsibility: “I ran originally... because I knew I was the only Democrat who could win and fix the state.” —Laura Kelly [34:07]
- Learned to problem-solve and stay calm under pressure from a career in psychiatric care and public service: “My superpower is that I don’t take things personally. It is very, very hard to get under my skin.” —Laura Kelly [37:13]
Building for the Future—Succession & the DGA
- Discusses the challenge and history-making opportunity in electing a Democratic successor.
- Predicts the next Democratic presidential nominee may well be a governor.
- “I believe... the next presidential nominee will come from the ranks of a Democratic governor.” —Laura Kelly [41:46]
Candid & Warm Moments
- Shares fun facts—originally from New York, but fell in love with Kansas and its quiet natural beauty and strong schools.
- “If I really look back [on fashion], it would be all of the polyester outfits I bought for my first job in New York.” —Laura Kelly [38:52]
- Looking forward to being a grandma after leaving office, but plans to stay engaged on education and healthcare issues.
3. Andy Beshear’s Big Announcement & Reflections
[48:18–53:06]
Leadership at the DGA
- Beshear is now the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, stepping in after Laura Kelly’s successful year (“2 for 2” in 2025, Beshear’s challenge: “36 for 36”).
- “My job is to lead the organization in the races that we have coming up in 2026... 36 of them.” —Andy Beshear [48:57]
- Explains the stakes and complexity of DGA races, including both defense and potential pickups in states like Iowa, Nevada, Georgia, and crucial holds in Michigan, Wisconsin, etc.
Importance of Governors’ Races
- The DGA strategizes, raises funds, and amplifies the impact Democratic governors have on people’s lives and national direction.
- “We are the last line of defense.” —Laura Kelly [41:22, echoed by Beshear]
4. Community & Family Segment: The Johns & Will Bashir
[48:18–53:06]
- Beshear chats with friends and his son Will about the new DGA role and the launch of the podcast merch store.
- Light-hearted banter, with Will giving a Gen Z spin on the merch:
- “This mug and sweatshirt is so fire and drip and clean... Everyone will say how nonchalantly drippy you are. And you’re doing it for the plot if you buy this stuff.” —Will Bashir [52:31]
- Encouragement for listeners to subscribe, comment with merch suggestions, and share feedback.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Katie Hobbs:
- “Social work is why I got into politics... I didn’t leave social work, but social work is why I got into politics.” [02:52]
- “It is really maddening how much they are politicizing [SNAP]... why government exists.” [07:41]
- “I am 100% every single day focused on how I can make life better for Arizonans.” [11:42]
-
Laura Kelly:
- “The only people who benefited from that tax cut were those who really didn’t need to.” [27:26]
- “My superpower is that I don’t take things personally. It is very, very hard to get under my skin.” [37:13]
- “We are the last line of defense.” [41:22]
-
Andy Beshear:
- On taking over the DGA: “My job is to lead the organization in the races that we have coming up in 2026...36 of them.” [48:57]
- “Everything you did mattered, exactly that every person you talked to was important.” [24:52]
Important Timestamps
- 00:48 – Introduction of Governor Katie Hobbs
- 02:52 – Hobbs on social work inspiring her political career
- 05:36 – Hobbs on bipartisan governance, Arizona legislature
- 07:41 – SNAP benefits and politicization
- 09:10 – Hobbs’ achievements: border, housing, water
- 11:42 – Hobbs’ focus in re-election
- 15:04 – Hobbs’ “superpower” and personal side
- 17:25 – Introduction of Governor Laura Kelly
- 19:46 – Lessons from Virginia & New Jersey campaigns
- 22:57 – Kelly on reaching rural voters
- 27:26–28:55 – Impact of tax cut policy in Kansas
- 34:07–36:06 – Kelly’s motivation and stress resilience
- 37:13 – Kelly’s “superpower”
- 39:26 – DGA’s mission and impact
- 41:22 – “We are the last line of defense”
- 46:08 – Laura Kelly on life after being governor
- 48:18 – Beshear’s DGA announcement, chat with Johns and Will Bashir
- 52:31 – Will Bashir’s “Gen Z” marketing
- 53:06 – Merch store pitch and wrap-up
Episode Tone & Style
True to the podcast’s ethos, the tone is empathetic, curious, and warm, blending policy depth with personal stories and humor. Both governors and the host are candid about their challenges, proud of their achievements, and human in their reflections, offering listeners a deeper, relatable perspective on public service.
For Listeners
If you’re seeking hope, realism, and humor in American governance—especially from those leading red and purple states—this episode delivers. It’s rich with lessons on resilience, coalition-building, and why real connection with constituents matters.
Catch the next episode and visit AndBeshearPodcast.com for more content and the new merch store!