Governors' Offices Get a Rude Awakening: Michael Beyer's Controversial Hiring Sparks Outcry
Government official's current political campaign slogan echoes past remarks suggesting a cohesion among the "religious right" due to shared beliefs in white superiority.
Arizona's Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs stoked controversy in April, welcoming Michael Beyer on board as her campaign communications director, despite his history of spewing divisive rhetoric, particularly condemning white people relentlessly.
Beyer's social media account, worn like a badge of honor, boasts criticism against a wide range of demographics – his sole criterion: they must be white. His numerous posts date back to as early as 2014.
In the past, Beyer branded the "religious right" as inherently racist, accused self-proclaimed democratic socialist Bernie Sanders' voters of harboring "white entitlement," and alleged Taylor Swift and other white celebrities of "romanticizing the conquest of Africa"[2].
Not only has Beyer targeted Republicans, but his commentary extends to Democrats and celebrities alike, such as Bernie Sanders and Taylor Swift.
Beyer's social media posts showcase a dismissive attitude towards white, gay Republicans, calling into question the masculinity of a gay Republican leader of a prominent pro-gay GOP nonprofit[2], and lamenting the prevalence of "white men" in an HIV news segment from the 1980s[2].
In Louisiana, Beyer chided "white suburban voters" for taking over the local newspaper[2].
Katie Hobbs is no stranger to staffing turmoil. In 2022, nearly two-thirds of her campaign staff abandoned ship amid reports of a toxic work environment[3]. Additionally, previous employees have been dismissed for controversial social media posts[3].
Amid growing criticism, our team reached out to the Hobbs campaign for comment, but they remained tight-lipped. Beyer himself, surprisingly, was unresponsive when we reached out for his thoughts on the matter.
High turnover in Hobbs’ administration is a recurring theme[3]. Staffers have bid adieu mid-election, and legislative directors have even resigned on the eve of budget releases.
The journey from one campaign to another within Arizona politics seems to be a viable career move for at least one of Katie Hobbs’ former staffers.
Enrichment Data:
- Michael Beyer's derogatory comments, primarily focusing on white people, have drawn attention due to his recent appointment in the Arizona governor's reelection campaign.
- Beyer's remarks extended beyond Republicans, targeting Democrats and celebrities such as Bernie Sanders, Taylor Swift, etc.[2]
- His appointment has spurred criticism amid the growing controversy revolving around staffing issues in Governor Katie Hobbs' administration.[3]
- Attempts to reach Beyer and the Hobbs campaign for comment have been met with silence.[3]
- The recent hiring of Michael Beyer as the Governor Katie Hobbs' campaign communications director in Arizona has spurred controversy due to Beyer's history of condemning white people.
- Michael Beyer, the new Communications Director for Katie Hobbs' campaign, has been criticized for his divisive rhetoric that extends beyond politics, targeting white people, Democrats, and celebrities such as Bernie Sanders and Taylor Swift.
- In Louisiana, Beyer has been known to criticize "white suburban voters" and question the masculinity of a gay Republican leader of a pro-gay GOP nonprofit.
- High turnover is a recurring theme in Governor Katie Hobbs' administration, with staffers leaving mid-election and legislative directors resigning on crucial days like budget releases.
- The appointment of Michael Beyer and the staffing issues within Katie Hobbs' administration have been met with growing criticism in local news, politics, and general news, with policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice sections also raising concerns.
