Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes may run for governor in 2026, which would create a primary challenge against incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, according to multiple news outlets.
A representative for the secretary, Steven Slugocki, directed The Center Square to the Arizona Republic story and emphasized that he is “focused on doing his job as Secretary to serve all of Arizona.” Hobbs narrowly defeated Republican Kari Lake in 2022.
Citing unnamed sources, Politico reported on Monday the news of Fontes’ interest in the governor’s office.
Fontes said he currently plans to run for re-election, but the Democrat did suggest that the conversations over running for governor occured, the Arizona Republic reported on Tuesday.
Democrats failed to flip the legislature this election despite one-seat margins in both chambers, as Republicans expanded their majority. Sen-Elect. Carine Werner defeated Sen. Christine Marsh, and Reps-Elect. Pamela Carter and Chris Lopez also flipped seats. The results mean that the entirety of Hobbs’ term will be marked by working with a legislature led by the opposite party, which has already resulted in a swath of vetoed bills and tense budget talks in the past two legislative sessions.
The gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive in the general election, and no major candidate has yet to declare on the Republican side. A primary challenge to the incumbent governor could create national focus on the race in a state that has a mix of Republicans, Democrats and Independents.
Good question. It’s damn near impossible for a Republican to obtain statewide and positive name identification. The press is TOTALLY controlled by liberals so anytime a Republican here becomes famous, the press makes sure that they are famous for all the wrong reasons. Personally, I really like a guy who has no chance, because he’s much too logical and kind for the power brokers now.
If he does run for Governor, does that mean that the Dem nominee for Secretary of State would not be an incumbent? I say go for it Mr. Fontes. Or is he going to run in the primaries for both offices?
Fontes will probably try for a Hobbsian outcome. Recall the 2022 campagin.
a republican candidate : _________________________
Good question. It’s damn near impossible for a Republican to obtain statewide and positive name identification. The press is TOTALLY controlled by liberals so anytime a Republican here becomes famous, the press makes sure that they are famous for all the wrong reasons. Personally, I really like a guy who has no chance, because he’s much too logical and kind for the power brokers now.
Sure, let’s elect another underhanded POS, who can’t even run the SOS office honestly, as Governor! What happened to the investigation of the 218,000 supposed non-citizen voters?
Great! Just what we need in the governors office! A POS, ambulance chasing, cartel lawyer!
Joy.
As installed Sec. of State he will pull a hobbs.
Let the finger pointing start.
I hope he does, that would be entertaining to watch. Hopefully we have a good republican candidate.
Please don’t run again, Ms Lake.
why? Because she is not a mclame rino? If we can eliminate them then there will be a chance to move forward instead of remaining in place.
Why, because she supports conservative values as well as President Trump and her track record shows this. Who would you suggest? Remember, we need to be able to vet those interested in the Governor’s Office to ensure they’ll put their money where their mouth is.
How about former state Senator Sine Kerr? Just a thought.
You’re going to miss her when shes’s gone.
She tried to save this state from this corrupt machine
The Pot and the Kettle.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!