On Friday, Governor Doug Ducey’s office announced the retirement of Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire, who serves on the Governor’s cabinet as both the Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and as the Adjutant General for the state.
McGuire planned to retire last year but extended his service because of the pandemic. His last day will be April 10.
It has been widely rumored that McGuire hopes to jump in the U.S. Senate Republican Primary race and face off against another pilot, Sen. Mark Kelly.
McGuire, who has little name recognition, could possibly face-off first against Rep. Andy Biggs, who according to various news reports, is also considering jumping into the race as well as congressman-turned-ASU-lobbyist Matt Salmon.
McGuire’s retirement marks the culmination of his nearly 34 years of military service. McGuire received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987. He attended undergraduate pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, followed by several operational, combat and training assignments in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He joined the Arizona Air National Guard’s 162nd Fighter Wing, Tucson International Airport in 2001 as an F-16 instructor pilot.
In 2010, he commanded the 214th Reconnaissance Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, where he flew the MQ-1B Predator and led the unit in combat operations in support of overseas contingencies. Prior to assuming his current duties, he served as the Commander, 162nd Fighter Wing. General McGuire is a Fighter Weapons School Graduate and a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, and 250 combat and combat-support flying hours.