(The Center Square) – 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.