2026 Arizona gubernatorial election
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The 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Arizona. Incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is eligible to seek re-election to a second term in office.
Following the passage of proposition 131 in the 2022 elections, this will be the first gubernatorial election in Arizona in which candidates will be required to nominate a running mate for the newly-established position of lieutenant governor.[1]
This will be one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state that Donald Trump won in the 2024 presidential election.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Publicly expressed interest
- Katie Hobbs, incumbent governor (2023–present)[2]
Declined
- Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State (2023–present) (running for re-election)[3]
- Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General (2023–present) (running for re-election)[4]
Republican primary
Candidates
Publicly expressed interest
- Tom Hatten, gym chain founder[5]
- Karrin Taylor Robson, former member of the Arizona Board of Regents (2017–2021) and candidate for governor in 2022[5]
Potential
- Jake Hoffman, state senator from the 15th district (2023–present) and 2020 fake elector for Donald Trump[6]
- Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA[7]
- Kari Lake, former KSAZ-TV news anchor, nominee for governor in 2022, and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024[8]
- Kimberly Yee, Arizona State Treasurer (2019–present) and candidate for governor in 2022[6]
Declined
- Juan Ciscomani, U.S. Representative from Arizona's 6th congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)[9]
References
- ^ Barchenger, Stacey (September 21, 2023). "Arizona will elect its first lieutenant governor in 2026. What to know about the role". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Barchenger, Stacey (February 2, 2024). "Why Arizonans can't see Gov. Katie Hobbs' fundraising numbers, but can see others". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
"I'm actively raising funds for reelection," Hobbs said.
- ^ Wingett Sanchez, Yvonne; Marley, Patrick (December 17, 2024). "Top Arizona election official accuses predecessors of ignoring proof-of-citizenship problem". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
Fontes told The Post this week that he is running for reelection and is no longer considering challenging Hobbs in the Democratic primary for governor.
- ^ Gilger, Lauren (November 20, 2024). "How the field is shaping up for the 2026 Arizona governor race". KJZZ. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
There's also been talk from the Democratic side of Attorney General Kris Mayes challenging [Katie Hobbs]...She says as of right now she's planning on running for reelection.
- ^ a b Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (November 20, 2024). "Morning Digest: In stunning turnaround, Democrat takes lead in North Carolina Supreme Court race". The Downballot. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Roberts, Laurie (November 19, 2024). "Republican goal for 2026 election: Kari Lake types need not apply | Opinion". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
A smattering of prominent and not-so-prominent Republicans are being mentioned as possibilities for making a run at Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2026. Chief among them are businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson and state Treasurer Kimberly Yee. Some are floating Sen. Jake Hoffman as a possibility.
- ^ Nir, David (December 2, 2024). "Morning Digest: The Downballot's early guide to the top races for governor this cycle". The Downballot. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ Montini, EJ (November 12, 2024). "Opinion: What office does Kari Lake run for next? Arizona governor? Senate?". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (December 12, 2024). "GOP Rep. Ciscomani passes on run for Arizona governor". Axios. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) will run for reelection to Congress rather than mount a bid for governor in 2026, his campaign spokesperson told Axios.