2026 Election Guide
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Arizona — Governor — 2026

governor race

Candidates(11)

Katie Hobbs

DemocratIncumbent

Governor of AZ

Katie Hobbs ( Democratic Party ) is the Governor of Arizona . She assumed office on January 2, 2023. Her current term ends on January 4, 2027. On October 8, 2025, Hobbs announced that she would run for re-election in 2026. [1] Hobbs previously served as Arizona Secretary of State from 2019 to 2023. She was also a member of the Arizona State Legislature , representing Senate District 24 from 2013 to 2019, and House District 15 from 2011 to 2013. Hobbs served as Senate Minority Leader from 2015 to 2019. Hobbs was born in Phoenix, Arizona , and raised in Tempe . According to the New York Times , Hobbs said that she grew up in a middle-class family that sometimes relied on food stamps. [2] She received a bachelor's degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University. [3] After graduating, Hobbs began working as a social worker, first with homeless youth in Phoenix, and then with Sojourner Center, a domestic violence organization for which she ultimately served in the role of chief compliance officer. [3] [4] Hobbs said that her experiences volunteering with her family's church during her youth were an inspiration to pursue a career in social work. [3] Hobbs first ran for elected office in 2010 , when she won election to the Arizona House of Representatives . She said outreach by Emerge Arizona, which described itself as an "organization that recruits, trains and provides a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office," was the reason she initially ran for office. [5] [6] Hobbs then ran for a seat in the Arizona State Senate in 2012 , winning election to district 24 with 66.4% of the vote. She won re-election to that seat in 2014 with 66.1% of the vote, and in 2016 , when she ran unopposed. Hobbs served two terms as the chamber's minority leader beginning in 2015. In 2018 , Hobbs won the election for secretary of state, defeating Steve Gaynor (R) 50.4%-49.6%. When Hobbs took office in 2019, she became the first Democratic secretary of state in Arizona since 1995. [7] Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor and the secretary of state is the first in line of succession to the state's governor. [8] While Hobbs was secretary of state, Republicans in the Arizona State Senate initiated an audit of the state's 2020 presidential and U.S. Senate election results. They alleged that fraud altered the outcome of the election. [9] Hobbs publicly criticized the audit, saying that the process was politically motivated, based on conspiracy theories, and called it "a significant departure from standard best practices." [10] The audit's findings alleged irregularities in ballot counting and the conduct of the election, but a recount of ballots as part of the audit reported an increase in the margin of victory of former President Joe Biden (D) of 360 votes. [11] [12] In June 2021, Hobbs announced that she would run for governor . She cited her experience as secretary of state an

Key Positions

  • Democracy & Voting: SupportsAs Arizona Secretary of State, Hobbs publicly criticized the 2020 election audit as politically motivated and based on conspiracy theories, defending the integrity of election processes.[ballotpedia]
  • Healthcare: OpposesHobbs rejected a Republican budget that included healthcare cuts, signaling her opposition to reducing healthcare funding.[news]
  • Trade: SupportsHobbs pushed trade as a priority in Washington, advocating for trade-related funding and infrastructure ahead of federal funding negotiations.[news]

Recent Activity

  • In Arizona, Biggs vies to face Hobbs in governor’s race - The 19th News — In Arizona, Biggs vies to face Hobbs in governor’s race The 19th News
    July 30, 2025
  • Arizona governor rejects Republican budget over healthcare cuts - KVOA — Arizona governor rejects Republican budget over healthcare cuts KVOA
    April 29, 2026
  • Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor - Arizona Capitol Times — Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor Arizona Capitol Times
    January 28, 2026

Endorsements

  • AZ gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robsonorganization
  • IAM Arizona State Council Drives Worker Power,union(D)

Andy Biggs

Republican

Andy Biggs ( Republican Party ) is a member of the U.S. House , representing Arizona's 5th Congressional District . He assumed office on January 3, 2017. His current term ends on January 3, 2027. Biggs ( Republican Party ) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . Biggs also ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 5th Congressional District . He will not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . Biggs earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1982, his law degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1984, and his master's degree from Arizona State University in 1999. He was a state representative then senator and served as senate majority leader then president. [1] Biggs was assigned to the following committees: Biggs was assigned to the following committees: Biggs was assigned to the following committees:

Recent Activity

  • In Arizona, Biggs vies to face Hobbs in governor’s race - The 19th News — In Arizona, Biggs vies to face Hobbs in governor’s race The 19th News
    July 30, 2025
  • Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor - Arizona Capitol Times — Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor Arizona Capitol Times
    January 28, 2026
  • Arizona GOP Voters Still Searching for a Gubernatorial Primary Frontrunner - Noble Predictive Insights — Arizona GOP Voters Still Searching for a Gubernatorial Primary Frontrunner Noble Predictive Insights
    February 26, 2025

Endorsements

  • Donald Trumppolitician(R)

Carlos Melendez

Green Party

Carlos Melendez (Green Party) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . Melendez is a write-in candidate in the Green Party primary on July 21, 2026 . See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Carlos Melendez has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Carlos Melendez, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey . Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey? Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for. More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here . Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info . Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from Open Secrets . That information will be published here once it is available.

Recent Activity

  • Voters will decide Arizona governor, congressional seats, school districts & more in 2026 midterms - Tucson Sentinel — Voters will decide Arizona governor, congressional seats, school districts & more in 2026 midterms Tucson Sentinel
    February 12, 2026
  • Who is running for Arizona governor in 2026? Here’s a list of everyone interested - KTAR News 92.3 FM — Who is running for Arizona governor in 2026? Here’s a list of everyone interested KTAR News 92.3 FM
    February 16, 2026

David Schweikert

Republican

David Schweikert ( Republican Party ) is a member of the U.S. House , representing Arizona's 1st Congressional District . He assumed office on January 3, 2023. His current term ends on January 3, 2027. Schweikert ( Republican Party ) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . Schweikert also ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Arizona's 1st Congressional District . He will not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . David Schweikert was born in Los Angeles, California in 1962. Schweikert earned an A.A. from Scottsdale Community College in 1985, a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 1988, and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University in 2005. His career experience includes owning a business and working as a realtor and financial consultant. He was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives . He was elected a member of the Arizona State Board of Equalization in 1995 and in 2004, was elected Maricopa County treasurer. [1] [2] Schweikert was assigned to the following committees: Schweikert was assigned to the following committees: Schweikert was assigned to the following committees:

Recent Activity

  • Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 - Arizona Mirror — Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 Arizona Mirror
    March 25, 2026
  • When are the 2026 midterm elections in Arizona? What to know - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic — When are the 2026 midterm elections in Arizona? What to know azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
    March 25, 2026
  • Election denial looms large in Arizona contests for governor, AG and secretary of state - Cronkite News — Election denial looms large in Arizona contests for governor, AG and secretary of state Cronkite News
    April 15, 2026

Hugh Lytle

Independent

Hugh Lytle (No Labels Party) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . He is on the ballot in the No Labels Party primary on July 21, 2026 . Lytle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers . See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Hugh Lytle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lytle's responses. Expand all | Collapse all Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from Open Secrets . That information will be published here once it is available.

Key Positions

  • Economy & Taxes: SupportsLytle has called for the state of Arizona to suspend the gas tax, indicating a preference for tax relief measures.[news]
  • Democracy & Voting: SupportsLytle is running as an independent/No Labels candidate and has positioned himself as a challenger to the two-party system, advocating for greater electoral competition outside the major parties.[news]

Recent Activity

  • Hugh Lytle enters race for Arizona governor - KTAR News 92.3 FM — Hugh Lytle enters race for Arizona governor KTAR News 92.3 FM
    January 28, 2026
  • 'I do hard things': New independent candidate for Arizona governor challenges two-party grip on elections - 12News — 'I do hard things': New independent candidate for Arizona governor challenges two-party grip on elections 12News
    January 28, 2026
  • Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor - Arizona Capitol Times — Independent Party ‘disruptor’ enters race for governor Arizona Capitol Times
    January 28, 2026

Endorsements

  • Arizona Independent Partynewspaper

Ken Miceli

Republican

Ken Miceli ( Republican Party ) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . Miceli is on the ballot in the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Ken Miceli has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Ken Miceli, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey . Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey? Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for. More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here . Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info . Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from Open Secrets . That information will be published here once it is available.

Recent Activity

  • Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 - Arizona Mirror — Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 Arizona Mirror
    March 25, 2026
  • Hobbs, Mayes & Fontes running to keep Az's top statewide offices in Democratic hands - Tucson Sentinel — Hobbs, Mayes & Fontes running to keep Az's top statewide offices in Democratic hands Tucson Sentinel
    March 31, 2026
  • Your guide to Arizona’s 2026 primary debates: How to watch candidates face off in top races - KTAR News 92.3 FM — Your guide to Arizona’s 2026 primary debates: How to watch candidates face off in top races KTAR News 92.3 FM
    May 18, 2026

Leezah Sun

Independent

Leezah Sun is an at-large member of the Tolleson Union High School District in Arizona. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on January 1, 2029. Sun (independent) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . She declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 3, 2026 . Leezah Sun earned a bachelor's degree from Drexel University. Sun's career experience includes working as a research specialist with Drexel University and as an activist. [1] See also: Tolleson Union High School District, Arizona, elections (2024) See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2024

Recent Activity

  • Scandal-plagued ex-lawmaker wants to be next Arizona governor - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic — Scandal-plagued ex-lawmaker wants to be next Arizona governor azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
    December 24, 2025
  • Former Arizona Democrat Lawmaker Leezah Sun Launches Independent 2026 Gubernatorial Bid Amid Ethics Scandal and Legal Troubles – California Globe - California Globe — Former Arizona Democrat Lawmaker Leezah Sun Launches Independent 2026 Gubernatorial Bid Amid Ethics Scandal and Legal Troubles – California Globe California Globe
    December 30, 2025
  • Former state Rep. Leezah Sun enters 2026 AZ governor race - KTAR News 92.3 FM — Former state Rep. Leezah Sun enters 2026 AZ governor race KTAR News 92.3 FM
    December 23, 2025

Risa Lombardo

Green Party

Risa Lombardo (Green Party) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . Lombardo is on the ballot in the Green Party primary on July 21, 2026 . See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Risa Lombardo has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Risa Lombardo, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey . Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey? Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for. More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here . Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info . Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from Open Secrets . That information will be published here once it is available.

Recent Activity

  • She sold MAGA merch. Now she’s running for governor as a Green Party candidate. - Arizona Mirror — She sold MAGA merch. Now she’s running for governor as a Green Party candidate. Arizona Mirror
    April 15, 2026
  • Democratic attorneys file legal challenges to remove third-party candidates from Arizona ballots - KJZZ — Democratic attorneys file legal challenges to remove third-party candidates from Arizona ballots KJZZ
    April 8, 2026
  • Hobbs, Mayes & Fontes running to keep Az's top statewide offices in Democratic hands - Tucson Sentinel — Hobbs, Mayes & Fontes running to keep Az's top statewide offices in Democratic hands Tucson Sentinel
    March 31, 2026

Scott Neely

Republican

Scott Neely ( Republican Party ) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on July 21, 2026 . Neely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers . Scott Neely was born in Hemet, California. His career experience includes working as a small business owner and in construction. [1] [2] See also: Mayoral election in Mesa, Arizona (2024) See also: Arizona gubernatorial election, 2022

Recent Activity

  • Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 - Arizona Mirror — Everyone who filed to run for Arizona’s state, legislative and federal offices in 2026 Arizona Mirror
    March 25, 2026
  • 2026 Elections: Arizona Republican Congressman Andy Biggs files statement of interest for governor's race - FOX 10 Phoenix — 2026 Elections: Arizona Republican Congressman Andy Biggs files statement of interest for governor's race FOX 10 Phoenix
    January 22, 2025
  • Karrin Taylor Robson: Arizona businesswoman, former regent, gubernatorial candidate - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic — Karrin Taylor Robson: Arizona businesswoman, former regent, gubernatorial candidate azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
    February 12, 2025

Teri Hourihan

Independent

Teri Hourihan (No Labels Party) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . Hourihan is on the ballot in the No Labels Party primary on July 21, 2026 . Hourihan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers . See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection Teri Hourihan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hourihan's responses. Expand all | Collapse all Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from Open Secrets . That information will be published here once it is available.

Recent Activity

  • Hugh Lytle enters race for Arizona governor - KTAR News 92.3 FM — Hugh Lytle enters race for Arizona governor KTAR News 92.3 FM
    January 28, 2026
  • Court clears the way for entrepreneur Hugh Lytle to run for Arizona governor as an independent - Arizona Mirror — Court clears the way for entrepreneur Hugh Lytle to run for Arizona governor as an independent Arizona Mirror
    April 15, 2026
  • Arizona candidates go to court over ballot qualifications - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic — Arizona candidates go to court over ballot qualifications azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
    April 7, 2026

William Pounds

Green Party

William Pounds (Green Party) is running for election for Governor of Arizona . He is a write-in candidate in the Green Party primary on July 21, 2026 . Pounds completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers . William Pounds was born in Tempe, Arizona . He earned a high school diploma from Intelli School and a bachelor's degree from North South University in 2022. His career experience includes serving as a political organizer, where he led the 2020 presidential campaign for Jesse Ventura and Cynthia Mc Kinney. Additionally, he earns income from writing and recording songs. [1] [2] Pounds has been affiliated with the following organizations/political campaigns: [2] See also: Arizona gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026 Arizona gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026 (July 21 Republican primary) Arizona gubernatorial election, 2026 (July 21 Green primary) Arizona gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026 (July 21 Democratic primary) Arizona gubernatorial election, 2026 (July 21 No Labels Party primary)

Recent Activity

  • 2026 Election: Here's who's running for governor in Arizona - FOX 10 Phoenix — 2026 Election: Here's who's running for governor in Arizona FOX 10 Phoenix
    June 19, 2025
  • Arizona Green Party candidate accused of being 'stealth MAGA' - Alternet — Arizona Green Party candidate accused of being 'stealth MAGA' Alternet
    April 16, 2026

Endorsements

  • Cynthia McKinneypolitician
Verification not yet run for this race. Detailed cross-source checks will run when full data is available.