Walter "Les" Presmyk won the primary and is the party's nominee for the general election. Ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Republican primary for State Mine Inspector. Faces Democratic nominee Brian Matlock in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Source: kjzz.org · Last verified: October 23, 2026
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Statement
I spent my entire 45-year career in Arizona's mining industry, starting by exploring old underground mines in high school and going on to work in large underground and open-pit copper mines, Arizona's largest coal mine, and my own small mining operation. Appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs from a group of seven Republican applicants, I now serve as your Arizona State Mine Inspector. My top priority is ensuring that mines are safe, so every miner, contractor, and supplier returns home safely at the end of each workday. I also oversee mine inspections, safety training, the securing abandoned mines and final mine reclamation statewide. Beyond my professional work, I served on the Gilbert Town Council for 12 years and have devoted years to serving on boards and commissions in Gilbert and the Southeast Valley, with a special focus on supporting veterans and their families. I have spent countless hours supporting the two University of Arizona mining/mineral/gem museums in Phoenix and Tucson. Safety is not a partisan issue, and I am committed to safeguarding both Arizona's miners and our mining industry. I am the only candidate with this depth of experience. I respectfully ask for your vote so I can continue this work.
Biography
Walter "Les" Presmyk is a mining engineer who has served as Arizona State Mine Inspector since September 2025, when Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed him from a group of seven Republican applicants to replace Paul Marsh, who resigned. He earned a mining engineering degree from the University of Arizona in 1975, worked about 30 years as a mining engineer for the Salt River Project, and served on the Gilbert Town Council from 1999 to 2011, including three terms as vice mayor. He estimates the office has secured about 11,000 abandoned mines in recent years and is asking voters for a full term to complete work already under way. At an Aug. 31, 2026 Clean Elections debate he argued that Democrat Brian Matlock does not meet the statutory experience requirement for the office, while Matlock questioned Presmyk's description of his mining career. Presmyk ran unopposed in the July 21, 2026 Republican primary and faces Matlock in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Past offices held
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsPresmyk supports partnering with ADEQ and the State Land Department on abandoned-mine inventory and streamlining mine-reclamation laws to protect Arizona water quality.
Education Funding
No official stance on record.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
No official stance on record.
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsPresmyk's entire campaign is built around miner safety, MSHA certification, inspector training, and professional improvement within the Mine Inspector's office.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsPresmyk explicitly wants to preserve Arizona's mineral legacy and promote mining job opportunities through outreach to schools and universities.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
No official stance on record.
Government Spending & Taxation
No official stance on record.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
No voting record on file.
If this candidate holds a legislative seat, visit the Arizona Legislature at azleg.gov for voting records.
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
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