Arizona Governor
The Governor of Arizona is the chief executive of the state, responsible for enforcing state laws, preparing the state budget, appointing state officials, and commanding the state militia. The Governor serves a four-year term.
Governor Timeline
Republican · Democrat · Dashed border = assumed office through succession · Hover a bar to see election history
What does this office actually control?
The Governor is the state’s chief executive — the single person in charge of running Arizona’s government.
- Signs bills into law or vetoes them — the main check on whatever the Legislature passes.
- Proposes the yearly state budget that funds schools, roads, prisons, and health programs.
- Appoints the heads of state agencies (transportation, health, public safety) and fills judge and board vacancies.
- Commands the Arizona National Guard and declares emergencies for wildfires, floods, and other disasters.
- Can grant pardons and shorten sentences on the clemency board’s recommendation.
What this office does NOT control
City and county decisions, federal law, and how the courts rule are outside the Governor’s control.
Running
Candidates (10)
Quick Comparison
Full comparison| Field | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Democratic | Republican | Libertarian | No Labels | Green | No Labels | Republican | Republican | Green | Republican |
| Incumbent | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Website | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site | Visit site |
| Data | 80% complete | 70% complete | 55% complete | 35% complete | 25% complete | 40% complete | 60% complete | 60% complete | 45% complete | 70% complete |
Coverage
Debates & Candidate Forums
Debates are added as they are broadcast. Additional primary and general election debates will appear here as the 2026 election season progresses.
No Democratic Primary Debate
Gov. Katie Hobbs is running unopposed in the Democratic primary — with no other candidates competing for the nomination, no primary debate has been held or scheduled.
Debate Breakdown by Topic
U.S. Congressman, 5th District
"I'm running for governor because we can't afford Katie Hobbs any longer. I've built a broad coalition — from President Trump to more than 45 current and former state lawmakers — all united around one belief: Arizona needs strong, steady leadership."
U.S. Congressman, 1st District
"Born in LA, adopted and raised right here in Arizona, and now the dean of the congressional delegation — I chair the Joint Economic Committee and do the economic projections for our country. I'm here to try to save the future of this state."
Builder & Small Business Owner
"I'm a builder and small business owner who is literally out there right now building the border wall to protect Arizona. We need to bring trades back, solve the water crisis, and try something bold and new."
Builder & Small Business Owner
"I'm a builder who's been in business 30 years and employed many people throughout this state. I have a detailed plan for water, a plan for housing, and I'm here to show what a businessperson with a track record can do as governor."
Answers are condensed from auto-generated captions and edited for clarity. Watch the full debate on YouTube for complete, unedited remarks.