Trump-Endorsed Candidates Secure Nominations in Arizona Primaries

Why it matters locally: The nominations of Trump-endorsed candidates for Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General in Arizona set the stage for closely watched general election contests that will determine the state's leadership and potentially its electoral administration.

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – Candidates supported by former President Donald Trump secured nominations in Arizona's Republican primary elections, setting up general election contests for major state offices. In the gubernatorial race, Kari Lake, endorsed by Trump, won the Republican nomination. She will now face Democratic nominee Katie Hobbs, the current Arizona Secretary of State, in the November general election. Lake has publicly stated her belief that the 2020 presidential election results were fraudulent. Mark Finchem, another Trump-endorsed candidate, won the Republican primary for Secretary of State. Finchem, a state representative, participated in the January 6, 2021, events in Washington D.C. He has also promoted claims regarding the 2020 election. His general election opponent will be Adrian Fontes, who secured the Democratic nomination. For Attorney General, Abraham Hamadeh, also backed by Trump, won the Republican primary. Hamadeh has also questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. Kris Mayes emerged as the Democratic nominee in that contest. The primary outcomes reflect the influence of Trump's endorsements within the Arizona Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.