Arizona governor candidates pick running mates for first time with state’s new lieutenant governor office
Arizona will elect its first lieutenant governor in 2026 after voters approved the creation of the office in 2022, marking a shift in the state's line of succession. Previously, the secretary of state assumed the governorship when vacancies occurred, sometimes leading to party shifts. The new system aims to increase clarity for voters and help parties maintain control during gubernatorial transitions.
- ▪Arizona voters approved the creation of the lieutenant governor office in 2022, with the first election set for 2026.
- ▪The lieutenant governor will now be first in line to succeed the governor, replacing the secretary of state in the line of succession.
- ▪In the past, Arizona secretaries of state from opposing parties have succeeded governors on three occasions since 1988.
- ▪Gubernatorial candidates must select their running mates after the primary and at least 60 days before the general election.
- ▪Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs and Republican Representatives Andy Biggs and David Schweikert are leading candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
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Arizona is gearing up for its first election with a lieutenant governor candidate on the ballot, after voters established the office a few years ago. The state is one of only a handful across the country that does not have a lieutenant governor. But in 2022, residents approved a proposition to create the office and make the 2026 election the first time gubernatorial candidates must select a running mate. Recommended Stories Thune and Scott follow Trump’s lead with endorsement of Andy Barr Supreme Court scrambles 2026 maps, sets up larger redistricting fight beyond Biden backs Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia governor in his first post-presidency endorsement Why does it matter? The change means lieutenant governors will now be first in the line of succession to replace the governor,…
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