Politics
Hobbs, Mayes, Fontes Win Reelection as Arizona Democrats Sweep Statewide Offices; Voters Reject Prop 144 and Prop 320
With nearly all ballots counted, Arizona Democrats have won every statewide office, including governor, attorney general, and secretary of state, while voters defeated a voter-ID expansion and a school-spending mandate and approved a measure restricting transgender rights.
Arizona Democrats have swept the state's top offices, with Gov. Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes all winning reelection, according to results updated Saturday afternoon with more than 98% of estimated votes counted.
Hobbs, the Democratic incumbent, held a commanding lead over Republican challenger Andy Biggs, 55.6% to 42.5%, with 1,415,725 votes to Biggs's 1,081,317. Green Party candidate Risa Lombardo and No Labels candidate Teri Ann Hourihan each drew less than 1%.
Mayes led Republican Warren Petersen 55.5% to 44.5%, while Fontes topped Republican Alexander Kolodin 54.9% to 43.6%. In the race for superintendent of public instruction, Democrat Teresa Leyba Ruiz led Republican Kimberly Yee 53.2% to 46.8%, and Democrat Nick Mansour led Republican Elijah Norton for state treasurer 53.9% to 46.1%.
The results mark a continued Democratic hold on every statewide executive office in a state that has become a premier battleground. Hobbs's victory over Biggs, a conservative congressman, came after a campaign dominated by debates over election administration, abortion access, and the state's water future.
In congressional races, Democrat Amish Shah led Republican Jay Feely in District 1, 52.4% to 45.5%, while Republican incumbent Eli Crane held a narrow 49.7% to 48.5% lead over Democrat Jonathan Nez in District 2.
Voters also weighed in on four ballot measures. Proposition 144, which would have required government-issued proof of identity for mail-in voters each election, was failing 53.3% to 46.7%. Proposition 320, a school spending requirement, was also failing, 51.9% to 48.1%.
Proposition 142, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, was rejected 59.9% to 40.1%. Proposition 318, which expands restrictions on transgender people, including limiting participation in female sports teams and restroom access, passed 58.7% to 41.3%.
The results were reported by the Associated Press and reflect votes tallied through Saturday afternoon. Election officials in Maricopa County and across the state have been processing early and mail-in ballots, which typically favor Democrats, alongside Election Day votes.
The Democratic sweep underscores the state's shift toward competitive status, but the passage of Proposition 318 and the rejection of the DEI measure highlight a complex electorate. Community advocates on both sides are expected to weigh in as final results are certified in the coming weeks.