Arizona’s Democratic secretary of state, Adrian Fontes, is contemplating a primary challenge against Gov. Katie Hobbs, setting the stage for a potential showdown for control over the Democratic Party in the pivotal Southwestern swing state.
If Fontes decides to throw his hat into the ring, the Democratic primary could emerge as an early battleground in the national struggle to redefine the party following its lackluster performance in the 2024 elections.
Recent discussions indicate that Fontes has been approached by fellow Democrats who believe that Hobbs may not have the political strength needed to secure a second term. While Fontes has not yet made a final decision, sources familiar with the discussions have revealed that he is open to the idea of challenging Hobbs, despite the anticipated messy and costly primary race.
The push for Fontes to enter the race comes on the heels of significant Democratic setbacks in Arizona, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat in the state and Republican gains in the state Legislature. With these losses in mind, some Democrats are questioning Hobbs’ ability to defeat a stronger Republican candidate in the next election.
Fontes, who won the secretary of state election alongside Hobbs in 2022, previously served as Maricopa County recorder. His victory over his Republican opponent, Mark Finchem, by nearly 5 percentage points underscored his appeal to Arizona voters.
On the other hand, Hobbs narrowly defeated Republican Kari Lake in 2022, a candidate with strong ties to the MAGA movement. Despite investing heavily in flipping the state Legislature and supporting key legislative races, Hobbs fell short of her objectives, as Republicans actually gained seats in both chambers.
While Hobbs’ supporters argue that broader political challenges played a role in the Democrats’ losses, some are questioning her strategy and effectiveness as a leader. However, Hobbs remains committed to working with the Legislature elected by Arizonans and defending against extremist policies from Washington.
Fontes’ potential candidacy has raised concerns about his ability to secure the necessary funding and name recognition to mount a successful challenge against Hobbs. A July poll showed that a majority of Arizonans approve of Hobbs’ job performance, and she won her 2022 primary by a significant margin.
The Democratic Governors Association has expressed strong support for Hobbs’ reelection efforts, emphasizing her role in safeguarding Arizonans from extremist policies. Similarly, the Arizona Democratic Party Chair has praised Hobbs as a champion for the state.
Despite the backing Hobbs has received, some Democrats are critical of her outreach efforts, particularly within the Latino community. Concerns have been raised about her approach to border security and the deployment of the Arizona National Guard. As Democrats nationally seek to engage Latino voters, Hobbs’ stance on border issues has sparked unease among some community leaders.
As the political landscape in Arizona continues to evolve, the potential primary challenge between Fontes and Hobbs could shape the future of the Democratic Party in the state. With both candidates weighing their options, the race for governor in Arizona promises to be a closely watched and highly contested affair.
