The Japan Times - 2026 Arizona Midterms: Key Races, Ballot Measures, and Voter Deadlines

Arizona’s 2026 midterm elections are less than a month away, presenting voters with a slate of statewide officials and multiple ballot initiatives that will shape the state’s political and social landscape. The election will determine who leads the executive branch, including the governor, attorney general, and secretary of state, while also deciding on measures regarding taxation, voting procedures, and civil rights.

The race for governor features incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs against Republican U.S. Representative Mark Biggs, with additional candidates from minor parties. Hobbs, a former Arizona Secretary of State and legislator, has centered her campaign on economic relief for students and working families. In a written statement, she highlighted her administration’s efforts to reduce daily costs, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and expand scholarship programs.

"As governor, I have prioritized students by reducing everyday costs, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and expanding scholarships and learning programs," Hobbs said. "But there is more work to be done, and I am excited to do it alongside the next generation of Arizona leaders."

Hobbs, who attended Northern Arizona University for her bachelor’s degree and Arizona State University (ASU) for her master’s, emphasized her personal experience with financial aid. She noted that she paid for her own university education through scholarships, worked driving for Uber, and is still repaying student loans.

Her Republican opponent, Mark Biggs, represents Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. A graduate of Brigham Young University, the University of Arizona College of Law, and ASU, Biggs previously served as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and co-chair of the Border Security Caucus. His platform focuses on tax reduction, housing construction, energy cost relief, and combating the fentanyl crisis.

"Every Sun Devil student and future graduate should believe they can achieve the American Dream right here in Arizona," Biggs stated. "I am asking for your vote for governor because that will be our vision every day we serve."

Also running for governor are Teri Ann Hourihan of No Labels and Risa Lombardo of the Green Party.

In the race for attorney general, incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes faces no major party challenger but must defend her record against potential opposition in the general election. Mayes, a former Republican elected official on the Arizona Corporation Commission, has focused her campaign on housing affordability and water preservation. She cited her office’s legal action against RealPage and nine major property owners for alleged rent inflation, arguing that such practices harm ASU students and young residents statewide.

"I want ASU students to not only be able to study here but also stay in Arizona," Mayes said. "That means we have to preserve our water supplies, and we are doing everything possible to protect our state from federal overreach."

For the position of Secretary of State, incumbent Democrat Adrian Fontes is seeking re-election against Green Party candidate Duwayne Collier. Fontes, a former Maricopa County Attorney and Denver District Attorney’s Office prosecutor, has emphasized election security and accessibility. He noted that every eligible voter attending ASU has a voice in these elections and pledged to ensure that voting remains safe, accessible, and fair.

Republican State Representative Alexander Kolodin also entered the race, arguing for transparent election rules and rapid result reporting. "Your vote is your voice, and you deserve to know it counts," Kolodin said. "That means secure and transparent elections that follow the rules, with fast results on election night that everyone can trust, regardless of party."

The race for Superintendent of Public Instruction features a contest between two Democrats: incumbent State Treasurer Cindy Yee and former Glendale Community College President Andi Ruiz. Both candidates have ties to ASU and emphasize higher education affordability.

Ruiz, an educator for 35 years, stated she wants to keep students as the priority in public education. "I want to elevate public education," Ruiz said. "As superintendent, I would be part of the Arizona Board of Regents and always defend the voices of our students."

Yee, who comes from a family with three generations of ASU graduates, described her campaign approach as "back to basics," focusing on life skills and workforce preparation. "It is important that students at our state universities have an affordable education, high-quality programs, and a solid academic experience," Yee said.

Other statewide races include the Senate District 14 seat, currently held by Republican President of the Senate Warren Petersen. Petersen, who represents Gilbert and parts of Queen Creek, has pledged to restore "order and respect" to the office, citing his 14-year record of reducing costs and taxes. He positioned himself against Democratic challenger Steve Kaiser, promising to reduce costs, keep Arizona safe, and protect girls in sports and private spaces.

Voters will also decide on six major ballot propositions, ranging from voting rights to local taxation.

Proposition 141 would prohibit cities from imposing vehicle mileage taxes or monitoring mileage without consent. Ballotpedia notes this is a preventive measure, as Arizona currently has no such tax.

Proposition 142 seeks to ban affirmative action in public offices and academic institutions. While the Arizona Constitution already prohibits preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity, this measure would extend the ban to entities receiving federal funds and prohibit state entities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training.

Proposition 144 introduces stricter voter identification requirements. It would limit voter registration to U.S. citizens, require government-issued ID to cast a ballot, and ban foreign political contributions. Currently, Arizona requires photo ID or two non-photo IDs for in-person voting but has no ID requirement for mail-in ballots. The measure also allows ballots to be counted at polling places on Election Day starting in 2028.

Proposition 318 would prohibit students, athletes, and employees from using bathrooms or private spaces inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth. It would also ban female athletes from competing on male-designated sports teams, affecting all public and private athletic associations across all age levels. Arizona law already prohibits males from competing on female teams.

Proposition 319 bans local use of traffic enforcement cameras, including radar-equipped devices. Localities with existing systems could keep them if approved by voters in a November 2027 referendum, followed by decennial referendums thereafter.

Proposition 424 is a local measure for Tempe that would increase the city’s sales tax by half a percentage point, from 1.8% to 2.3%, to fund public safety, public transportation, and early childhood education. The city estimates $50 million in annual revenue, with food items exempt.

Voter logistics are critical as the election nears. Maricopa County voters registered before October 23 can request mail-in ballots. The county recommends returning these ballots by October 27 to ensure they are counted. While Election Day is November 3, voters may cast ballots in person at polling centers prior to that date.

Civic engagement efforts are intensifying across state universities. ASU, the University of Arizona (UA), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) have partnered with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on a nonpartisan campaign featuring football players to educate voters on tracking ballots and voting procedures. The Mechanics of Democracy Lab at ASU is also examining how artificial intelligence can be used to combat election misinformation.

Community groups are mobilizing around specific issues. The Arizona People’s Convention, organized by Activate 48, Chispa Arizona, Our Voice Our Vote Arizona, and LUCHA, gathered organizations in Phoenix to discuss immigration, housing, and indigenous lands. LGBTQ+ community members have highlighted Proposition 318 as a key concern, viewing the midterms as an opportunity to defend their rights.

Student governments and external clubs are working to ensure voter registration and civic participation. Democratic congressional candidate Elizabeth Lee attended a women’s safety event hosted by ASU Young Democrats in Tempe, discussing campus security and gender-based violence. Meanwhile, 19-year-old ASU sophomore Seb Matta has become one of the youngest people in Arizona to win a partisan nomination for Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk.

As the election approaches, the intersection of statewide policy and local impact remains central to voter decision-making, with significant implications for Arizona’s demographic and political future.

K.Nakajima--JT