The 2010 Arizona gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2010, to elect the governor of Arizona. Incumbent Republican Jan Brewer ran for a full term. Brewer ascended to the governorship following the resignation of the incumbent Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano to become secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama Administration. Primaries were held on August 24, 2010. Brewer won a full term, defeating Arizona Attorney General and Democratic nominee Terry Goddard 54% to 42%.
Background
Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano was term-limited and nominated to become secretary of Homeland Security by President-elect Barack Obama, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 20, 2009, resigning as governor the same day. Since Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer was first in the state's gubernatorial line of succession and was sworn in as governor upon Napolitano's resignation. Brewer announced on November 5, 2009, that she would seek a full term in 2010.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Terry Goddard, state attorney general, former mayor of Phoenix, nominee for governor in 1990, and candidate in 1994
Declined
- Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe
- Phil Gordon, mayor of Phoenix
Republican primary
The primary to select the 2010 Republican nominee for governor of Arizona was held on August 24, 2010.
Candidates
Declared
- Jan Brewer, incumbent governor
- Matt Jette
Withdrew
- Dean Martin, Arizona state treasurer (dropped out on July 9, 2010, and endorsed Brewer)
- Owen Mills, member of the National Rifle Association of America Board of Directors (dropped out on July 13, 2010)
Declined
- Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County sheriff
- J.D. Hayworth, former U.S. representative
- John Munger, former chair of the Arizona Republican Party
- Vernon Parker, mayor of Paradise Valley (ran for Congress)
- Fife Symington, former governor of Arizona
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Ronald Cavanaugh
- Barry Hess
- Bruce Olsen
- Alvin Ray Yount
General election
Candidates
- Jan Brewer (R), incumbent governor
- Larry Gist (G)
- Terry Goddard (D), attorney general
- Barry Hess (L)
Debate
On September 1, the first and only debate was held among all four candidates, moderated by Ted Simons. The debate drew national attention after Jan Brewer "stumbled and stammered" through her opening statements. Afterward, Brewer stated that she would do no more debates.