Arizona 2026 Prop 131, Governor’s Race & the Lieutenant Governor Stakes

Does former Senator McCain’s son run on the Democratic Governor’s ticket?

Arizona voters rewrote part of their state government structure with the approval of Proposition 131 in November 2022. Beginning with the 2026 general election, Arizona will, for the first time, elect a Governor and Lieutenant Governor as a joint ticket. With the 2026 gubernatorial race now underway, this constitutional change is reshaping the political landscape — from running-mate speculation to the dynamics of a competitive GOP primary.

Prop 131: What the Reform Does and Why It Matters in 2026

• Prop 131 amends the state constitution to create the office of Lieutenant Governor.

• The 2022026 election is the first in state history where voters will select a Governor and Lieutenant Governor together, as running mates.

  
  

• Under the previous system, which remains in effect until 2026, Arizona has no lieutenant governor. The Secretary of State automatically becomes Acting Governor whenever the Governor leaves the state — a constitutional rule that requires no approval and can temporarily shift executive power across party lines.

  
  

This structural risk — especially in circumstances where the Governor and Secretary of State belonged to different parties — was a major argument behind Prop 131.

Who’s Running for Governor in 2026

Democratic Side

• Gov. Katie Hobbs is running for re-elction.

• She currently faces no significant primary challenge.

  
  

Republican Side

Several Republicans have positioned themselves for the nomination, but one candidate is emerging ahead of the field:

• Andy Biggs, U.S. Representative — strong conservative support, broad name recognition, and early polling strength.

  
  

Other Republicans, including business-oriented and former statewide candidates, are circling the race but have yet to match Biggs’ fundraising or visibility.

Polling Snapshot

Early polling data shows Biggs leading the GOP field with a sizable margin, positioning him as the frontrunner well ahead of the August 2026 primary.

Campaign Cash on Hand (Late 2025 Filings)

Campaign-finance reports give the clearest indicator of early organizational strength:

• Katie Hobbs: Approximately $5.4 million cash on hand, far outraising the GOP field combined.

  
  

• Andy Biggs: Roughly $630,000 cash on hand, with $1.2 million raised to date.

While Hobbs enters 2026 with a significant financial advantage, Biggs remains the Republican most capable of consolidating party support.

GOP Registration Gains in Arizona

Republican voter registration has climbed sharply in Arizona over the past three years. As of October 2025, the state reports 1.6 million registered Republicans, an all-time high.

That’s up from 1.43 million in early 2024 — a net gain of roughly 168,000 GOP voters in less than two years.

Overall, Republicans now hold a registration advantage of more than 330,000 voters over Democrats statewide, widening the GOP’s edge heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Lieutenant Governor Stakes: Who Might Hobbs Choose?

Prop 131 requires gubernatorial nominees to select a running mate at least 60 days before the general election. With Arizona electing a Lieutenant Governor for the first time, speculation is rising about who Hobbs might tap to run with her.

Top Names Circulating in Public Discussions

1. Anna Tovar (Democrat)

• Current Arizona Corporation Commissioner

• Former legislator and former Mayor of Tolleson

• Publicly floated as a likely contender

Her statewide profile and experience make her one of the most frequently mentioned names.

2. Jimmy McCain (Independent / Unaffiliated)

• Son of the late U.S. Senator John McCain

• Recently appointed by Gov. Hobbs (2025) to the Arizona Board of Regents

• U.S. Naval Academy graduate and veteran

  
  

Though not a declared candidate, his appointment elevated his public profile and sparked speculation. His independent status and cross-party appeal fit Hobbs’ coalition-building approach, though no reporting confirms he is under formal consideration.

3. Adrian Fontes (Democrat)

• Secretary of State of Arizona

• Former Maricopa County Recorder

• Statewide name ID and extensive administrative experience

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Fontes is regarded as a capable choice who understands election administration and state governance. However, he may also be eyeing future statewide or federal opportunities.

Why This Election Matters: Structural Change Meets High-Stakes Politics

The 2026 gubernatorial race is the first under Arizona’s new unified executive ticket. That change reshapes:

• Campaign strategy

• Regional balancing

• Administrative alignment

• Succession stability

  
  

With Hobbs holding a cash advantage and Biggs leading GOP polling, both parties are positioning themselves for a competitive general election in a state that continues to swing between narrow margins.

Final Takeaway

Arizona’s 2026 race is more than just a traditional governor’s contest. It’s the first test of a new constitutional structure — one in which the choice of Lieutenant Governor is no longer symbolic but strategic.

With Gov. Hobbs dominating fundraising, Andy Biggs consolidating the GOP base, and speculation swirling about whether figures like Jimmy McCain could join the Democratic ticket, the 2026 election is shaping up as one of Arizona’s most consequential in decades.