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. Party primaries were held on August 24, 2010. Jan 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
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
Polling
- * Dropped out of race after entering to seek the nomination
Results
- * Dropped out prior to primary, but still appeared on ballot
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Ronald Cavanaugh
- Barry Hess
- Bruce Olsen
- Alvin Ray Yount
Results
General election
Candidates
- Jan Brewer (R), incumbent governor
- Terry Goddard (D), attorney general
- Barry Hess (L)
- Larry Gist (G)
Predictions
Polling
Debate
On September 1, the first and only debate was held between all four candidates and moderated by Ted Simons. The debate drew national attention after Jan Brewer "stumbled and stammered" through her opening statements. Before the debate the governor had made several comments about there being beheadings in the desert. During the debate Terry Goddard tried to get the governor to admit that it was a false statement. Goddard said quote Jan I'm going to give you an opportunity to admit that was a false statement but of course the governor Steered clear of the question. After the debate reporters were demanding answers, and still she would just not answer the question. After the debate, Brewer stated that she would do no more debates.
Results
References
External links
- Elections at the Arizona Secretary of State
- Arizona Governor Candidates at Project Vote Smart
- Arizona Governor 2010 from OurCampaigns.com
- 2010 Arizona Governor General Election: Jan Brewer (R) vs Terry Goddard (D) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
- Election 2010: Arizona Governor from Rasmussen Reports
- 2010 Arizona Governor Race from Real Clear Politics
- 2010 Arizona Governor's Race from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions for 2010 Arizona Governor from Follow the Money
- Race Profile in The New York Times
Debates
- Arizona Governor Debate, C-SPAN, September 1, 2010, full video (58:00)
Official campaign sites
- Jan Brewer for Governor (Archived)
- Terry Goddard for Governor (Archived)
