The 2010 Arizona gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2010 to elect the Governor of Arizona. Incumbent RepublicanJan 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%.
DemocraticGovernorJanet Napolitano was term limited and nominated to become Secretary of Homeland Security by President-electBarack Obama, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 20, 2009, resigning as governor the same day.[1] Since Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor, RepublicanSecretary of StateJan 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.[2]
Democratic primary[]
Candidates[]
Declared[]
Terry Goddard, State Attorney General,[3] former Mayor of Phoenix, and nominee for Governor in 1990
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.[4][5]
Candidates[]
Declared[]
Jan Brewer, incumbent Governor
Withdrew[]
Dean Martin, Arizona State Treasurer (dropped out on July 9, 2010 and endorsed Brewer)[6]
Owen Mills, member of the National Rifle Association Board of Directors (dropped out on July 13, 2010)[7]
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.[16] After the debate, Brewer stated that she would do no more debates.[17][18]