Arizona’s top elected officials and their key staff members used personal e-mail to conduct government business during their transition into office and the months that followed.
Gov. Doug Ducey, Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Secretary of State Michele Reagan and schools Superintendent Diane Douglas and their aides used their personal accounts for routine matters, such as scheduling and prepping for their new jobs and discussing talking points for public appearances.
Their representatives said that in some instances, it was easier to use personal e-mail because they did not yet have access to the state e-mail system while not at work, and because it was easily accessible on their cellphones. All but Douglas continue to occasionally use their personal e-mail accounts for official business, a practice that is legal but at times controversial.
