Kimberly Yee/Gage Skidmore
By Stacey Barchenger | Arizona Republic
Arizona state treasurer Kimberly Yee, a candidate for Arizona governor speaks during the Turning Point Action event at the Arizona Federal Theatre in Phoenix on July 24, 2021. Former president Donald Trump spoke later during the event. This is Donald Trump’s first post-presidency visit to Arizona.
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of the article included incorrect information about state Sen. David Livingston’s candidacy. He is now running for the Arizona House of Representatives.
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee announced Saturday she was dropping out of the race for governor and instead would seek a second term as the state’s chief investment officer.
“I want to thank my volunteers and supporters from across Arizona’s 15 counties for their support during my campaign for governor,” Yee said in a statement. “As I transition my campaign, I invite them to join me in my re-election efforts for Arizona treasurer.”
Yee struggled to stand out in a crowded field of GOP candidates hoping to replace Gov. Doug Ducey in January 2023, and her decision to seek a second four-year term as treasurer adds another twist to that race’s Republican primary.
Yee will face sitting state lawmaker Rep. Jeff Weninger of Chandler for the nomination.
“I welcome Kimberly Yee to the race for state treasurer after she realized she would be outgunned in another statewide race,” Weninger said in a statement. “I remain committed to the treasurer’s race to ensure there is a good steward overseeing the state’s investments.”
State Sen. David Livingston of Peoria had been in the running, but he dropped out of the treasurer’s race on Dec. 23, citing an “opportunity in the private sector” that wouldn’t allow for a year-round elected position, a statement on his website reads. Livingston said he would instead seek an open seat in the state House of Representatives.
State Sen. Martín Quezada of Glendale is seeking the Democratic nomination for treasurer.
