(Find full election results at the secretary of state’s website.)
By Maria Polletta Arizona Republic
Gov. Doug Ducey soundly defeated challenger Ken Bennett in the Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday, as longtime educator David Garcia beat out state Sen. Steve Farley and YWCA leader Kelly Fryer forthe Democratic nomination.
“I am grateful and humbled by the continued support we’ve received from Arizonans tonight,” Ducey, who has raised millions of dollars for his re-election campaign, said in a statement. “Now we must come together again to ensure we build on the significant gains of the last three years to secure Arizona’s future.”
Analysts believe Garcia will have a better-than-usual chance in the Nov. 6 general election, after the #RedForEd teacher walkout raised doubts about Ducey’s dedication to public education. A national surge in progressive activism spurred by contentious Trump administration decisions also could help Arizona’s Democratic nominee.
Indeed, Garcia said Tuesday that momentum helped him “run an amazing campaign.”
“We believed from the beginning that if we had candidates who were grounded in their communities, taking stances for those that didn’t have a voice, that would win the day, and we’re going to see that tonight,” Garcia said at his results-watch party at Roland’s, a Phoenix restaurant.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve done, very proud of this turnout, and I think we’re looking at a new day in Arizona and we’re looking at an opportunity to invest in public education,” he said.
Ducey, elected in 2014 after serving as state treasurer, won his first gubernatorial race by painting himself as a successful businessman who could revive the state’s economy. He promised to cut taxes, attract entrepreneurs and support small businesses.
The 54-year-old has continued to focus on the economy in this campaign, touting the state’s low unemployment rate and the expansion of high-profile companies while glossing over controversies related to Uber and the disgraced blood-testing company Theranos.
