State 48 News: Exclusive Interview With Arizona's First Conservative 2026 Candidate for Secretary of State
Backed by the Arizona Freedom Caucus, State 48 News talks exclusively with the conservative candidate to be announced today at the Capitol.
At the Capitol, Conservatives Signal Early Strike in 2026 Secretary of State Race
In a sharp rebuke of Arizona’s top election official, Republican lawmakers and members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus will gather today on the lawn of the State Capitol to unveil a conservative challenger to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
State 48 News is first to report the candidate is Arizona House of Representatives Alex Kolodin (R-LD3).
Find out more about Rep. Alex Kolodin here.
Today’s press conference, held nearly 20 months before the 2026 election, marks the opening move in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched down-ballot races in the state.
Led by Senator Jake Hoffman, the event will frame Fontes’ tenure as deeply flawed, accusing him of politicizing an office historically tasked with nonpartisan election administration. Hoffman and others make clear their unified intent: to defeat Fontes and reshape the Secretary of State’s office into what they called a “transparent, secure, honest, and lawful” institution.
WILL ADRIAN FONTES BE UNSEATED?
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes recently indicated that he would defy federal authority. Fontes openly criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at standardizing federal election procedures, calling it a “power grab.” He also stated that if the Department of Government Elections (DOGE) attempts to access Arizona’s voter rolls or information, he would tell them to “go to hell.”
Over the past week, Fontes has reaffirmed his role as a self-declared barrier between the Trump administration and Arizona voters. His fluctuating commitment to the Secretary of State’s office—at times suggesting higher ambitions, then abruptly refocusing—has created a sense of political whiplash.
In the wake of Representative Raúl Grijalva’s passing, Fontes hastily expressed interest in running for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District seat, describing it as a “homecoming.” He seemed ready to abandon the Secretary of State's office for a federal position. This sudden reversal suggests to critics that he lacks a clear direction for his political future.
Adding to the uncertainty, Fontes has entertained the idea of challenging incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs in the 2026 Democratic primary. Fontes has made numerous political maneuvers heading into 2026. For now, it looks like he has settled into the idea of maintaining a hold on the Secretary of States office.
EARLY CAMPAIGN, FAMILIAR TACTICS
That the opposition to Fontes is coalescing this early is notable. Rarely does a state-level race draw this level of preemptive attention, but the Secretary of State's office has taken on national significance in the wake of persistent efforts to challenge legitimate election results across the country.
What also stands out is the language used in today’s advisory and press remarks: “failed,” “disastrous,” “hyper-politicized.” It’s a rhetorical strategy reminiscent of 2020-era attacks on election officials, many of whom have since left their posts amid threats and political pressure.
Yet Fontes has remained defiant. A former Marine and Maricopa County Recorder, he has consistently framed his role as a defense of democratic institutions. He has refused to lend credence to conspiracy theories and has instead emphasized outreach, education, and transparency—moves praised by voting rights advocates and sharply criticized by his opponents.
A PIVOTAL OFFICE, AGAIN
The Arizona Secretary of State oversees elections, business filings, and public records. It is also first in the line of succession to the governor. But in recent years, its most high-profile function—election certification—has drawn national scrutiny.
“My number one priority as Secretary of State will be to restore the public's role in the process. To restore transparency—so the public doesn't have to trust me. The public should be able to see for themselves whether or not our elections are being properly administered.”
Rep. Alex Kolodin | Candidate for Arizona Secretary of State | March 30, 2025
With this early move, Arizona Republicans appear to be positioning themselves to assert control over the Secretary of State’s office once again.
The General Election is November 3, 2026.
HISTORY OF THE POSITION
The Arizona Secretary of State is a pivotal executive role, historically serving as the state's chief elections officer and first in the line of succession to the governor. Since Arizona's statehood in 1912, numerous individuals have held this position. Here's a list of Arizona's Secretaries of State:
Sidney P. Osborn (1912–1919) – Democrat
Mit Simms (1919–1920) – Democrat
Ernest R. Hall (1920–1921) – Republican
Mit Simms (1921–1923) – Democrat
James H. Kerby (1923–1929) – Democrat
J. C. Callaghan (1929) – Democrat
Isaac P. Fraizer (1929–1931) – Republican
Scott White (1931–1933) – Democrat
James H. Kerby (1933–1939) – Democrat
Harry M. Moore (1939–1941) – Democrat
Dan E. Garvey (1941–1948) – Democrat
Wesley Bolin (1949–1977) – Democrat
Rose Mofford (1977–1988) – Democrat
James Shumway (1988–1991) – Democrat
Richard D. Mahoney (1991–1995) – Democrat
Jane Dee Hull (1995–1997) – Republican
Betsey Bayless (1997–2003) – Republican
Jan Brewer (2003–2009) – Republican
Ken Bennett (2009–2015) – Republican
Michele Reagan (2015–2019) – Republican
Katie Hobbs (2019–2023) – Democrat
Adrian Fontes (2023–Present) – Democrat
This list reflects the individuals who have shaped Arizona's electoral processes and maintained public records over the years. Notably, several Secretaries of State, such as Sidney P. Osborn, Dan E. Garvey, Wesley Bolin, Rose Mofford, Jane Dee Hull, and Jan Brewer, have ascended to the governorship, highlighting the significance of this office in Arizona's political landscape.
THE MORE YOU KNOW.
State 48 News is the leader in coverage of conservative politics in Arizona. We are honored to be able to provide the public with this first interview of the candidate for Secretary of State supported by the Arizona Freedom Caucus.