Fontes Declares Victory in Arizona Secretary of State Race

Arizona Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes declared victory over Republican state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, though early returns showed Fontes leading about 57% to 42% and the race was still described as too close to call. The contest drew national attention because the winner will oversee Arizona elections, including the 2028 presidential vote. Fontes defended the state’s election system and criticized Kolodin’s efforts to challenge the 2020 results, which led to sanctions and an admonishment from the Arizona State Bar; Kolodin criticized Fontes and backed a ballot measure requiring voter ID for mail ballots, which Fontes said could undermine mail voting. Former Republican Secretary of State Ken Bennett was among Republicans who supported Fontes.