2010 Arizona gubernatorial election

The 2010 Arizona gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2010, to elect the Governor of Arizona. Incumbent Republican Jan Brewer ran for a full term. Party primaries were held on August 24, 2010. Jan Brewer won a full term, defeating Arizona Attorney General and Democratic nominee Terry Goddard 54% to 42%.

Background
Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano was term limited and nominated to become Secretary of Homeland Security by President-elect Barack Obama, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 20, 2009, resigning as governor the same day. Since Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer was first in the state's gubernatorial line of succession and was sworn in as governor upon Napolitano's resignation. Brewer announced on November 5, 2009, that she would seek a full term in 2010.

Declared

 * Terry Goddard, State Attorney General, former mayor of Phoenix, nominee for governor in 1990, and candidate in 1994

Declined

 * Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe
 * Phil Gordon, Mayor of Phoenix

Republican primary
The primary to select the 2010 Republican nominee for governor of Arizona was held on August 24, 2010.

Declared

 * Jan Brewer, incumbent governor

Withdrew

 * Dean Martin, Arizona State Treasurer (dropped out on July 9, 2010, and endorsed Brewer)
 * Owen Mills, member of the National Rifle Association of America Board of Directors (dropped out on July 13, 2010)

Declined

 * Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Sheriff
 * J.D. Hayworth, former U.S. Representative
 * John Munger, former chair of the Arizona Republican Party
 * Vernon Parker, Mayor of Paradise Valley (ran for Congress)
 * Fife Symington, former Governor of Arizona

Polling

 * Dropped out of race after entering to seek the nomination

Results



 * Dropped out prior to primary, but still appeared on ballot

Candidates

 * Ronald Cavanaugh
 * Barry Hess
 * Bruce Olsen
 * Alvin Ray Yount

Candidates

 * Jan Brewer (R), incumbent governor
 * Terry Goddard (D), attorney general
 * Barry Hess (L)
 * Larry Gist (G)

Debate
On September 1, the first and only debate was held between all four candidates and moderated by Ted Simons. The debate drew national attention after Jan Brewer "stumbled and stammered" through her opening statements. Before the debate the governor had made several comments about there being beheadings in the desert. During the debate Terry Goddard tried to get the governor to admit that it was a false statement. Goddard said quote '' Jan I'm going to give you an opportunity to admit that was a false statement but of course the governor Steered clear of the question. After the debate reporters were demanding answers, and still she would just not answer the question. After the debate, Brewer stated that she would do no more debates.

Results

 * Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican
 * Cochise (Largest city: Seirra Vista)
 * Gila (Largest city: Payson)
 * Graham (Largest city: Safford)
 * Greenlee (Largest city: Clifton)
 * La Paz (Largest city: Parker)
 * Maricopa (Largest city: Phoenix)
 * Mohave (Largest city: Lake Havasu City)
 * Navajo (Largest city: Show Low)
 * Pinal (Largest city: San Tan Valley)
 * Yavapai (Largest city: Prescott Valley)
 * Yuma (Largest city: Yuma)