Democratic state senator announces bid for Arizona governor
Jun 5, 2017, 11:58 AM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — A Democratic state senator announced Monday that he will run for Arizona governor in the 2018 election.
Steve Farley (D-Tucson) revealed the news in a tweet that also linked to his campaign website.
It's official: I'm in for governor. I have a vision for Arizona to make our great state even better. https://t.co/pDeMPHxA7v #AZGOV
— Steve Farley (@SteveFarleyAZ) June 5, 2017
Farley, 54, was first elected to the state Legislature in 2006, when he served in the House of Representatives. He was elected to the state Senate in 2012.
Farley is the Senate assistant minority leader, the ranking Democrat on the Finance Committee and sits on the committees for appropriations, joint legislative budget and ethics.
On his website, Farley said he played a part in helping Tucson get its light rail system. He also outlined a few likely issues he will campaign on, including education and the economy.
Farley owned a public art and graphic design business.
He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts in 1985 with a degree in political science. He has two children and was engaged to be married.
Farley’s path to the State Capitol will first go through the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
He will face off against at least two other opponents: David Garcia, who lost to Diane Douglas in the 2014 superintendent of public instruction election, and Noah Dyer, an advertising executive.
The winner will likely face Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in the general election.
Ducey had not yet announced a re-election bid, though he was eligible for a second term. He had previously said campaign seasons were too long and he would discuss his next year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
