Democrat Adrian Fontes wins reelection as Arizona secretary of state

Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes secured victory over Republican Alexander Kolodin in Arizona’s secretary of state race, according to projections by The Associated Press.

The race was called just after 2 a.m. Wednesday. Fontes was leading 54.9% to 43.7% as of 5 a.m.

Adrian Fontes, Alexander Kolodin differed over election security and voting rules

Arizona voters chose between candidates offering different approaches to the position, which oversees elections statewide. County officials handle most day-to-day election operations, while this position is in charge of statewide procedures through Arizona’s Elections Procedures Manual.

A lawyer and former Maricopa County recorder, Fontes sought a second term defending Arizona’s election system.

On the campaign trail, he argued that the state’s elections are fair and secure, and he highlighted the dangers facing election administrators after an envelope with a white powdery substance was sent to his office in October. (The powder was later found to not be toxic.)

Kolodin, an election lawyer who first joined the state Legislature in 2022, proposed changing voting rules to improve transparency.

In contrast to Fontes, who said Arizona elections are safe and secure, Kolodin focused on appealing to voters who questioned the integrity of Arizona’s elections. President Donald Trump heralded him as “a warrior for election integrity” during an October rally in Bullhead City.

Arizona secretary of state race candidates clashed in debate

Kolodin sponsored Proposition 144, a statewide ballot measure proposing additional voter identification requirements, including for mail voting.

During a heated debate with Fontes weeks before the election, Kolodin argued that the changes would strengthen confidence in elections and help ensure ballots are counted on time. He also repeatedly called Fontes a lawyer for the Sinaloa cartel, referencing his opponent’s past work as a federal public defender, despite Fontes calling it “a big fat lie.”

Also during the debate, Fontes questioned Kolodin’s fitness to oversee elections, citing his involvement in lawsuits challenging past election results. Kolodin maintained that changes were needed to make the system more trustworthy and transparent.

This is an updated version of a story originally published Nov. 3, 2026.

Click here to see results come in from all the races in Arizona.

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