Several former Arizona leaders being floated for Donald Trump’s Cabinet

PHOENIX — The names of several former Arizona leaders may be in the mix for a number of positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet.

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, outgoing Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former Sen. Jon Kyl are all could be in consideration for a Cabinet position.

With Trump already naming his White House chief of staff and chief strategist, his other Cabinet decisions could come down very quickly.

Here’s a breakdown of Arizonans who are being considered for a position.

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer

Possible position: Secretary of the Interior

Brewer would not be a shock consideration for a Cabinet position, especially given her consistent support of Trump’s presidential run.

Prior to selecting former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, there were rumors floating around that Brewer was being vetted as a possible vice presidential nominee.

“Jan Brewer has been fantastic. She has been so fantastic,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ “On the Record” in May. “You know I won so big, her territory, we won so big, and she is a fabulous woman.”

But Brewer remained mum last week when asked if she would accept a Cabinet position should she be offered one.

“You know, I haven’t given that a whole lot of thought,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos. “I would hate to have to think I would have to pick up and move to Washington, D.C. to participate in something like that.”

However, Brewer said it would be “an awesome opportunity.”

Outgoing Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Possible position: Secretary of Homeland Security

For the first time in nearly three decades, Arpaio has found himself without a government job. That may not be long-lasting, however, if Trump gives him the Cabinet nod.

A jump to being the head of Homeland Security is not entirely out of reach. Arpaio has become a staunch advocate for border security over the years and was strongly in favor of Trump’s stances on immigration and terrorism.

In a speech at the Republican National Convention, Arpaio said the United States is “more concerned with the rights of illegal aliens” and the country shouldn’t have to be concerned with “terrorists coming over our border, infiltrating our communities and causing massive destruction and mayhem.”

Should Arpaio get the call, he won’t be the first prominent Arizonan to fill the position. When President Barack Obama took office in 2008, he brought in then-Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to lead Homeland Security. She filled the role until 2013.

Former Sen. Jon Kyl

Possible position: Secretary of Defense

He may have been out of politics for the past three years, but Kyl could find himself back in Washington should Trump select him to head the Department of Defense.

But his selection would be slightly odd. Kyl was rather quiet about Trump’s run to the White House and, if his first two picks are any indication, Trump prefers people who supported him during his campaign.

Kyl also has little experience in the defense field. He did not serve in the military and was on judiciary and finance committees while in the Senate, though some subcommittees he was part of did focus on terrorism and border security.

However, Kyl told The Hill in 2012 that he would refuse to serve as a member of a Republican president’s Cabinet.

Arizona Treasurer Jeff DeWit

Possible position: Secretary of the Treasury

Though DeWit’s name has not been mentioned for the position, he’s worth putting on this list.

DeWit was named the Trump campaign’s COO earlier this year and made numerous appearances alongside the president-elect.

On Monday, he told Arizona’s Morning News that he would consider an offer, should one arrive.

“I certainly would have a home (in the new administration), no question about it, I think. It’s something I need to consider.”

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