As he ponders congressional run, Adrian Fontes keeps eye on governor’s office

PHOENIX — As he ponders a run for Congress this year, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes isn’t ruling out the possibility of challenging Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2026.

“Let’s be honest: Politicians are ambitious people. I’m a politician. I’m an ambitious person. You know, there’s no reason to lie about it and play coy,” Fontes told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Wednesday.

Fontes, a Democrat like Hobbs, said it was “flattering” to be mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate “because that means people think that I’m worthy of that office.”

It would be particularly noteworthy if he ran for governor because incumbents rarely face primary challenges from high-profile candidates.

Fontes said the situation is similar to what anybody faces when considering new job opportunities.

“This is different work, obviously,” he said. “But people go through these moments, and it’s a moment that I’m going through. And I’m just not just going to make the decision willy-nilly, but I am going to be preparing for a positive decision even if it doesn’t fully manifest that way.”

Meanwhile, Fontes said he won’t announce whether he will seek Rep. Raul Grijalva’s 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House until after the late congressman’s funeral on March 26.

Grijalva, who represented southern Arizona in Congress for over 20 years, died at age 77 last week after a battle with cancer.

The primary for the special election to complete Grijalva’s term, which runs through 2026, is set for July 15. The general election in the heavily Democratic district will be held Sept. 23.

As of Wednesday morning, 13 people had filed statements of interest for the primary: eight Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian and one Green Party member. Fontes was not on the list.

The deadline to turn in nominating petitions is April 14.

“Between now and then, we’re going to be doing everything we can to be prepared in case this is real,” Fontes said. “And if it’s not, we just keep on trucking at the Secretary of State’s Office.”

Adrian Fontes has roots in southern Arizona, creating “strong personal pull”

Fontes currently resides in Phoenix, but members of the U.S. House don’t have to live in the districts they represent.

However, Fontes has deep roots in southern Arizona, creating what he called “a very strong personal pull” to run for the CD7 seat.

“I have a lot of family down there. I’ve got a lot of friends down there. That’s home for me,” he said.

Fontes was born in Nogales, served in the Marines in Yuma and was chief deputy recorder in Pima County.

“This is not even really a homecoming for me because I’ve got a lot next to my dad’s house. I’ve been wanting to build a house down there for years,” he said.

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