Arizona Republican state lawmaker aims to unseat Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

PHOENIX – Republican state Rep. Alexander Kolodin launched a campaign to unseat Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on Monday.

“I’m running because too many Arizonans across all political backgrounds have lost faith in our elections. That’s a crisis not just for our state, but for our republic,” Kolodin said during a press conference on the state Capitol grounds in Phoenix.

Kolodin, a representative for District 3 since 2023, took repeated jabs at the incumbent Democrat during his speech.

“Arizona voters deserve a secretary of state who will do everything within the law to make our elections more efficient, more secure and more honest. Adrian Fontes has proven he won’t do these things,” the northeast Valley lawmaker said.

When your Party Chair asks you to run.

When the future of Arizona demands that you run.

And when you’re the most qualified person for the job.

You run.

I’m Alex Kolodin and I’m running for Secretary of State to restore transparency to our elections once and for all. pic.twitter.com/8GByrRbZ8Y

— Rep. Alexander Kolodin (@realAlexKolodin) March 31, 2025

Kolodin is the first candidate to file a statement of interest for the 2026 secretary of state race. Statements of interest are not official entries, but they must be filed before a candidate can start collecting nomination petition signatures.

For his part, Fontes apparently decided he will seek a second term as secretary of state after ruling out runs for Congress or governor. His official announcement is expected soon.

Who is secretary of state candidate Alexander Kolodin?

Kolodin is a member of Arizona’s conservative Freedom Caucus, which is chaired by state Sen. Jake Hoffman.

“Alexander Kolodin is going to be a fantastic secretary of state when we fire Adrian Fontes and put him up on that office,” Hoffman told reporters after Kolodin’s press conference.

Hoffman also said the Freedom Caucus plans to put forward the “best-qualified candidates for as many offices as we possibly can.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Balin Overstolz McNair contributed to this report.

Related

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes drops strong hint about political futureMaricopa County attorney Rachel Mitchell accuses Arizona lawmaker of spreading falsehoodsPolitical consultant calls Hobbs-Giles ticket ‘good strategy decision’ aimed at McCain RepublicansKatie Hobbs praises John Giles running mate pick; Andy Biggs team calls him Democrat allyArizona Gov. Katie Hobbs taps ex-GOP mayor John Giles for reelection ticketAZ Political Podcast: Andy Biggs’ running mate Sine Kerr outlines plans for Arizona