ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona State professor David Garcia to run for governor

Apr 13, 2017, 8:01 AM | Updated: 11:37 am

(KTAR Photo/GriseldaNevarez)...

(KTAR Photo/GriseldaNevarez)

(KTAR Photo/GriseldaNevarez)

PHOENIX — David Garcia, who most recently ran for Arizona public schools chief, has set his sights higher, declaring his intention to run for governor in 2018.

Garcia, a Democrat, announced his candidacy late Wednesday afternoon, citing Gov. Doug Ducey’s school voucher plan as a major factor in his decision to run.

“I realized I could not run for superintendent of public instruction (again) because my job would be to implement that bill,” he said. “… I told folks I would run for the position where I would have the most impact to improve our public schools,” Garcia, 47, said.

Ducey signed the expansion bill last week, which made the 1 million plus schoolchildren in the state eligible.

Democrats said the plan would hurt public education and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

The program will give Arizona one of the country’s broadest voucher programs.

Garcia, an Arizona State University professor, was an assistant superintendent with the Department of Education. He ran for superintendent of public schools in 2014 and lost in a close general election to Republican Diane Douglas.

Democratic state Sen. Steve Farley is also considering a challenge to Ducey.

Political unknown Noah Dyer has also announced a long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination.

Ducey hasn’t said whether he would seek a second term. Earlier this week he said campaign seasons were too long and he would discuss his next year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Phoenix Fire...

Colton Krolak

Phoenix Fire Department breaks ground on state-of-the-art fire station in West Valley

The Phoenix Fire Department broke ground on a new fire station near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in the West Valley.

1 hour ago

Men entering seminary can spend two years at Nazareth House, which was established by the Diocese o...

Kevin Stone

Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to create its first full seminary for future priests

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix announced plans Tuesday to create its first full seminary to educate and train future priests locally.

1 hour ago

Mike Broomhead...

Mike Broomhead

Amazing Arizonans: World Champion bull rider Cody Custer discusses rodeo career

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, Mike Broomhead sits down with 1992 World Champion bull rider Cody Custer.

2 hours ago

a model room showing what the new community looks like...

KTAR.com

Eco-conscious, luxury rental community opens in east Mesa

An eco-conscious detached rental community recently opened in east Mesa at Ellsworth Road and University Drive.

2 hours ago

woman cutting a sandwich in the back of house...

KTAR.com

Eligible Mesa small business owners can register for low-cost college courses

A new program in Mesa is expanding ways that small business owners can earn college credits. 

10 hours ago

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)...

Associated Press

Judge denies Phoenix request to extend clean up time at The Zone

A judge on Tuesday denied the city of Phoenix’s legal request seeking extra time to clean up the city’s largest homeless encampment.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

...

Ignite Digital

How to unlock the power of digital marketing for Phoenix businesses

All businesses around the Valley hopes to maximize their ROI with current customers and secure a greater market share in the digital sphere.

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

Arizona State professor David Garcia to run for governor