Aaron Lieberman suspends campaign for governor of Arizona

PHOENIX — Aaron Lieberman, a former Arizona State Representative for the 28th district, announced on Friday that he is suspending his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor of Arizona.

Lieberman said in a statement that he joined the race last summer because of his care for Arizona but does not see a realistic path to victory.

For every person who supported this campaign, in so many different ways, I will be forever grateful. Together, we ran a campaign focused on one core idea: we can have it all in Arizona — a booming economy, great schools, and a clean energy economy. https://t.co/h5CKVYwhWZ

— Aaron Lieberman for AZ Governor (@aaron4az) May 28, 2022

“I owe it to all the people who have so generously supported our campaign to be honest with them about what the path ahead would look like,” Lieberman said in a statement.

“Electing a Democratic governor and ensuring that Kari Lake gets nowhere near the governor’s office will be a top priority of mine over the next few months. For every person who supported this campaign, in so many different ways, I will be forever grateful.”

His departure leaves Marco Lopez and Katie Hobbs in the race for the Democratic nomination.

Both candidates expressed their thanks to Lieberman for his candidacy on Friday evening.

“I thank Aaron for sharing his story and his vision for this state, and showing up for Democrats across Arizona at the various events we’ve attended together,” Lopez said in a statement.

“Aaron has been adamant that we need a governor who puts education and our working families first; one who’s not afraid to speak directly to the voters and speak out against hate and discrimination.”

I want to thank @aaron4az for his participation in this primary campaign and his service to our state as a legislator. I look forward to the fight ahead 一 as we all come together and stand up to those who are threatening our basic freedoms in Arizona.

— Katie Hobbs (@katiehobbs) May 28, 2022

The primaries for governor of Arizona will take place on Aug. 2.

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