Election losses, wins, front and center amid AZ’s primary election news

With few exceptions, good news resounds in the aftermath of Tuesday’s election. Arizona’s Republican incumbent members of congress — Biggs, Gosar, Lesko and Schweikert — remain popular and enough President Trump supporters broke ranks to give Karrin Taylor Robson a 7-point edge over Republicrat contortionist Kari Lake, in the Arizona governor’s race. Lake morphed into a Republican after leaving the party twice before taking a circuitous path of endorsing and supporting Obama — in her initial foray into public office. Trump endorsed Mark Finchem, a former state legislator, sailed to a smooth primary victory in the race for Secretary of State. This office is next in line of succession to the governor, since Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor.

AZ House Speaker and sculptor, Rusty Bowers, who theatrically testified against Pres. Trump during congress’ recent January 6 hearing, got the drubbing he deserved and will now have ample opportunity to whine as he chisels marble, since his days at the state legislature are not only termed out, they are over. The Arizona GOP executive committee censured Bowers and called on Republican voters to “replace him in the ballot box,” which they did.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich will get to enjoy his retirement instead of spending time in humid or snowy Washington D.C. as a senator.  

Exceptionally well qualified Andy Gould, with prosecutorial and judicial credentials, running for Arizona Attorney General lost to marginal Abe Hamadeh, lacking relevant legal experience while touting his military service. Though commendable, it is not a qualification for being attorney general.

Kimberly Yee, Arizona’s incumbent state treasurer with credentials galore, easily beat back two primary challengers.

Interim Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, a career prosecutor and chief deputy won the primary bringing the office back on an even keel after unfortunate events surrounding her predecessor. Mitchell previously gained national recognition serving as Investigative Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee during the unprecedented and disgraceful 2018 democrat-led confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Arizona’s general election is Nov. 8, 2022.