2010 Arizona gubernatorial election
The 2010 Arizona gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2010, to elect the Governor of Arizona. Incumbent Republican Jan Brewer ran for a full term. Brewer ascended to the governorship following the resignation of the incumbent Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano to become Secretary of Homeland Security in the Obama Administration. Primaries were held on August 24, 2010. Brewer won a full term, defeating Arizona Attorney General and Democratic nominee Terry Goddard 54% to 42%.
Background
was term limited and nominated to become Secretary of Homeland Security by President-elect Barack Obama, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 20, 2009, resigning as governor the same day. Since Arizona does not have a lieutenant governor, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer was first in the state's gubernatorial line of succession and was sworn in as governor upon Napolitano's resignation. Brewer announced on November 5, 2009, that she would seek a full term in 2010.Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Terry Goddard, State Attorney General, former mayor of Phoenix, nominee for governor in 1990, and candidate in 1994
Declined
- Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe
- Phil Gordon, Mayor of Phoenix
Republican primary
The primary to select the 2010 Republican nominee for governor of Arizona was held on August 24, 2010.Candidates
Declared
- Jan Brewer, incumbent governor
- Matt Jette
Withdrew
- Dean Martin, Arizona State Treasurer
- Owen Mills, member of the National Rifle Association of America Board of Directors
Declined
- Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Sheriff
- J.D. Hayworth, former U.S. Representative
- John Munger, former chair of the Arizona Republican Party
- Vernon Parker, Mayor of Paradise Valley
- Fife Symington, former governor of Arizona
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Ronald Cavanaugh
- Barry Hess
- Bruce Olsen
- Alvin Ray Yount
General election
Candidates
- Jan Brewer, incumbent governor
- Terry Goddard, attorney general
- Barry Hess
- Larry Gist
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Terry Goddard | Jan Brewer |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 28, 2010 | 39% | 53% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 23–24, 2010 | 44% | 52% |
| BRC Polls | October 11, 2010 | 35% | 38% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 3, 2010 | 39% | 55% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 7, 2010 | 38% | 60% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 25, 2010 | 38% | 57% |
| Rasmussen Reports | July 21, 2010 | 37% | 56% |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 29, 2010 | 35% | 53% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 17, 2010 | 39% | 52% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 27, 2010 | 40% | 48% |
| Public Policy Polling | April 23–25, 2010 | 47% | 44% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 14, 2010 | 40% | 44% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 16, 2010 | 45% | 43% |
| Rasmussen Reports | January 20, 2010 | 43% | 42% |
| Rasmussen Reports | November 18, 2009 | 44% | 42% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 27, 2009 | 42% | 40% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 7, 2009 | 46% | 36% |