SAFFORD — With slightly more than a year before the primary, one gubernatorial candidate has picked up a number of notable local endorsements.
Republican State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who announced her candidacy for governor in 2022, received endorsements from three Graham County elected officials, including Supervisor Danny Smith, Attorney L. Scott Bennett and Treasurer Mary Bingham.
She’s also received the endorsement of Safford Mayor Jason Kouts and Safford City Councilman Michael Andazola.
Yee is part of a crowded field interested in the Republican nomination for governor, with 15 potential candidates having filed Statements of Interest with the Secretary of State’s Office.
As of Thursday, six Democrats and four Libertarians have filed Statements of Interest for governor.
Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Ducey is prevented from seeking re-election due to term limits.
Three Democrats have filed Statements of Interest for the Congressional seat that represents Graham and Greenlee counties; however, incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz., has not yet filed. Six Republicans have also filed Statements of Interest in running for that Congressional seat.
At the state level, none of the incumbents in Dist. 14, which represents Graham and Greenlee counties in the Legislature, have yet filed. Only one person — Democrat Douglas Nance — has filed a Statement of Interest to run for state Senator in the district.
A Statement of Interest does not mean a candidate will run; however, a Statement of Interest must be filed before nominating petitions can be circulated.
