Steve Gaynor has conceded, and Katie Hobbs has declared victory in the race for Secretary of State. This comes nearly a week and a half after Arizona’s mid-term election and the Associated Press preemptively calling the race for Gaynor.
The AP had originally called the race for Gaynor on Election Night, but Hobbs refused to concede. Since that night, Hobbs and Gaynor went back and forth in the race as ballots were counted daily.
Tonight I called @KatieHobbs to congratulate her on winning the race for AZ Secretary of State. It was an honor to be the Republican nominee. Many thanks to everyone who supported my campaign. Best of luck to Katie.
— Steve Gaynor (@realSteveGaynor) November 17, 2018
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On Friday, Governor Doug Ducey reportedly called Hobbs to congratulate her on her victory.
Confirmed.... @dougducey called @katiehobbs today to congratulate her on winning the secretary of state's race over @realSteveGaynor . Looks like it's over.
— Steve Irvin (@Steve_Irvin) November 16, 2018
Secretary-elect Katie Hobbs released the following statement after winning her race to be Arizona's chief elections official:
"Tonight we won the race for Arizona's Secretary of State. I want to thank all of my supporters, volunteers, staff and Arizona voters for entrusting me with this responsibility. As Secretary of State, I will work to ensure that every eligible voter - Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, Libertarian - can cast your ballot with the confidence that your vote counts and your voice matters, and do so in a way that is meaningful and convenient for you."
Hobbs served in the Arizona State House and Senate. She has a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University and a master's degree from Arizona State University, and she served on the adjunct faculty of Paradise Valley Community College's social and behavioral sciences department.
A graduate of Harvard Business School, Gaynor has been a commercial printing plant owner in Arizona, California, and Colorado. He defeated incumbent Secretary of State Michele Reagan by a two-to-one margin in August's Republican primary election. He has not previously held political office.
