Gov. Ducey secures second term with big win

Arizona voters overwhelming supported Governor Doug Ducey’s reelection last night, easily defeating his Democratic opponent David Garcia.

In early September, polls indicated the race between Gov. Ducey and Garcia could be close.

However, Gov. Ducey ran a strong campaign and took a commanding lead by early October. Real Clear Politics’ latest polling data before the election showed the governor 16.3 points ahead of Garcia.

Gov. Ducey beat Garcia handily, with Garcia earning votes from 40.2 percent of Arizona voters and Gov. Ducey earning 57.8 percent.

Gov. Ducey addressed an excited crowd at the Arizona GOP victory party last night in Scottsdale.

“Arizonans have voted, and they have spoken. The campaign was about ideas and policy,” Ducey said. “The contrast could not have been more clear and the debate could not have been more spirited, perhaps more than we have ever seen in the state of Arizona. And in a democracy, who would want it any other way?”

Surrounded by family and supporters, including Cindy McCain, Gov. Ducey wished Garcia and his family the best and thanked him for “stepping into the arena.” He also thanked Angel Torres, Green Party candidate, for “stepping up and bringing his ideas to this race.”

Garcia spoke to friends and supporters in his concession speech:

“Folks, we came up short tonight. And I called Governor Ducey to congratulate him on his reelection and to wish him the very, very best with the number of important issues facing our state,” Garcia said. “For me personally, I was in a position to do what few candidates are able to do. I was able to take some risks out there, folks. And I said from the beginning, ‘I am not a politician.’ I love being a professor, I love being a dad, I love being a husband and that has always been my core. So, we put together a very bold platform and prioritized engagement in communities in brand new ways that have been long forgotten and neglected.”

Gov. Ducey ended the night in gratitude for the overwhelming support, “To the people of Arizona, I am humbled by the confidence you have put in me. It is my honor to continue working on your behalf and I am truly energized by the work that lies ahead.”

Arizona’s business community, which overwhelmingly supported the governor’s reelection, is gratified by the result.

“This result is a mandate from the people of Arizona to continue pursuing the pro-growth policies that have made Arizona’s economy one of the nation’s strongest,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer said. “From tax reform, to regulatory relief, to transformational investments in education, to his work to dramatically enhance our relationship with Mexico and bolster our international trade standing, Gov. Ducey has proven he is a governor for all Arizonans, and easily the most jobs-friendly governor in America.”