In a significant development for Arizona’s political landscape, Senator Mark Finchem has thrown his support behind Senator Warren Petersen in the race for Arizona Attorney General. Finchem, who was the Republican nominee for the same position four years ago in 2022 but lost to Democrat Kris Mayes, announced his endorsement via a post on X. The endorsement highlights Petersen’s commitment to the rule of law and his potential to strengthen justice and protection for Arizonans, according to Finchem. This move signals a unified front among certain conservative factions as Petersen campaigns for one of the state’s most influential legal positions.
Mark Finchem’s Political Journey and 2022 Loss
Mark Finchem, a former Arizona State Representative and a prominent conservative figure, has been a polarizing figure in Arizona politics. Known for his staunch support of election integrity measures and his alignment with the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, Finchem rose to national prominence during the 2020 election cycle. He was a vocal proponent of claims questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, which earned him both fervent supporters and sharp critics.
In 2022, Finchem secured the Republican nomination for Arizona Attorney General, a position that oversees the state’s legal affairs, including prosecuting fraud, defending state laws, and advising government agencies. His campaign focused heavily on election integrity, border security, and a promise to combat what he described as overreach by the federal government. However, Finchem faced a tough general election against Kris Mayes, a Democrat and former Arizona Corporation Commissioner who emphasized consumer protection, reproductive rights, and a more moderate approach to legal governance.
The 2022 race was a close one, reflecting Arizona’s status as a battleground state. Mayes ultimately won with a narrow margin of 280 votes out of over 2.5 million cast, making it one of the closest statewide races in Arizona history. Finchem’s loss was a blow to the more conservative elements of the GOP, who had hoped to secure the Attorney General’s office as a bulwark against progressive policies. Following his defeat, Finchem remained active in Arizona politics, continuing to advocate for his core issues while also taking on a role as a commentator and influencer within conservative circles.
Warren Petersen: A Rising Star in Arizona Politics
Warren Petersen, the current Arizona State Senate President, has emerged as a formidable candidate for Attorney General. A Republican from Gilbert, Petersen has built a reputation as a pragmatic yet conservative leader during his tenure in the Arizona Legislature. First elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2017 and later to the Senate in 2021, Petersen quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Senate President in 2023. His leadership has focused on issues such as tax reform, education funding, and public safety, often aligning with the GOP’s broader agenda while maintaining a reputation for working across the aisle when necessary.
Petersen’s decision to run for Attorney General comes at a time when Arizona faces complex legal challenges, including ongoing disputes over election laws, water rights, and border security. His campaign has emphasized a commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting Arizonans from crime, and defending the state against what he calls “federal overreach.” Petersen has also highlighted his experience as a small business owner and attorney, arguing that his background equips him to handle the legal intricacies of the Attorney General’s office.
The Endorsement: A Strategic Move?
Mark Finchem’s endorsement of Warren Petersen is a notable moment in the race, as it bridges two distinct factions within Arizona’s Republican Party. Finchem represents the more populist, election-skeptic wing of the party, while Petersen has generally been seen as a more traditional conservative with a focus on legislative governance. The endorsement suggests an effort to consolidate support among Republicans as Petersen seeks to win the GOP primary and ultimately challenge the Democratic incumbent, Kris Mayes, in the 2026 general election.
In his X post, Finchem expressed confidence in Petersen’s ability to serve as Attorney General, stating:
For Petersen, this endorsement could help bolster his appeal among the GOP base, particularly among voters who remain loyal to Finchem and his platform. Finchem’s name still carries weight among conservative activists, and his support may help Petersen fend off potential challengers in the Republican primary. However, it also raises questions about how Petersen will navigate the more controversial aspects of Finchem’s legacy, particularly his election-related claims, which have been widely debunked and remain a point of contention in Arizona politics.
The Political Context: Arizona in 2025
Arizona remains a deeply divided state as the 2026 election cycle approaches. The 2022 midterms, which saw Democrats like Kris Mayes, Katie Hobbs (Governor), and Adrian Fontes (Secretary of State) win statewide offices, underscored the state’s purple status. Republicans, however, maintained control of the Arizona Legislature, creating a tense political environment where partisan battles over issues like abortion, education, and election laws have dominated the discourse.
Kris Mayes, the current Attorney General, has focused her tenure on consumer protection, environmental issues, and defending Arizona’s election systems against lawsuits and misinformation. She has also taken a firm stance against efforts to restrict abortion access, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Mayes’ narrow victory in 2022 and her active role in these contentious issues make her a formidable opponent for any Republican challenger, including Petersen.
Petersen’s campaign, with Finchem’s endorsement, appears to be positioning itself as a counterweight to Mayes’ agenda. By emphasizing the rule of law and public safety, Petersen aims to appeal to voters concerned about crime and border security, issues that have long resonated in Arizona. At the same time, Finchem’s involvement may energize the GOP base, particularly in rural areas where his brand of conservatism remains popular.
Challenges and Opportunities for Petersen
While Finchem’s endorsement provides a boost, it also comes with potential challenges. Finchem’s 2022 loss highlighted the limits of his appeal in a general election, particularly among moderate and independent voters who play a crucial role in Arizona’s statewide races. Petersen will need to broaden his appeal beyond the GOP base if he hopes to unseat Mayes in 2026. This may require distancing himself from some of Finchem’s more controversial positions while still maintaining the support of conservative voters.
On the other hand, Petersen’s legislative experience and reputation as a steady leader could help him present a more polished image than Finchem did in 2022. His background as an attorney also gives him a credible platform to discuss legal issues, which will be central to the Attorney General’s role. If Petersen can successfully navigate the primary and unify the Republican Party behind him, he could pose a serious challenge to Mayes.
Looking Ahead
The endorsement of Warren Petersen by Mark Finchem marks an early but significant moment in the race for Arizona Attorney General. With nearly two years until the 2026 election, much can change, but this move sets the stage for a competitive Republican primary and a potentially bruising general election. Petersen will need to balance the expectations of the GOP base with the broader appeal needed to win a statewide race in Arizona, while Mayes will likely double down on her record and the Democratic coalition that carried her to victory in 2022.
For now, Petersen can take encouragement from Finchem’s support, but the road ahead will require careful navigation of Arizona’s complex political terrain. As the Saguaro Signal continues to cover this race, we’ll be watching closely to see how Petersen leverages this endorsement and whether he can build the coalition needed to become Arizona’s next Attorney General.