Mayes and Petersen Debated in Arizona Race
The candidates for Arizona Attorney General faced off on television to discuss policy and immigration.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Elections
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Arizona Attorney General candidates Kris Mayes and Warren Petersen held a televised debate this week. The two contenders exchanged sharp critiques on immigration rhetoric, law enforcement policy, and the growth of data centers.
Why it matters
As the state approaches the upcoming election, the debate highlighted deep ideological divisions between the candidates. These stances are central to the race for the state's top legal office, which remains highly competitive.
The 2022 Attorney General election was decided by a margin of 280 votes out of millions cast. It remains to be seen how shifting demographics and current campaign platforms will influence the final tally in this cycle.
The players
Kris Mayes
Kris Mayes is a candidate for Arizona Attorney General who previously served as a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Warren Petersen
Warren Petersen is a candidate for Arizona Attorney General and serves in the Arizona State Senate.
The details
Kris Mayes accused Warren Petersen of failing to support pro-law-enforcement measures, while Petersen pushed back against remarks regarding masked immigration agents. The candidates also navigated differences regarding the state's recent expansion of data centers.
Timeline
The candidates held a televised debate on September 23, 2026.
The previous Attorney General election occurred in 2022.
Political Context
Supporters of Warren Petersen argue that his legislative record demonstrates a commitment to law and order, framing his opponent's policies as detrimental to state security. Conversely, Kris Mayes's supporters emphasize her focus on consumer protection and legal independence as the necessary counter-balance to the legislative agenda.
The outcome of this race will directly influence state-level legal strategies regarding immigration and infrastructure regulation. Residents should anticipate potential changes to how these issues are enforced across the state following the November election.
The takeaway
With the 2022 race decided by fewer than 300 votes, the candidates are focused on mobilizing every possible supporter before Election Day. Voters should review the specific policy proposals discussed during the debate to understand how each candidate's platform will affect the state.
Further reading
For more on upcoming races, visit the Arizona Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZfamily.
Live Poll
Does a candidate's policy record matter more to you than their rhetoric regarding law enforcement?
