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Jan Brewer won't seek re-election as Ariz. governor

Jan Brewer announced Wednesday she would not run for reelection in the fall.

By Gabrielle Levy
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer takes credit for the state's victory in the US Supreme Court's decision on Arizona's controversial SB1070 immigration law at the Arizona State Capital in Phoenix, Arizona, June 25, 2012. UPI/Art Foxall
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer takes credit for the state's victory in the US Supreme Court's decision on Arizona's controversial SB1070 immigration law at the Arizona State Capital in Phoenix, Arizona, June 25, 2012. UPI/Art Foxall | License Photo

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer confirmed Wednesday what many had suspected: she won't seek reelection this fall.

“There does come a time to pass the torch of leadership,” Brewer said Wednesday. “And after competing this term in office, I will be doing just that.”

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Brewer, who is finishing her second term, had said she would consider trying to find a way around the Arizona Constitution's two-term limit. Her first term was by appointment, after then-Gov. Janet Napolitano was appointed by President Obama to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security.

But there have been hints Brewer was getting ready to retire: After she invited controversy by signing one of the country's toughest laws targeting people in the state illegally, she avoided a similar clash last month when she vetoed a bill that would have allowed business owners to refuse to serve gay people. The decision to buck the will of conservative voters was interpreted as an indication she would retire.

Andrew Wilder, a spokesman for the governor, said Brewer plans to stay engaged in politics, but added that she had not indicated an intention to run for other office.

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Eight Republicans are campaigning to replace Brewer in November's election, including Secretary of State Ken Bennett and Mesa mayor Scott Smith, as has Democrat Fred DuVal.

[Arizona Republic]

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