Summary of the election
The 2016 United States Senate election in Arizona was held on November 8, 2016, to elect a member of the
U.S. Senate to represent the
State of Arizona , concurrently with the
2016 U.S. presidential election ,
other elections to the U.S. Senate in other states and
elections to the
U.S. House of Representatives , as well as various
state and local elections .
The
Democratic primary was held on March 22, 2016, while the
Republican primary election took place on August 30, 2016.
[1] After serving in the
Arizona State Legislature and
U.S. House of Representatives for a number of years, Democrat
Ann Kirkpatrick sought to unseat incumbent Republican senator
John McCain , who won re-election to his sixth and final term in office.
After hinting in September 2013 that he could retire,
[2] McCain subsequently said that the chances he would run again were "pretty good", but his campaign had emphasized that he had not made a decision yet.
[3] On April 7, 2015, McCain announced that he would run for re-election.
[4] McCain faced strong primary opposition from the
Tea Party , but he ultimately defeated challenger
Kelli Ward in the August 30 primary.
[5]
[6]
McCain won with 53.7% of the vote compared to Kirkpatrick's 40.8%, with 5.5% voting for the
Green candidate Gary Swing. Although McCain won reelection by double digits, this was the closest margin of his Senate career. It was also his first election in which he failed to win the traditionally Democratic counties of
Coconino and
Pima . As of 2024
[update] , this was the last time Republicans won a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona. Kirkpatrick would later successfully run again for the U.S. House of Representatives in
Arizona's 2nd congressional district in
2018 .
Republican primary
John McCain at a campaign rally with former Massachusetts Governor
Mitt Romney in December 2015
Kelli Ward at her primary election night rally on August 30, 2016
John McCain, the
2008 Republican presidential nominee , was re-elected to a fifth term with 59.3% of the vote in 2010. In September 2013 he hinted that he may retire, saying that "[President Obama's] in his last term, I'm probably in mine." When asked if that meant he wouldn't run for re-election, he said "I don't know. I was trying to make a point. I have to decide in about two years so I don't have to make a decision [now]. I don't want to be one of these old guys that should've shoved off."
[2] He then said in October 2013 that he was "seriously thinking" about running for re-election.
[7] By April 2014 he had held his first fundraiser
[8] and acknowledged that "elements on the right" would like to primary him, which he said was "fine with me... you know me: a fight not joined is a fight not enjoyed... I know that I will be very well-prepared." Jennifer Duffy of
The Cook Political Report noted that McCain did not fit the profile of a "complacent, long-serving incumbent", saying: "It's not an easy thing to take him on. He is going to be well-prepared, and he has a well-earned reputation for running really tough campaigns. He raises a lot of money and he puts together a good organization."
[9]
In September 2014, McCain began having "serious conversations" with state Republicans, local officials and key supporters about running for re-election. He faced a primary challenge in 2010 from former Congressman
J. D. Hayworth , who some felt was the weaker opponent. McCain massively outspent and easily defeated him. However, he could face a stronger challenger in 2016.
[5] A survey by
Public Policy Polling in March 2014 found that McCain was the most unpopular Senator in the country, with 30% of Arizonans approving of him to 54% who disapproved. His unpopularity was bipartisan, with his approvals at 35%–55% with Republicans, 29%–53% with Democrats and 25%–55% with independents.
[10] An April 2014 survey by The Polling Company for Citizens United Political Victory Fund found that 64.2% of Republican primary voters favored "a new person" to 29.3% who thought that "Senator McCain deserves to be re-elected to another six-year term." It also found him trailing in match-ups with a generic primary opponent and against specific opponents (see below).
[11]
Further compounding matters for McCain was his relationship with the
Arizona Republican Party .
[5] After his re-election in 2010, McCain adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the
Obama administration . By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. By early 2014, McCain's apostasies were enough that the Arizona Republican Party formally censured him for having what they saw as a liberal record that had been "disastrous and harmful". The action had no practical effect but showed that McCain's history of being criticized at the state level as insufficiently conservative was still ongoing.
[12] Tea Party leaders have said that they are "sick to death" of McCain and will oppose him if he seeks re-election,
[5] with one prominent critic of McCain saying that Arizona conservatives were preparing for a "civil war".
[6] However, McCain still had a large warchest – $1.7 million as of June 2014 – and would be helped by Arizona state law, which allows independents to vote in the Republican primary.
[5]
By early October 2014, McCain was telling reporters that the odds of his running for re-election were "pretty good", saying that whether or not Republicans retake control of the Senate in the
2014 elections would be a factor in his decision-making, "but it certainly wouldn't be the deciding factor."
[6] In late October, it was revealed that McCain had scheduled a meeting with supporters two days after the 2014 midterm elections to "discuss my thoughts on my own re-election in 2016."
[3] At that meeting, following the Republican takeover of the Senate, he said that he was "seriously considering" and "leaning towards" running for re-election and will make an announcement in early 2015.
[13]
In December 2014,
Politico reported that McCain and his allies were waging an "aggressive and systematic campaign" to purge the Arizona Republican Party's apparatus of Tea Party and far-right conservatives who hold "obscure, but influential, local party offices" and replace them with McCain loyalists.
[14]
[15] The
Super PAC "Arizona Grassroots Action" was created, which raised almost $300,000 and supported McCain-allied candidates with mailers and automated phone calls, bringing attention to what were previously low-profile and uncontested races.
[14] Before August 26, when elections for party offices were held, almost all of the 3,925 precinct committeemen (who vote for local party chairmen, who in turn make decisions on how the party will spend state and local funds, which candidates receive endorsements or funding etc.) were opposed to McCain. After the elections, 1,531 (39%) were regarded as supportive of McCain.
[14] Most notably, Timothy Schwartz, who authored the resolution which censured McCain, was ousted.
[14]
[16] Schwartz attacked McCain for using his "prominence and money and influence" to "ramrod" his critics and former
Maricopa County Republican Party Chairman A.J. LaFaro said that McCain was "vindictive" and engaging in the equivalent of "ethnic cleansing".
[14]
Tea Party Congressmen
Matt Salmon and
David Schweikert had been widely regarded as two of the most serious potential challengers to McCain. The pair, who are close friends, agreed that if one of them decided to run against McCain, the other would not do so, to ensure that the anti-McCain vote wouldn't be split between them.
[17] Schweikert has acknowledged that he polled the race in 2014 but was considered the less likely of the two to run – he had much less cash-on-hand than Salmon and admitted that his wife was "not thrilled" at the idea of him running for the Senate.
[17] Salmon later stated that he would not challenge McCain in the primary.
[18]
In early February, McCain said that he was "most likely" running for re-election
[19] and
Club for Growth President David McIntosh said that the organization would "watch closely" the primary race, particularly if Salmon or Schweikert ran, and would "do research and polling and determine if there's a path to victory [against McCain]."
[20] Towards the end of February, Salmon and Schweikert began to distance themselves from the race,
[21]
[22] with State Senator
Kelli Ward revealing that she was considering a run.
[23]
McCain officially announced on April 7, 2015, that he was running for re-election.
[4]
Candidates
Declared
Withdrawn
Declined
Jan Brewer , former
Governor of Arizona
[31]
Jeff DeWit ,
State Treasurer of Arizona
[32]
Trent Franks , U.S. Representative
[33]
[34]
Paul Gosar , U.S. Representative
[35]
Christine Jones , former Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for
Go Daddy and candidate for Governor
in 2014
[36]
[37]
[38] (
running for
AZ-05 )
Martha McSally , U.S. Representative and future U.S. Senator interim appointee for this seat (2019-2020)
[39]
Matt Salmon , U.S. Representative
[18]
David Schweikert , U.S. Representative from
Arizona's 6th congressional district
[5]
[37]
[40]
John Shadegg , former U.S. Representative
[33]
Grant Woods , former
Arizona Attorney General
[33]
Endorsements
John McCain
Individuals
Donald Trump , 2016 Republican presidential nominee, later 45th
President of the United States
[41]
John Bolton , 25th
United States Ambassador to the United Nations
[42]
Mark Brnovich , Arizona Attorney General
[43]
George W. Bush , 43rd
President of the United States
[44]
Carly Fiorina , former CEO of
Hewlett-Packard , 2010 Republican nominee for Senate in California, and
2016 presidential candidate
[45]
Newt Gingrich , former
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and former representative of
Georgia's 6th congressional district
[46]
Luis Gonzalez , former
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder and notable
Cuban-American
[47]
Fred Karger , political consultant and 2012 presidential candidate
[48]
Evan McMullin , former chief policy director for the
House Republican Conference in the
U.S. House of Representatives , former
CIA operations officer and 2016 independent candidate for president
[49]
Reince Priebus ,
Republican National Committee chairman
[50]
Mitt Romney , former
Governor of Massachusetts , 2012 Republican nominee for President
[51]
Paul Ryan ,
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives , U.S Representative for
Wisconsin's 1st congressional district and 2012 GOP vice presidential nominee
[52]
Senators
Governors
Mayors
Mayor John Insalaco,
Apache Junction, Arizona
[66]
Mayor Kenneth Weise,
Avondale, Arizona
[67]
Mayor Jackie Meck,
Buckeye, Arizona
[68]
Mayor Les Peterson,
Carefree, Arizona
[69]
Mayor Vincent Francia,
Cave Creek, Arizona
[70]
Mayor Charles German,
Camp Verde, Arizona
[66]
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny,
Chandler, Arizona
[71]
Mayor Diane Joens,
Cottonwood, Arizona
[72]
Mayor Terry Nolan,
Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona
[73]
Vice Mayor Douglas Treadway,
Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona
[74]
Mayor Billy Waters,
Duncan, Arizona
[75]
Mayor Lana Mook,
El Mirage, Arizona
[76]
Mayor Alvy Johnson,
Fredonia, Arizona
[77]
Mayor John Lewis,
Gilbert, Arizona
[78]
Mayor Georgia Lord,
Goodyear, Arizona
[79]
Vice Mayor Sheri Lauritano,
Goodyear, Arizona
[80]
Mayor Bobby Tyler,
Holbrook, Arizona
[81]
Mayor Ken Taylor,
Huachuca City, Arizona
[82]
Mayor Richard Anderson,
Kingman, Arizona
[83]
Mayor Thomas Schoaf,
Litchfield Park, Arizona
[84]
Mayor Ed Honea,
Marana, Arizona
[85]
Mayor John Giles,
Mesa, Arizona
[86]
Former Mayor Scott Smith,
Mesa, Arizona
[66]
Mayor John Doyle,
Nogales, Arizona
[87]
Mayor Satish Hiremath,
Oro Valley, Arizona
[88]
Mayor Michael Collins,
Paradise Valley, Arizona
[89]
Mayor R.E. Isakson,
Patagonia, Arizona
[66]
Mayor Kenny Evans,
Payson, Arizona
[90]
Former Mayor Barbara Brewer,
Payson, Arizona
[91]
Mayor Cathy Carlat,
Peoria, Arizona
[92]
Mayor Tom Claridge,
Pima, Arizona
[66]
Mayor Gregory Smith,
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
[93]
Former Mayor Roger Williams,
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
[94]
Mayor Harry Oberg,
Prescott, Arizona
[95]
Former Mayor Martin Kuykendall,
Prescott, Arizona
[96]
Mayor Harvy Skoog,
Prescott Valley, Arizona
[97]
Mayor Gail Barney,
Queen Creek, Arizona
[98]
Mayor Chris Gibbs,
Safford, Arizona
[99]
Mayor Jerry Sanchez,
San Luis, Arizona
[100]
Mayor Daryl Seymore,
Show Low, Arizona
[101]
Mayor Rick Mueller,
Sierra Vista, Arizona
[102]
Former Mayor Bob Stain,
Sierra Vista, Arizona
[103]
Mayor Tom Poscharsky,
Snowflake, Arizona
[104]
Mayor Ryan Patterson,
St. Johns, Arizona
[66]
Mayor Ronnie McDaniel,
Star Valley, Arizona
[66]
Former Mayor Hugh Hallman,
Tempe, Arizona
[66]
Former Vice Mayor Onnie Shekerjian,
Tempe, Arizona
[105]
Mayor Bob Rivera,
Thatcher, Arizona
[106]
Former Mayor Greg Bryan,
Tusayan, Arizona
[107]
Mayor Graig Sanderson,
Tusayan, Arizona
[108]
Mayor Cecilia McCollough,
Wellton, Arizona
[109]
Mayor Robert Irvin,
Willcox, Arizona
[110]
Mayor John Moore,
Williams, Arizona
[111]
Mayor Robin Boyd,
Winslow, Arizona
[112]
Mayor Michael LeVault,
Youngtown, Arizona
[113]
Mayor Douglas Nicholls,
Yuma, Arizona
[114]
Organizations
Kelli Ward
Individuals
Sylvia Allen ,
President pro tempore of the
Arizona Senate [
citation needed ]
Nancy Barto , State Senator
Dave Farnsworth , State Senator
John Fillmore , former State Representative
Mark Finchem , State Representative
Jim Gilchrist , co-founder and President of the
Minuteman Project
[124]
Louie Gohmert ,
U.S. Representative from Texas
[125]
Gail Griffin , State Senator
Laura Ingraham , conservative radio host
Michael Johns , former White House speechwriter, former
Heritage Foundation policy analyst, and Tea Party activist
[126]
Anthony Kern , State Representative
Vince Leach , State Representative
Mark Levin ,
conservative
radio host
[127]
Richard Mack , former
Graham County Sheriff, candidate for
TX-21 in
2012 and Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate in
2006
Thomas Massie ,
U.S. Representative from Kentucky
[125]
Charles Main,
Arlington Former Arlington Elementary School Board President
Al Melvin , former State Senator and candidate for Governor in
2014
Tom Morrissey, former Chairman of the
Arizona Republican Party and 2014 State Senate candidate
Jill Norgaard , State Representative
Ron Paul ,
2012 Republican presidential candidate and former
US Representative from
Texas
[128]
Russell Pearce , former President of the Arizona Senate
Warren Petersen , State Representative
Carl Seel , former State Representative
Steve Smith , State Senator
Emilena Turley,
Queen Creek Town Council member
Organizations
Polling
Hypothetical polling
with Jan Brewer
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
Jan Brewer
Other
Undecided
The Polling Company
April 11–12, 2014
600
± 4.1%
29%
47.7%
—
23.3%
with Christine Jones
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
Christine Jones
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
300
± 5.7%
48%
27%
—
25%
with Matt Salmon
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
Matt Salmon
Other
Undecided
The Polling Company
April 11–12, 2014
600
± 4.1%
30.3%
48.2%
—
21.5%
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
300
± 5.7%
42%
40%
—
18%
with David Schweikert
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
David Schweikert
Other
Undecided
The Polling Company
April 11–12, 2014
600
± 4.1%
33.9%
40.1%
—
26%
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
300
± 5.7%
40%
39%
—
20%
Generic Republican
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
A different Republican
Other
Undecided
The Polling Company
April 11–12, 2014
600
± 4.1%
30.5%
60.7%
—
8.8%
Someone more conservative
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain
Someone more conservative
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
300
± 5.7%
37%
51%
—
12%
Results
Results by county: McCain—50–60%
McCain—40–50%
Ward—50–60%
Ward—40–50%
Democratic primary
Candidates
Ann Kirkpatrick at a campaign event with supporters in
Phoenix, Arizona
Declared
Withdrawn
Declined
Richard Carmona , former
Surgeon General and nominee for the U.S. Senate in
2012
[33]
[37]
[138]
Fred DuVal , former chairman of the
Arizona Board of Regents and nominee for governor in
2014
[35]
Ruben Gallego , U.S. Representative
[37]
Phil Gordon , former
Mayor of
Phoenix
[33]
Mark Kelly , retired astronaut and husband of former Congresswoman
Gabrielle Giffords and future U.S. Senator for this seat
[33]
[37]
Janet Napolitano , President of the
University of California System, former
Secretary of Homeland Security and former
Governor of Arizona
[33]
[37]
Greg Stanton ,
Mayor of
Phoenix
[37]
Nan Walden, businesswoman, attorney and former chief of staff to Senator
Bill Bradley
[138]
Endorsements
Ann Kirkpatrick
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
Organizations
Results
Green primary
Candidates
Declared
Results
Libertarian primary
Candidates
Merissa Hamilton (Write-In)
Results
General election
Debates
Predictions
Polling
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Ann Kirkpatrick (D)
Other
Undecided
SurveyMonkey
November 1–7, 2016
2,609
± 4.6%
50%
45%
—
5%
Insights West
November 4–6, 2016
392
± 4.9%
50%
42%
—
9%
Data Orbital
November 4–6, 2016
550
± 4.1%
56%
44%
—
0%
SurveyMonkey
October 31–November 6, 2016
2,322
± 4.6%
50%
45%
—
5%
SurveyMonkey
October 28–November 3, 2016
1,748
± 4.6%
50%
45%
—
5%
Data Orbital
November 1–2, 2016
550
± 4.1%
52%
41%
2%
6%
SurveyMonkey
October 27–November 2, 2016
1,461
± 4.6%
50%
44%
—
6%
NBC/WSJ/Marist
October 30–November 1, 2016
719 LV
± 3.7%
55%
39%
5%
2%
948 RV
± 3.2%
55%
38%
5%
2%
The Times-Picayune/Lucid
October 28–November 1, 2016
1,113
± 3.0%
52%
40%
—
8%
CNN/ORC
October 27–November 1, 2016
769 LV
± 3.5%
54%
41%
1%
3%
867 RV
54%
41%
3%
1%
SurveyMonkey
October 26–November 1, 2016
1,320
± 4.6%
50%
44%
—
6%
Emerson College
October 29–31, 2016
700
± 3.6%
46%
40%
6%
9%
SurveyMonkey
October 25–31, 2016
1,457
± 4.6%
49%
46%
—
5%
Data Orbital
October 29–30, 2016
550
± 4.1%
49%
39%
3%
10%
CBS News/YouGov
October 26–28, 2016
994
± 4.3%
43%
38%
8%
11%
Monmouth University
October 21–24, 2016
401
± 4.9%
50%
40%
5%
4%
Washington Post/SurveyMonkey
Archived September 14, 2017, at the
Wayback Machine
October 8–16, 2016
1,028
± 0.5%
48%
45%
—
6%
Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite
October 10–15, 2016
660
± 4.2%
52%
40%
8%
0%
Highground
October 14, 2016
400
± 4.9%
45%
35%
8%
9%
Emerson College
October 2–4, 2016
600
± 3.6%
52%
36%
7%
5%
Insights West
September 12–14, 2016
484
± 4.5%
53%
35%
1%
11%
NBC/WSJ/Marist
September 6–8, 2016
649
± 3.8%
57%
38%
1%
4%
Public Policy Polling
August 26–28, 2016
837
± 3.0%
43%
43%
—
15%
CNN/ORC
August 18–23, 2016
809 LV
± 3.5%
52%
39%
2%
2%
842 RV
Public Policy Polling
June 22–23, 2016
691
± 3.7%
42%
40%
—
19%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner – Democracy Corps
June 11–20, 2016
300
± 5.7%
44%
42%
—
14%
Behavior Research Center
June 6–19, 2016
448
± 4.7%
40%
31%
—
29%
Public Policy Polling
June 8–9, 2016
747
± 3.6%
41%
43%
—
16%
Public Policy Polling
May 13–15, 2016
896
± 3.3%
42%
36%
—
23%
Behavior Research Center
April 4–11, 2016
564
± 4.2%
42%
42%
—
16%
The Merrill Poll
March 7–11, 2016
701
± 3.7%
41%
40%
3%
16%
Behavior Research Center
January 6–17, 2016
590
± 4.1%
38%
37%
—
25%
Strategies 360
Archived June 16, 2016, at the
Wayback Machine
December 4–9, 2015
504
± 4.4%
51%
36%
—
13%
Behavior Research Center
October 24–November 5, 2015
577
± 3.8%
37%
31%
—
32%
Gravis Marketing
August 13–16, 2015
1,433
± 2.6%
48%
35%
—
17%
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4.0%
42%
36%
—
23%
Hypothetical polling
with John McCain
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Richard Carmona (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
40%
34%
—
25%
Public Policy Polling
February 28–March 2, 2014
870
± 3.3%
35%
41%
—
24%
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Fred DuVal (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
40%
36%
—
24%
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Gabrielle Giffords (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
February 28–March 2, 2014
870
± 3.3%
35%
42%
—
23%
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Janet Napolitano (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
February 28–March 2, 2014
870
± 3.3%
44%
36%
—
19%
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
John McCain (R)
Kyrsten Sinema (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
42%
36%
—
22%
with Christine Jones
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Christine Jones (R)
Richard Carmona (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
36%
42%
—
22%
with Matt Salmon
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Matt Salmon (R)
Richard Carmona (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
43%
35%
—
21%
with David Schweikert
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
David Schweikert (R)
Richard Carmona (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
39%
39%
—
22%
with Kelli Ward
Poll source
Date(s) administered
Sample size
Margin of error
Kelli Ward (R)
Richard Carmona (D)
Other
Undecided
Public Policy Polling
May 1–3, 2015
600
± 4%
36%
39%
—
26%
Results
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic
By congressional district
McCain won 7 of 9 congressional districts, including two that elected a Democrat.
References
^
"Elections Calendar & Upcoming Events" . AZSOS.gov. Retrieved March 18, 2015 .
^
a
b Trujillo, Mario (September 13, 2013).
"McCain hints at retirement in 2016" . The Hill . Retrieved September 14, 2013 .
^
a
b
"McCain to huddle with supporters on 2016 re-election" . AZCentral.com. October 20, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014 .
^
a
b
c
"John McCain to run for sixth term in 2016" . USA Today. April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
"McCain gets ready for race of his life" . The Hill . September 25, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014 .
^
a
b
c
"A state GOP 'civil war' over McCain's re-election bid?" . AZCentral.com. October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014 .
^ Blake, Aaron (October 22, 2013).
"McCain considering seeking reelection in 2016" . Washingtonpost.com . Retrieved October 22, 2013 .
^ Catalina Camia (October 20, 2014).
"McCain set to meet with supporters on 2016 Senate race" . USA Today. Retrieved October 24, 2014 .
^ Dan Nowicki (April 19, 2014).
"McCain preparing for 2016 GOP primary battle" . AZCentral.com. Retrieved October 24, 2014 .
^
"McCain has worst poll numbers in the country" (PDF) . Public Policy Polling. March 5, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014 .
^
"CUPVF Statewide Survey Among 600 AZ GOP Likely Primary Voters for 2016 U.S. Senate – Polling Memo" . Citizens United Political Victory Fund. April 14, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014 .
^ Sanchez, Yvonne Wingett.
"Arizona GOP censures McCain for 'disastrous' record" ,
The Arizona Republic (January 25, 2014). Retrieved January 26, 2014.
^
"McCain is 'leaning towards' a 2016 re-election bid" . AZ Central. November 6, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
"McCain's big purge" . Politico. December 30, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014 .
^
"McCain's team quietly purging Arizona GOP of tea-party foes before 2016 reelection bid" . Hot Air. December 30, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014 .
^
"McCain censure resolution author ousted from GOP post" . AZ Central. December 8, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014 .
^
a
b
"Tea Party lawmakers may take on McCain" . The Hill . January 28, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015 .
^
a
b Wong, Scott (September 29, 2015).
"Salmon tells McCain: I won't primary you" .
The Hill . Retrieved September 30, 2015 .
^ Manu Raju (February 3, 2015).
"McCain says he's "most likely" running for reelection next year" . Twitter. Retrieved February 4, 2015 .
^ Alex Roarty (February 3, 2015).
"New Club for Growth President Singles Out John McCain for Potential Primary Challenge" . National Journal . Retrieved February 4, 2015 .
^ Dan Nowicki (February 14, 2015).
"Salmon distances himself from 'deceitful' PAC" . AZ Central. Retrieved May 17, 2015 .
^ Dan Nowicki (February 21, 2015).
"Schweikert: My wife says no to Senate campaign" . AZ Central. Retrieved May 17, 2015 .
^ Zachary Matson (February 10, 2015).
"Lake Havasu City's Kelli Ward may challenge John McCain for Senate seat in primary" . Hava Sun News. Retrieved May 17, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (June 6, 2015).
"McCain's support of Graham draws fire from Ward" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved September 1, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (July 14, 2015).
"Kelli Ward enters GOP Senate race against John McCain" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved July 17, 2015 .
^ Shaler, Patricia (February 18, 2015).
"Alex Meluskey to Seek U.S. Senate Seat in Arizona" . Tea Party Scottsdale . Retrieved August 6, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (September 19, 2015).
"Alex Meluskey airs TV ad in GOP primary challenge to John McCain" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved October 6, 2015 .
^
"One of Sen. John McCain's primary foes drops out of race" . Retrieved August 3, 2016 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (November 7, 2015).
"David Pizer joins Arizona Republican race for U.S. Senate" . azcentral .
^
"Termination Report" (PDF) .
Federal Election Commission . March 18, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016 .
^
"Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Will Not Run For Re-Election" . Outside the Beltway. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014 .
^ Costa, Robert (July 17, 2015).
"Trump courts Arizona treasurer to challenge McCain" .
The Washington Post . Retrieved July 17, 2015 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g Nowicki, Dan (February 16, 2013).
"Is this Sen. McCain's last term?" . The Arizona Republic . Retrieved September 21, 2013 .
^ Raju, Manu; Cheney, Kyle (April 15, 2015).
"Is the tea party afraid of John McCain?" .
Politico . Retrieved April 15, 2015 .
^
a
b Sanders, Rebekah L. (March 21, 2015).
"Gosar won't challenge McCain" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved March 24, 2015 .
^
"Schweikert, Jones possible McCain primary foes in 2016?" . AZ Central. November 29, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g Cheney, Kyle (December 29, 2014).
"16 in '16: The new battle for the Senate" .
Politico . Retrieved December 29, 2014 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (May 2, 2016).
"Christine Jones to run for Matt Salmon's seat in Congress" . The Arizona Republic . Retrieved May 5, 2016 .
^
"McSally shows strong early support" (Press release). April 11, 2015. Archived from
the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (January 16, 2016).
"Maricopa County GOP slams McCain again, but Schweikert won't run" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved February 2, 2016 .
^ Diamond, By Dana Bash, Jim Acosta and Jeremy (August 5, 2016).
"Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain | CNN Politics" . CNN . {{
cite web }}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (
link )
^
"Ambassador John Bolton Calls for Arizonans to Support John McCain's Reelection" . Archived from
the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016 .
^
"Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich Endorses John McCain" . Archived from
the original on July 27, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2016 .
^ Tokars, Mike (June 20, 2016).
"GOP Calls In The Big Gun: George W. Bush is on the campaign trail" .
The National Memo . Retrieved June 21, 2016 .
^
"Carly Fiorina on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^
"Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich endorses Sen. John McCain" . August 4, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^
"YouTube" . www.youtube.com .
^
"Fred Karger on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^
"Evan McMullin on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^
"Reince Priebus on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^
"Former GOP Presidential Candidate Was In The Valley to Endorse Sen. John McCain's Re-election" . December 12, 2015.
^
"Paul Ryan on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^ Joseph, Cameron (February 4, 2015).
"Flake endorses McCain against potential primary foes" . TheHill .
^
"Freshman Senator Joni Ernst Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Freshman Senator David Perdue Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Freshman Senator Dan Sullivan Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Freshman Senator Tom Cotton Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Freshman Senator Cory Gardner Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Lindsey Graham on Twitter" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^ Nowicki, Dan.
"Gov. Doug Ducey endorses Sen. John McCain in GOP primary" . The Arizona Republic .
^
"Arizona Governor Janice Brewer Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Former Arizona Governor Jane D. Hull Endorses John McCain" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^ Livingston, Doug.
"Kasich to campaign for presidential primary rivals, not Trump" . Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^ Nussbaum, Matthew.
"Pence campaign says he endorses McCain, was misrepresented" . Politico .
^
"Arizona Governor Symington Backs John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
"John McCain Campaign Press Release" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Carefree Mayor Les Peterson Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Dewey-Humboldt Mayor Terry Nolan Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Dewey-Humboldt Vice Mayor Douglas Treadway Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Duncan Mayor Billy Waters Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"El Mirage Mayor Lana Mook Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Fredonia Mayor Alvy Johnson Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Gilbert Mayor John Lewis Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Goodyear Vice Mayor Sheri Lauritano Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Holbrook Mayor Bobby Tyler Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Huachuca Mayor Ken Taylor Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Kingman Mayor Richard Anderson Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Marana Mayor Ed Honea Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Mesa Mayor John Giles Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Nogales Mayor John Doyle Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Paradise Valley Mayor Michael Collins Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Payson Mayor Kenny Evans Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Payson Former Mayor Barbara Brewer Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Peoria Former Cathy Carlat Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Pinetop-Lakeside Mayor Gregory Smith Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Pinetop-Lakeside Former Mayor Roger Williams Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Prescott Former Mayor Martin Kuykendall Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Prescott Valley Mayor Harvy Skoog Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Safford Mayor Chris Gibbs Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"San Luis Mayor Jerry Sanchez Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Show Low Mayor Daryl Seymore Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Sierra Vista Former Mayor Bob Strain Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Snowflake Mayor Tom Poscharsky Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Tempe Former Vice Mayor Onnie Shekerjian Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Thatcher Mayor Bob Rivera Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . [
permanent dead link ]
^
"Tusayan Former Mayor Greg Bryan Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Tusayan Mayor Graig Sanderson Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Wellton Mayor Cecilia McCollough Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Willcox Mayor Robert Irvin Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Williams Mayor John Moore Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Winslow Mayor Robin Boyd Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Youngtown Mayor Michael LeVault Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls Endorses John McCain for U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"The National Border Patrol Council endorsed John McCain's reelection to the U.S. Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Small Business Endorses McCain for Reelection" . NFIB . August 2, 2016.
Archived from the original on August 3, 2016.
^
"National Right to Life Endorses John McCain for US Senate" . Archived from
the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016 .
^
"Organization of Iranian American Communities U.S. Endorses John McCain" . Archived from
the original on July 16, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2016 .
^ Nintzel, Jim (April 1, 2016).
"McCain Wins Endorsement of U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce" .
Tucson Weekly . Retrieved April 2, 2016 .
^
"NRA's Former President Endorses Alex Meluskey" . Meluskey for U.S. Senate . February 24, 2016. Archived from
the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016 .
^
"Lori Klein Endorses Alex Meluskey" . Meluskey for U.S. Senate . February 24, 2016. Archived from
the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016 .
^
"Alex Meluskey Earns Support of Prominent Conservative Commentator Dick Morris" . Meluskey for U.S. Senate . May 24, 2016. Archived from
the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016 .
^
"Meluskey Endorsed by Major General Paul E. Vallely" . Meluskey for U.S. Senate . October 29, 2015. Archived from
the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016 .
^
a
b
"I am humbled by the early support of my stand to defend our borders and end illegal immigration" . Facebook . August 30, 2015. Retrieved September 1, 2015 .
^
a
b
"Second House Conservative Backs McCain Primary Challenger" . Roll Call . August 15, 2016.
^ De Ford, Josh (September 5, 2015).
"Kelli Ward Tops McCain In New Senate Poll" . Outset Magazine . Archived from
the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2015 .
^
"Kelli Ward on the Mark Levin Show" . Youtube . May 19, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2016 .
^
"Ron Paul has endorsed the woman who wants to replace John McCain" . June 6, 2016. Archived from
the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016 .
^ David Pizer
^ Scott McBean
^
a
b
c
d
"Arizona Primary Election Results 2016" (PDF) . Arizona Secretary of State. August 30, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016 .
^ Cahn, Emily (May 26, 2015).
"Ann Kirkpatrick to Challenge John McCain in Arizona Senate" . The Hill . Archived from
the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015 .
^
a
b Nowicki, Dan (October 7, 2015).
"Ann Kirkpatrick endorsed by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved October 15, 2015 .
^ Grado, Gary (October 9, 2015).
"Cap Times Q&A: Leonard Clark: Living the life of a liberal gadfly" .
Arizona Capitol Times . Retrieved October 15, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (May 27, 2015).
"Kirkpatrick looks to unseat McCain in 2016 U.S. Senate race" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved June 12, 2015 .
^ Montini, EJ (May 4, 2015).
"Democrat believes sixth time is charm against McCain" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved June 12, 2015 .
^ Nowicki, Dan (June 27, 2015).
"Kirkpatrick racking up Democratic endorsements" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved July 27, 2015 .
^
a
b Levinson, Alexis (April 9, 2015).
"Moving Parts Complicate Democratic Challenge to McCain (Updated)" .
Roll Call . Archived from
the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015 .
^
a
b
c
d Nowicki, Dan (June 27, 2015).
"Kirkpatrick racking up Democratic endorsements" .
The Arizona Republic . Retrieved April 2, 2016 .
^ Kirsten Gillibrand (December 31, 2015).
"Proud to support @TammyforIL @DonnaFEdwards @KamalaHarris @Maggie_Hassan @Ann_Kirkpatrick @CatherineForNV & @KatieMcGintyPA for Senate" . Twitter . Retrieved January 13, 2016 .
^ Yokley, Eli (September 22, 2015).
"EMILY's List Will Support Kirkpatrick in Race Against McCain" .
Roll Call . Archived from
the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2015 .
^ Wasser, Miriam (July 21, 2016).
"Planned Parenthood endorses Ann Kirkpatrick, slams John McCain's record on women's health" .
Phoenix New Times . Retrieved August 17, 2016 .
^ Winger, Richard (September 13, 2016).
"Arizona Finishes Counting Write-ins in August 30 Primary; Greens Are Allowed to Nominate for U.S. Senate with 238 Write-ins, but Libertarians Are Not Allowed Despite Receiving 1,286 Write-Ins" .
Ballot Access News . Retrieved September 19, 2016 .
^
"2016 Senate Race Ratings for November 2, 2016" . The Cook Political Report . Retrieved March 26, 2021 .
^
"2016 Senate" . Sabato's Crystal Ball . Retrieved September 19, 2016 .
^
"2016 Senate Ratings" . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved November 3, 2016 .
^
"Daily Kos Election 2016 forecast: The final version" . Daily Kos . Retrieved March 27, 2021 .
^
"Official Canvass. 2016 General Election - November 08, 2016" (PDF) . State of Arizona . Retrieved February 5, 2023 .
External links
Official campaign websites
Life Political activities
Media
Family
U.S. President
U.S. Senate
U.S. House (
Election ratings )
Governors
Attorneys general
State legislatures
Mayors
Bakersfield,
CA
Baltimore,
MD
Baton Rouge,
LA
Corpus Christi,
TX
Columbia,
MO
Fresno,
CA
Gainesville,
FL
Glendale,
AZ
Hampton,
VA
Honolulu,
HI
Irvine,
CA
Lubbock,
TX
Miami-Dade County,
FL
Milwaukee,
WI
Norfolk,
VA
Portland,
OR
Richmond,
VA
Riverside,
CA
Sacramento,
CA
Salt Lake County,
UT
San Diego,
CA
San Juan,
PR
Santa Ana, CA
Stockton,
CA
Tulsa,
OK
Wilmington,
DE
Winston-Salem,
NC
Local
State-wide
* Third party is endorsed by a major party
Presidential Senatorial (since 1940)
Gubernatorial (since 1940) Territorial Governors (since 1970)