Fontes leading Kolodin in race for Arizona secretary of state

Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes appeared poised for reelection in a race against state Rep. Alexander Kolodin Tuesday night. 

As of 10:30 p.m., Fontes was leading Kolodin 57% to 42%. About 1.7 million ballots, or roughly 69% of those cast, had been counted, the Associated Press reported. 

Fontes struck a celebratory note at an election party hosted by Arizona Democrats Tuesday night. “We will make sure Arizona’s elections, as they have always been, continue to be free, fair and secure,” he said after thanking his family, campaign staff and supporters. 

He and Kolodin differed over election law, how state election officials should interact with the Trump administration and noncitizen voting in their bids to become Arizona’s top election official.

At a September debate, Fontes said Proposition 144, the ballot measure that would change the Arizona Constitution regarding elections, would make voting less convenient.

Kolodin, the author of the measure, said it would make voting easier, allow for faster election results and prevent foreign funding of elections. 

Fontes defended his decision not to turn over voter rolls to the Trump administration, arguing it wasn’t legal, while Kolodin said he would ensure the voter rolls are accurate and implement the federal SAVE Act if it became law. 

Fontes has led recent polling in the race and has a significant fundraising advantage. He raised $2.6 million and has spent $2 million, while Kolodin raised about $605,000 and spent about $200,000, according to the most recent campaign finance filings.

Staff writer Reagan Priest contributed to this report.