Chad Campbell Not Running for Governor

Chad Campbell, the state House Minority Leader, has decided that he's not running for governor in 2014.

Unless someone else with the ability to raise some money decides to get in the race, it looks like Fred DuVal is going to be the Democratic nominee in 2014.

See also:
-Hugh Hallman Does Not Mind Underdog Status
-Fred DuVal Is Runnin' for Governor

You can read Campbell's statement, explaining his decision, at the end of this post.

That leaves more excitement on the Republican side, where the field has been narrowed down to like, one or two million candidates.

There's always Governor Jan Brewer, who's convinced herself that she can run for an unconstitutional third term, as well as all of the people who have filed to run or explore a run: Senator Al Melvin, former Go Daddy higher-up Christine Jones, former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, Treasurer Doug Ducey, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, and disbarred and disgraced former Maricopa County Attorney "Candy" Andy Thomas -- whose candidacy is always good for a giggle (nearly 90 percent of New Times readers think Clifford the Big Red Dog has better chance than Thomas at being Arizona's next governor).

There's also plenty of speculation that Mesa Mayor Scott Smith will jump into that race.

We'll have to see what Campbell does next, since he's maxed out on terms in the House after the current one.

Read his statement below:

It's been no secret that for the last few months I have been considering running for Governor of Arizona. Our analysis, as well as independent polling, confirms that I would be in a very strong position if I entered the race. I have talked with Arizonans across the state about the need to move Arizona in a new direction. We must focus on job creation, improving our education system and instilling transparency at all levels of government. However, there are other issues that need to be considered outside of purely political factors when deciding whether or not to run. It is with these considerations in mind that I have decided to not run for Governor of Arizona at this time. This decision was not made lightly. I need to focus on my family and other new business opportunities that will allow me to improve communities not only in Arizona, but also across the nation. To the countless number of people across Arizona who have encouraged me to run, I cannot thank you enough. While I look forward to serving my last year in the Arizona Legislature as the House Democratic Leader, this decision by no means marks the end of my public service. I will continue looking at all options in the future to determine how best I can serve Arizona.