Arizona Moves Primary Election Dates to July

Governor Hobbs signs bill to shift primary elections earlier in the year

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed a new elections bill into law that will move the state's primary elections to the second-to-last Tuesday in July, rather than the first Tuesday in August as previously scheduled. The change aims to provide election officials more time to prepare for the general election, including ensuring military and overseas voters receive their ballots on time.

Why it matters

The shift in primary election dates is intended to improve the administration of Arizona's elections by giving officials more lead time before the general election. This could help ensure a smoother voting process and better ballot access, especially for military and overseas voters who have historically faced challenges receiving and returning their ballots on time.

The details

The new law, HB 2022, was passed by the Arizona legislature and signed by Governor Hobbs on February 7, 2026. It permanently moves the state's primary elections to the second-to-last Tuesday in July, rather than the first Tuesday in August as they were previously held. This change will take effect starting with the 2026 election cycle.

  • The Arizona legislature passed the elections bill in early 2026.
  • Governor Hobbs signed the bill into law on February 7, 2026.
  • The new primary election date of the second-to-last Tuesday in July will first be implemented for the 2026 election cycle.

The players

Governor Katie Hobbs

The current Governor of Arizona, who signed the elections bill into law.

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

Arizona's Secretary of State, who said his office will work to ensure candidates and voters are aware of the new election timeline.

Senator Wendy Rogers

An Arizona state senator who said the bill was a "unified Republican effort" that will protect military voters and strengthen election transparency.

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What they’re saying

“My office will work diligently to ensure candidates and voters alike are made aware of the new timeline this election year. I am grateful for the swift work of the legislature in ushering this bill's ultimate passage. It is a solid reminder that bipartisan efforts can still benefit every Arizona voter.”

— Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State (X)

“This was a unified Republican effort leading the way from start to finish. By working together across chambers, we delivered a commonsense election bill that protects military voters, brings clarity to our election calendar, and strengthens transparency for Arizona voters. This is how the process should work.”

— Wendy Rogers, Arizona State Senator (News Release)

What’s next

The new primary election date of the second-to-last Tuesday in July will first be implemented for the 2026 election cycle in Arizona.

The takeaway

Arizona's shift in primary election dates aims to improve the administration of the state's elections by giving officials more time to prepare for the general election, including ensuring military and overseas voters can participate. The bipartisan effort to pass this legislation demonstrates a commitment to strengthening election integrity and accessibility for all Arizona voters.