Democrat Brian Matlock Leads Arizona Mine Race

Democratic challenger Brian Matlock holds an early lead over Republican incumbent Walter Les Presmyk in Arizona's mine inspector election. Unofficial results show a tight race as officials continue counting ballots across the state.

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Republican incumbent Walter "Les" Presmyk smiles during the state mine inspector debate against Democratic candidate Brian Matlock at Sneaky Big Studio in Scottsdale on Aug. 31, 2026.

Democratic challenger Brian Matlock leads Republican incumbent Walter Les Presmyk in the Arizona mine inspector race, according to early election results. It has been decades since a voter in the United States elected a Democrat to the state mine safety post. Unofficial tallies emerged late Tuesday evening following the November 3 vote, though finalizing the winner could take several weeks.