Evan Mecham

Evan Mecham portrait

Evan Mecham

U.S.A.

Party Republican
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth May 12, 1924
Date of Death Feb. 21, 2008 (Age: 83)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Evan Mecham graduated as salutatorian from high school and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he flew combat missions and was subsequently held as a prisoner of war. He pursued higher education in management and economics before entering the private sector, where he established and operated automotive dealerships. Mecham transitioned into public service, serving in various capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Arizona Senate. His career includes multiple unsuccessful bids for higher office, culminating in his election as governor of Arizona, where he implemented notable policy changes and faced significant political challenges.

Political Ideas

Evan Mecham's political identity is marked by a blend of staunch conservatism and a penchant for controversial policy decisions that challenge established norms. His ideological leanings favor a minimalist federal government, evident in his proposals to eliminate income taxes and federal involvement in education and welfare. Mecham's rhetoric often centers on a return to traditional American values, as seen in his opposition to the Supreme Court's school prayer ruling and his push for U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations. His approach to governance is highly localized, as demonstrated by his efforts to return federal lands to state control and his controversial cancellation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. These actions reveal a willingness to disrupt conventional political processes to achieve his vision.

Campaigns
1990: Arizona State Governor

Election History

Republican primary results : 1666

91,136 votes (24.50%)

Loss

Winner: Fife Symington

1986: Arizona State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

Arizona gubernatorial election, 1986

343,913 votes (39.67%)

Win
1978: Arizona State Governor

Election History

Arizona gubernatorial election, 1978

241,093 votes (44.77%)

Loss

Winner: Bruce Babbitt

Arizona Governor 1978, Republican Primary Results

50,713 votes (44.07%)

Win
1974: Arizona State Governor

Election History

Arizona Governor 1974, Republican Primary Results

30,266 votes (20.26%)

Loss

Winner: Russell Williams

1964: Arizona State Governor

Election History

Arizona Governor 1964, Republican Primary Results

38,131 votes (37.22%)

Loss

Winner: Richard Kleindienst