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
Data
Personal Background

Evan Mecham graduated as salutatorian from Altamont High School and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was shot down and held as a prisoner of war. After his military service, he established a successful automotive dealership business. Mecham transitioned into politics, serving in the Arizona Senate and making multiple attempts to secure higher state and federal offices. He eventually became the governor of Arizona, though his tenure was marked by significant controversy, leading to his impeachment and removal from office. Throughout his career, Mecham was known for his staunch adherence to constitutional principles and his contentious policy decisions.

Political Ideas

Evan Mecham's political identity is marked by a rigid adherence to a narrow constitutional interpretation, coupled with a willingness to clash with established norms and institutions. His economic proposals, such as eliminating income taxes and reducing federal oversight, reflect a highly localized and anti-federal stance. However, his civil rights record, including the controversial cancellation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, reveals an ideological rigidity that often conflicts with broader societal values. Mecham's combative approach to governance, evident in his frequent confrontations with the legislature and the press, underscores a disruption-oriented strategy that prioritizes ideological purity over consensus.

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