In a press conference held on February 20, 2026, Arizona Governor John Smith officially announced his campaign for reelection. Smith, who has been in office since 2022, touted his administration's record of economic growth and job creation during his first term, promising to continue the same momentum if reelected."I am proud of the work we have done over the past four years to revitalize Arizona's economy and create new opportunities for our residents," Governor Smith said. "But our work is far from over. I am committed to continuing to foster an environment that is conducive to business growth and job creation in our state."During his tenure, Governor Smith has focused on attracting new industries to Arizona, particularly in the technology and renewable energy sectors. This has led to a significant increase in jobs and economic activity in the state, with unemployment rates reaching record lows.In addition to his economic policies, Governor Smith also highlighted his administration's efforts to invest in education and infrastructure, as well as his commitment to addressing key social issues such as healthcare and affordable housing.Governor Smith's reelection campaign is expected to be highly competitive, with several challengers already announcing their intention to run against him. Among the contenders is former state senator Rebecca Johnson, who has criticized the governor's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and called for more transparency in government.In response to these criticisms, Governor Smith defended his administration's response to the pandemic, pointing to the state's relatively low infection and mortality rates compared to other states. He also emphasized the need for a balanced approach to public health and economic recovery.As the campaign season heats up, Arizona residents can expect to see a flurry of campaign events, advertisements, and debates leading up to the primary election in August. With the state's economy poised for continued growth, voters will have a critical decision to make in November about the future direction of Arizona's leadership.