Statewide Races

Let me introduce myself – I’m Brian Matlock; a proud Democrat running for Arizona State Mine Inspector.  

Since the Bicentennial in 1976, the role of State Mine Inspector has been exclusively Republican – I think it’s time for a change!  

This is a statewide role, and I need more than 6500 voter signatures to get on the 2026 ballot – that’s a lot of signatures! The last Democrat to run didn’t make it on the ballot, and the Republican ran unchallenged.  

I am THE ONLY DEMOCRAT filing a statement of interest.  

I need the help of LD and County leaders to make it to the general election in 2026. Here is how you can help:  

Please pass my petition and website information onto your membership. My web address is MatlockForAZMI.com (with a link to my nomination petition.)  May I send you a copy of my petition for your office?
This is the link to my nomination petition https://go.azsos.gov/39t9.  

• If you have a newsletter, I can send you regular press releases.  

• I would enjoy speaking to your membership in-person or on Zoom. Do you have an opening for your late October, November or December meetings? Are there any upcoming county events or community events I should attend for the purpose of meeting people and getting signatures? 

• Are there Democrat clubs or groups in your county who may be interested in having me at their meeting or may have questions for me? 

• I am searching for Campaign Champions to help me with a broad outreach campaign. I can send them campaign literature for canvassing; they can assist my outreach by helping organize house parties and other events. And, if I cannot attend a community event, they can cover for me.  

The State Mine Inspector is responsible for overseeing Arizona’s 450 active mines and estimated 100,000 abandoned ones. Earlier this year Pit and Quarry reported that MSHA, the federal Mine Safety Health Administration, was already challenged to meet their mandated inspection requirements due to staff shortages. Sweeping layoffs and hiring freezes will make things worse.  

The Arizona State Mine Inspector is a safeguard for Arizona’s miners and mining communities by filling the inspection gaps left by the faltering federal agency.  

 Please let me know how we can work together for Arizona and…  

 Let’s dig deep and build a better Arizona – Together  

 In Solidarity

Brian Matlock is a Marine Reserves veteran and Mechanical Engineer with decades of heavy industry experience including forestry, pulp & paper, foundry and mining. Brian is named as an inventor on six United States patents, some directly associated with mining safety. He has worked at industrial sites on every continent except Antarctica. Brian’s experience includes design, field service, marketing and management with supervisory duties.

 Before I can serve, I must win the statewide general election in 2026, and to be on the ballot, I need thousands of signatures from Arizona Democrat & Independent voters. Please help me help Arizona by signing my petition AND asking your family and friends to sign too! Find my petition here - https://go.azsos.gov/39t9.