Doug Ducey

Ducey was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio.{{cite news|last=Tom|first=Troy|date=August 28, 2014 |title=Toledo native GOP nominee for Ariz. governor|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2014/08/28/Toledo-native-seeks-top-Arizona-post.html|newspaper=Toledo Blade|location=Toledo, OH}} He is the son of Madeline Scott and Douglas Roscoe, a former member of the Toledo Police Department.{{cite news|last1=Lemons|first1=Stephen|last2=Williams|first2=Lance|date=October 14, 2014|title=Special Report: Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate Doug Ducey Hails From an Infamous Ohio Organized-Crime Family|url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2014/10/special_report_doug_ducey_hails_from_an_infamous_ohio_organized-crime_famil.php|newspaper=Phoenix New Times|location=Phoenix, AZ|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-date=February 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219205341/http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2014/10/special_report_doug_ducey_hails_from_an_infamous_ohio_organized-crime_famil.php|url-status=dead}}

His parents divorced and in 1975 his mother married businessman Michael Ducey, to whom she remained married until 1981.{{cite news|last=Lemons|first=Stephen|date=November 13, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2017|title=Gov.-Elect's Biological Dad did Business with Mobbed-Up Side of family, Records Show|url=http://digitalissue.phoenixnewtimes.com/publication/index.php?i=233920&m=&l=&p=8&pre=|newspaper=Phoenix New Times|location=Phoenix, AZ|page=8}} Michael Ducey adopted Roscoe and his siblings in 1976; Roscoe's last name was legally changed to his adoptive father's.{{cite news|last=Lemons|first=Stephen|date=October 30, 2014|title=Courting Disaster: Doug Ducey's Shady Salesmanship of Himself and the GOP Brand Signals Doom for Arizona|url=http://digitalissue.phoenixnewtimes.com/publication/?i=231518&p=25|newspaper=Phoenix New Times|location=Phoenix, AZ|page=25}}

Ducey graduated from St. John's Jesuit High School in 1982 and moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University (ASU) while working at Hensley & Co., the Anheuser-Busch distributor owned by the family of Cindy McCain.{{cite news|date=February 19, 2014 |title=Doug Ducey Will Run for Arizona Governor in 2014|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140219006514/en/Doug-Ducey-Run-Arizona-Governor-2014#.VN99KPnF-So|newspaper=Businesswire.com}} He graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.{{cite news|last=Farquhar|first=Liz|date=November 2, 2014|title=Doug Ducey of Cold Stone Creamery Honored During ASU Homecoming Festivities|url=http://www.asu.edu/news/faculty_students/ducey_hallfofame_110204.htm|newspaper=Arizona State University|location=Tempe, AZ}}

After graduating from ASU, Ducey joined Procter & Gamble and began a career in sales and marketing.Linda Bentley, [http://www.sonorannews.com/archives/2014/140806/news-governor.html Field of six vying for governor in Republican Primary], Sonoran News, August 6, 2014. Ducey worked as the CEO of Cold Stone Creamery from 1995 to 2007.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/fact-check-abc15-investigators-look-into-allegations-made-in-two-ads-attacking-doug-ducey|title=Fact Check: Ads attacking Doug Ducey|date=September 27, 2014|newspaper=Abc15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)}} When he and his business partner sold the company in 2007, Cold Stone had more than 1,400 locations in the United States and ten other countries.{{Cite web|last=Castiglia|first=Onofrio|date=January 31, 2018|title=Cold Stone Creamery closes|url=https://www.winchesterstar.com/news/business/cold-stone-creamery-closes/article_b4ed3c4e-ed18-58f0-a3b1-46f1aa1935e5.html|website=The Winchester Star}} After the company's sale to Kahala, accusations of franchise mismanagement led Ducey to leave the organization.{{cite news|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/doug-ducey-emperor-of-ice-cream-or-as-sleazy-as-they-come-6445884|title=Doug Ducey: Emperor of Ice Cream or as Sleazy as They Come?|last=Lemons|first=Stephen|date=August 12, 2010|work=Phoenix New Times}}

He became the lead investor and was chairman of the board of iMemories, a photo and home movie digitizing service, from 2008 to 2012.{{cite press release|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080423005851/en/Doug-Ducey-Named-iMemories-Chairman-Board-Lead|title=Doug Ducey Named iMemories Chairman of the Board to Lead National Expansion of Company|website=businesswire.com|accessdate=November 11, 2016}}

File:Doug Ducey (8085425075).jpg in 2012]]

In 2010 Ducey was elected state treasurer of Arizona, replacing Dean Martin. As Arizona's chief banker and investment officer, Ducey oversaw more than $12 billion in state assets and was an investment manager for local governments.{{cite web|title=Meet Doug Ducey|url=http://dougducey.com/meet-doug-ducey|accessdate=November 6, 2014|publisher=DougDucey.com|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304002829/https://dougducey.com/meet-doug-ducey/|url-status=dead}} The Treasurer serves as the chairman of Arizona's State Board of Investment and State Loan Commission, and as the state's surveyor general and a member of the State Land Selection Board. Ducey also served as the western region vice president for the National Association of State Treasurers, and was the president of the Western State Treasurers' Association.{{cite web|url=http://www.aztreasury.gov/about/treasurer-ducey/|title=Treasurer Ducey profile|website=aztreasury.gov|access-date=September 7, 2016}}

During his tenure as state treasurer, Ducey created and championed Arizona Proposition 118, a ballot measure to simplify how schools receive funding from Arizona’s State Land Trust.{{cite web |title=Governor Ducey's Plan To Put $2 Billion In Our Schools |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2015/06/governor-duceys-plan-put-2-billion-our-schools |website=Office of the Arizona Governor |date=June 8, 2015 |access-date=December 13, 2021}} Arizona voters passed Proposition 118 in 2012.{{cite web |title=Arizona Permanent Funds Amendment, Proposition 118 (2012) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Permanent_Funds_Amendment,_Proposition_118_(2012) |website=Ballotpedia}}{{better source needed|date=July 2023}}

In 2010, Ducey opposed Proposition 204, an effort to create a permanent 1-cent-per-dollar sales tax for public education, transportation and health services.{{cite news |last1=Cano |first1=Ricardo |title=Failures and successes: A history of Arizona education funding ideas |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2018/07/06/arizona-education-funding-redfored-sales-tax-ballot-election-doug-ducey-jan-brewer-diane-douglas/704085002/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |publisher=Arizona Republic}} He formally launched a campaign to defeat the proposition, saying, "we don’t need the money" and "this money still does nothing to improve education".{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Arizona treasurer launches campaign to fight education sales tax initiative |url=https://www.ahwatukee.com/news/valley_and_state/article_028217e1-db16-5ff7-876c-11b48faf8752.html |publisher=Ahwatukee Foothills News}} Proposition 204 failed, with 63.8% of voters opposing it.{{cite web |title=Arizona Sales Tax Renewal Amendment, Proposition 204 (2012) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Sales_Tax_Renewal_Amendment,_Proposition_204_(2012) |website=Ballotpedia |access-date=December 13, 2021 |language=en}}{{better source needed|date=July 2023}}

{{Main|2014 Arizona gubernatorial election}}

File:Doug Ducey by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg

In July 2013 Ducey filed the paperwork necessary to explore the possibility of running for governor.{{cite news|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/arizona/politics/article_4d57169e-f400-11e2-978b-0019bb2963f4.html|title=State treasurer Doug Ducey files paperwork to explore Ariz governor run|work=East Valley Tribune|date=July 23, 2013|accessdate=July 25, 2013}} On February 19, 2014, he formally announced his intention to seek the office at a rally in downtown Phoenix.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/az-ducey-for-governor-idUSnBw196514a+100+BSW20140219|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419232357/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/19/az-ducey-for-governor-idUSnBw196514a+100+BSW20140219|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2014|title=Doug Ducey Will Run for Arizona Governor in 2014|work=Reuters|last=DeLaney|first=Melissa|date=February 19, 2014|accessdate=April 19, 2014}}

He received the endorsement of conservatives such as Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, as well as Governor Scott Walker and former Senator Jon Kyl. Ducey won the Republican nomination in the August primary, and was subsequently endorsed by the outgoing governor, Jan Brewer, along with Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake and other Republicans in Arizona's Congressional delegation. Ducey was endorsed by several organizations, including Arizona Right to Life{{Cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2014/10/08/social-issues-influence-governors-race/16897265/|title=Social issues influence governor's race|newspaper=azcentral|access-date=January 27, 2017}} and the Concerned Women for America.{{Cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2016/02/01/roberts-ducey-cozying-up-kochs-again/79645380/|title=Roberts: Ducey cozying up to the Kochs (again, that is)|work=azcentral|access-date=February 1, 2018}}

Ducey defeated Democrat Fred DuVal and Libertarian Barry Hess in the November 4 general election.{{cite web|url=http://www.statepress.com/article/2014/11/republican-doug-ducey-democrat-fred-duval-libertarian-barry-hess-face-off-in-race-for-governor|title=Republican Doug Ducey defeats Democrat Fred DuVal to become next Arizona governor|access-date=September 30, 2016}}

{{main|2018 Arizona gubernatorial election}}

File:Doug Ducey by Gage Skidmore 11.jpg in October 2018.]]

In 2018, Ducey announced his candidacy for reelection. Former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett challenged him in the Republican primary and lost by a wide margin.[https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/2018%200910%20Signed%20Statewide%20Canvass.pdf State of Arizona Official Canvass] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912091917/https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/2018%200910%20Signed%20Statewide%20Canvass.pdf |date=September 12, 2018 }} August 28, 2018. Ducey was reelected in November, defeating Democratic nominee David Garcia, 56%-42%.{{cite web |url=https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/2018%201203%20Signed%20Official%20Statewide%20Canvass.pdf |title=Statewide canvass |website=azsos.gov |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207054635/https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/2018%201203%20Signed%20Official%20Statewide%20Canvass.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/arizona-governor|title=Arizona Governor Election Results| newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 28, 2019}}

File:Mike Pence & Doug Ducey (30623770732).jpg in October 2016 with Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the vice-presidential nominee.]]

Ducey was sworn into office on January 5, 2015.Suerth, Jessica (January 5, 2015). [http://www.statepress.com/2015/01/05/doug-ducey-sworn-in-as-arizonas-23rd-governor "Doug Ducey Sworn in as Arizona's 23rd Governor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215013601/http://www.statepress.com/2015/01/05/doug-ducey-sworn-in-as-arizonas-23rd-governor |date=February 15, 2015 }}, The State Press; retrieved January 19, 2015. Shortly after his term began, he instituted a state employee hiring freeze in an effort to balance the state budget.Schwarz, Hunter (January 12, 2015). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/01/12/arizona-governor-institutes-state-employee-hiring-freeze-calls-for-income-tax-change/ "Arizona Governor Institutes State Employee Hiring Freeze, Calls for Income Tax Change"]. The Washington Post; retrieved January 19, 2015. In March 2015, Ducey signed a $9.1 billion budget that eliminated the state's $1.5 billion budget deficit by reducing spending without instituting a tax increase.{{Cite web|last=Sanchez|first=Ronald J. Hansen, and Yvonne Wingett|title=Ducey signs historically lean $9.1B Arizona budget|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/03/12/arizona-governor-ducey-signs-state-budget/70244574/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en-US}} Ducey has issued balanced budget proposals each fiscal year since 2015.{{Cite web|date=January 17, 2020|title=Gov. Ducey proposes $12.3 billion spending plan, sends money to best and poorest schools|url=https://www.kold.com/2020/01/17/gov-ducey-proposes-billion-spending-plan-sends-money-best-poorest-schools/|access-date=July 7, 2020|language=en-US}}

On January 15, 2015, Ducey signed an education bill requiring high school students to pass the U.S. citizenship test in order to graduate, making Arizona the first state to require this.Armario, Christine & Bob Christie (January 16, 2015). [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/arizona-students-pass-us-citizenship-test-civics-28269258 "States Consider Requiring US Citizenship Test for Graduation"], abcnews.go.com; retrieved January 19, 2015.Porter, Caroline (January 16, 2015). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/arizona-passes-bill-tying-citizenship-exam-to-high-school-graduation-1421368601 "Arizona Is First State to Require Citizenship Exam to Graduate High School"], The Wall Street Journal; retrieved January 19, 2015.

Ducey issued his first vetoes on March 30, 2015, of HB2150, an amendment to an animal cruelty law that would have excluded livestock animals from protection under that law,{{cite web|url=http://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/housebill2150veto.pdf|title=Veto of HB2150|accessdate=April 1, 2015}} and HB2410, which would have prohibited police departments from establishing quotas for traffic citations.{{cite web|url=http://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/housebill2410veto_0.pdf|title=Veto of HB2410|accessdate=April 1, 2015}}

On March 31, 2017, Ducey signed SB1367, which mandates that doctors treat babies born alive during abortions or induced early deliveries. Late-term abortions had previously been performed in rare circumstances where the life of the baby and the mother was at risk; opponents of the bill said that the new restrictions would force doctors to provide pointless treatment to babies that were not expected to live.{{cite news | last1=Rau | first1=Alia Beard | last2=Pitzl | first2=Mary Jo | title=Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Signs Controversial Abortion Bill | url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2017/03/31/doug-ducey-signs-controversial-arizona-abortion-bill/99858360/ | date=March 31, 2017 | newspaper=The Arizona Republic | accessdate=April 3, 2017}}

On April 6, 2017, Ducey signed a major school voucher expansion bill, extending eligibility to every Arizona student.{{cite web | title=Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Signs School Voucher Expansion Bill | url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-signs-school-voucher-expansion-bill | date=April 7, 2017 | publisher=Fox News |via=Associated Press | access-date=April 7, 2017}}

On September 4, 2018, it was announced that Ducey had appointed former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl to the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated upon the death of John McCain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2018/09/04/jon-kyl-named-john-mccain-replacement-senate-appointment-ducey/1148030002/|title=Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl will be John McCain's successor in the U.S. Senate|first1=Maria|last1=Polletta|first2=Yvonne Wingett|last2=Sanchez|website=azcentral}} Kyl resigned from the Senate effective December 31, 2018,{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/12/14/18140802/jon-kyl-arizona-senate-resignation-martha-mcsally|title=Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl is officially stepping down on December 31|first=Li|last=Zhou|date=December 14, 2018|website=Vox}} and Ducey appointed former Congresswoman Martha McSally to replace him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2019/01/03/kyrsten-sinema-martha-mcsally-sworn-us-senate/2472241002/|title=Kyrsten Sinema, Martha McSally make history, face familiar problems|first=Ronald J.|last=Hansen|website=azcentral}}

On February 22, 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Ducey to the bipartisan Council of Governors.[https://www.theday.com/article/20190222/NWS12/190229834 Trump appoints Lamont to governors council], The Day, February 22, 2019.

In January 2021, Ducey announced that he would not seek the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in the 2022 election.{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Arizona Gov. Ducey: I Won't Run For U.S. Senate In 2022 |url=https://kjzz.org/content/1653441/arizona-gov-ducey-i-wont-run-us-senate-2022 |access-date=August 6, 2021 |agency=KJZZ |publisher=Rio Salado College/Maricopa Community College |date=January 25, 2021}}

Leaving office on January 2, 2023, Ducey became Arizona's first Governor since Bruce Babbitt in 1986 who had fully served two four-year terms.

File:Scott Walker & Doug Ducey (16935986912).jpg in March 2015]]

After cuts to education during the Great Recession, Ducey increased funding to K-12 schools above inflation every year during his tenure.{{cite web |title=PRIMER: Investing In Arizona's K-12 Classrooms |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2019/04/primer-investing-arizonas-k-12-classrooms |website=Office of the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey |date=April 29, 2019 |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306115657/https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2019/04/primer-investing-arizonas-k-12-classrooms |url-status=dead }} Since 2015, Arizona has added $4.5 billion in total new investments into schools and increased K-12 public school funding by $2.3 billion annually.{{cite news |last1=Altavena |first1=Lily |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2020/01/30/how-much-arizona-spending-education-and-where-going/4532563002/ |title=How much has Arizona spent on education since #RedForEd? The numbers you need to know |accessdate=October 23, 2020 |work=Arizona Republic |date=January 30, 2020}}{{cite web |title=K-12 Funding (M&O, Capital and Other) FY 2012 through FY 2021 est |url=https://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/allfunding.pdf |website=Arizona State Legislature |publisher=Joint Legislative Budget Committee |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218204506/https://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/allfunding.pdf |url-status=dead }}

In 2015, Ducey led the campaign to pass Proposition 123, putting $3.5 billion into K-12 education over 10 years. The proposition, which passed the state legislature and was approved by voters, also settled a years-long lawsuit about education funding.{{cite web |title=Governor Ducey Signs 20 Percent Increase In Teacher Pay |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2018/05/governor-ducey-signs-20-percent-increase-teacher-pay-0 |website=Office of the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey |date=May 3, 2018 |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306120046/https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2018/05/governor-ducey-signs-20-percent-increase-teacher-pay-0 |url-status=dead }}

In 2018, in response to nationwide teacher protests, Ducey announced the "20x2020" plan, which would raise teacher salaries 20% over three years and restore Recession-era cuts to flexible school funding known as additional assistance. The promise was fulfilled on schedule through the fiscal year 2021 budget, which included $645 million in permanent funding for teacher raises. The promised restoration of additional assistance dollars has taken place ahead of schedule.{{cite web |title=Arizona Governor Doug Ducey |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2018/05/governor-ducey-signs-20-percent-increase-teacher-pay-0 |website=Office of the Governor Doug Ducey |date=May 3, 2018 |accessdate=October 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306120046/https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2018/05/governor-ducey-signs-20-percent-increase-teacher-pay-0 |url-status=dead }}

Also in 2018, Ducey signed a 20-year extension of Proposition 301, a voter-approved initiative passed in 2000 and championed by then-Governor Jane Hull. The proposition provides about $667 million annually to Arizona’s K-12 public schools, universities, community colleges, and tribal schools through a 0.6% sales tax.{{cite web |title=Proposition 301 |url=https://education.azgovernor.gov/edu/proposition-301 |website=Office of Education, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey |date=March 26, 2018 |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303051113/https://education.azgovernor.gov/edu/proposition-301 |url-status=dead }}

In 2017, Ducey implemented the first-ever dedicated funding for school counselors and the establishment of the Arizona Teachers Academy, a partnership with Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University that enables future Arizona public school teachers to graduate with a teaching degree debt-free.{{cite web |title=Advancing Arizona's Teacher Workforce |url=https://education.azgovernor.gov/edu/arizona-teachers-academy |website=Office of Education, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey |date=September 19, 2017 |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303052117/https://education.azgovernor.gov/edu/arizona-teachers-academy |url-status=dead }}

On January 16, 2015, Ducey signed the American Civics Act, which requires that all Arizona students pass a basic civics test before graduating from high school.{{cite web |title=American Civics Act |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/blog/2018/06/american-civics-act |website=Office of the Arizona Governor |date=June 8, 2018 |accessdate=October 28, 2020}} It was the first bill he signed, making Arizona the first state in the country to enact such a law.{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2018|title=Governor Ducey Signs Bill Promoting American Civics Education|url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2018/05/governor-ducey-signs-bill-promoting-american-civics-education|access-date=July 19, 2021|website=Office of the Arizona Governor|language=en}} Since its enactment, 34 states have passed similar legislation.{{cite news |last1=Ducey |first1=Doug |title=Bring Civics Back to the Classroom |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/09/civics-education-key-understanding-american-history-founding-principles/#slide-1 |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |agency=National Review |publisher=National Review}}

In 2018, Ducey proclaimed September 25 the inaugural Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day, in honor of Sandra Day O’Connor’s dedication to civics and her swearing-in to the Supreme Court on September 25, 1981.{{cite news |last1=Goodman |first1=Jessica |title=Arizona celebrates inaugural Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day |url=https://www.azfamily.com/news/arizona_schools/arizona-celebrates-inaugural-sandra-day-oconnor-civics-celebration-day/article_231d92d6-ff38-11ea-a36b-87d97fa8e47c.html |accessdate=October 28, 2020 |agency=AZFamily |publisher=AZFamily |date=September 25, 2020}} In March 2020, he signed into law the Civics Celebration Day bill, which requires schools to dedicate the majority of classroom instruction to civics on September 25.{{cite web |title=Bill Status Inquiry |url=https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73310 |website=Arizona State Legislature |accessdate=October 28, 2020}}

Ducey opposed the Affordable Care Act, saying, "It's no secret Obamacare has been a disaster for Arizona and that I want it repealed and replaced."{{Cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2017/07/30/what-ducey-told-mccain-ahead-his-big-vote-kill-gop-repeal-bill/523322001/|title=What Ducey told McCain ahead of his big vote to kill GOP 'repeal' bill|work=azcentral|access-date=July 31, 2017}} On July 30, 2017, the Arizona Republic reported that Ducey had urged Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain to vote for legislation to repeal and replace it. McCain ultimately voted against repeal.

In September 2017, Ducey released a statement endorsing the Graham–Cassidy health care amendment as "the best path forward to repeal and replace Obamacare."{{cite news|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-gov-ducey-throws-his-support-behind-latest-plan-to/article_326ac30a-d641-5616-b6b1-6d3af2929681.html|title=Arizona Gov. Ducey throws his support behind latest plan to kill Obamacare|date=September 18, 2017|publisher=tucson.com}} On September 20, he said his staff was analyzing the Graham–Cassidy bill's effects on the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and asserted that the ACA had been a failure. He admitted he had not seen the final version of the bill but said he suspected it would be “the longest possible transition so that we can move people from Medicaid into a superior insurance product."{{cite news|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/gov-doug-ducey-no-matter-the-arizona-numbers-fallout-repeal/article_83365a39-5cfb-5e9d-b10b-6f07ecf6ba4e.html|title=Gov. Doug Ducey: No matter the Arizona numbers, fallout, repeal better than ACA|date=September 30, 2017|publisher=tucson.com}}

In August 2017, after violence by protesters at a gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia, Ducey said in response to a reporter's question that he had no interest in removing Confederate monuments from public lands in Arizona.{{Cite web|url=http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2017/08/14/ducey-stands-ground-on-confederate-monuments-in-wake-of-racial-violence/|title=Ducey stands ground on confederate monuments in wake of racial violence |first=Howard |last=Fischer|website=azcapitoltimes.com|date=August 14, 2017|access-date=August 15, 2017}} He condemned groups like the Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazis and said, "It's important that people know our history... I don't think we should try to hide our history."{{Cite web|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/ducey-condemns-white-nationalists-says-confederate-monuments-can-stay/article_75064a94-5663-5ec6-9f1a-f691d38b5787.html|title=Ducey condemns white nationalists, says Confederate monuments can stay|last=Fischer|first=Howard |website=Arizona Daily Star|date=August 14, 2017 |language=en|access-date=January 4, 2020}}

As a candidate, Ducey opposed same-sex marriage as well as domestic partnerships for unmarried couples.{{Cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2014/10/08/social-issues-influence-governors-race/16897265/|title=Social issues influence governor's race|work=azcentral|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en}} As governor, in 2015, he supported allowing same-sex couples to adopt children.{{Cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/04/24/arizona-governor-doug-ducey-support-gay-couples-adoption/26285909/|title=Ducey support of gay adoption surprises critics, allies|work=azcentral|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en}} After same-sex marriage was legalized by the U.S. Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, Ducey said the state would comply with the law and that there were good people on both sides of the issue.{{Cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2015/06/26/arizona-reaction-quotes-sex-marriage-court-ruling/29357971/|title=Reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage|work=azcentral|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en}} In 2017, he said he would not ask the legislature to pass anti-discrimination laws, but added that he opposed discrimination based on sexual orientation.{{Cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2017/01/25/ducey-says-hes-not-concerned-about-states-gap-in-anti-discrimination-laws/|title=Ducey says state's gap in anti-discrimination laws won't jeopardize future events – Arizona Capitol Times|last=Fischer|first=Howard |website=azcapitoltimes.com|date=January 25, 2017|language=en-US|access-date=November 16, 2018}} In April 2019, he signed into law a bill that repealed the sex and health education laws that prohibited the "promotion" of homosexuality as an acceptable "lifestyle".{{Cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2019/04/11/ducey-signs-no-promo-homo-repeal/|title=Ducey signs 'no promo homo' repeal|last=Giles|first=Ben|date=April 11, 2019|website=Arizona Capitol Times|language=en-US|access-date=April 12, 2019}}

In March 2022, Ducey signed two transgender-related bills into law. One bans transgender people from playing on school sports teams aligning with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. One bars people under 18 from receiving sex-reassignment surgeries.{{Cite web |author=Devan Cole |title=Arizona governor signs bill outlawing gender-affirming care for transgender youth and approves anti-trans sports ban |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/30/politics/arizona-transgender-health-care-ban-sports-ban/index.html |access-date=2022-04-24 |website=CNN|date=March 30, 2022 }}

Under Ducey, the state government was mandated to "shrink", which led Ducey-appointed administrator Tim Jeffries to fire over 400 state employees at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Ducey then prohibited DES leadership from firing employees. The employees were fired for infractions such as questioning leadership for sending purportedly political emails on government systems. Fired employees will be able to petition for reconsideration of their firings with the state HR chief, but do not have the rights in employment they once did because of a law signed by Governor Brewer that converted them to at-will employment in return for bonuses.{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-investigations/2016/10/26/governor-takes-away-des-director-power-to-fire-employees/92439974/ |title=Gov. Doug Ducey takes away DES director's power to fire employees |website=Azcentral.com |date=October 26, 2016 |accessdate=December 7, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-investigations/2016/10/17/state-firings-increasing-under-gov-doug-duceys-administration/91678058/ |title=State firings increase under Ducey in quest to shrink government |website=Azcentral.com |date=October 17, 2016 |accessdate=December 7, 2016}}

Ducey was a major proponent of AZ Prop 123, which slowly took more money from the state land trust to settle a lawsuit that a judge ruled deprived students and teachers of adequate education funding as mandated by Arizona voters. The Arizona legislature violated the law by funding education in the state below the level required by AZ Prop 301, which passed in 2000.{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Sales_Tax_for_Education,_Proposition_301_(2000) |title=Arizona Sales Tax for Education, Proposition 301 (2000) |website=Ballotpedia.org |date= |accessdate=December 7, 2016}} Prop 123 settled the lawsuit without raising revenue by increasing distributions from the land trust the federal government bequeathed to Arizona at statehood. The law passed amid controversy, and many teachers were promised small raises only if the law passed, creating an emergent political issue.{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona-education/2016/07/14/yikes-some-teachers-see-only-extra-15-prop-123/86055862/ |title='Yikes!': Some Arizona teachers see little from Prop. 123 |website=Azcentral.com |date=July 14, 2016 |accessdate=December 7, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona-education/2016/04/15/proposition-123-arizona-land-trust-fund/80820924/ |title=How Proposition 123 affects Arizona's land trust fund |website=Azcentral.com |date=April 27, 2016 |accessdate=December 7, 2016}} With a strong Republican majority, it was not considered politically possible to raise revenue to fund education to the level required, so Prop 123 represented a grand compromise.{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona-education/2016/05/19/arizona-proposition-123-passes/84347312/ |title=Prop. 123 ekes out a win. Now what? |website=Azcentral.com |date=May 20, 2016 |accessdate=December 7, 2016}}

As governor, Ducey signed legislation to expand the Arizona Supreme Court, seating two additional justices of his choosing.{{Cite web|first=Howard |last=Fischer |title=Ducey signs law adding 2 justices to Arizona Supreme Court|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ducey-signs-law-adding-2-justices-to-arizona-supreme-court/article_19f500f3-4db7-5d64-b6c4-2b053df92a00.html|access-date=September 20, 2020|website=Arizona Daily Star|date=May 18, 2016 |language=en}} In doing so, he denied that he was "packing the court".{{Cite web|first=Howard |last=Fischer |title=Ducey signs law adding 2 justices to Arizona Supreme Court|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ducey-signs-law-adding-2-justices-to-arizona-supreme-court/article_19f500f3-4db7-5d64-b6c4-2b053df92a00.html|access-date=October 8, 2020|website=Arizona Daily Star|date=May 18, 2016 |language=en}} The legislation was "championed by Republicans but decried by Democrats as an effort by the governor to pack the court with his nominees."{{cite web|date=November 28, 2016|title=Ducey names 2 to Supreme Court|url=http://www.cbs5az.com/story/33808206/ducey-names-2-to-new-arizona-supreme-court-seats?autostart=true|agency=Associated Press}} In November 2016, Ducey appointed Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Andrew Gould and state Solicitor General John Lopez IV to the two new seats. Lopez is the state's first Latino justice.{{cite web|title=Robb: Ducey never mentioned first Latino Arizona Supreme Court justice's race|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/robertrobb/2016/12/05/ducey-first-latino-justice/94828286/|accessdate=August 27, 2018|publisher=}}

As of April 2020, Ducey has made 71 judicial appointments, more than any other Arizona governor, surpassing a record previously held by Bruce Babbitt.{{Cite web|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2020/05/01/ducey-surpasses-state-record-of-judicial-appointments/|title = Ducey surpasses state record of judicial appointments | Arizona Capitol Times|date = May 2020}} In January 2016, Ducey appointed Clint Bolick to the Arizona Supreme Court.[https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/2016/01/06/78358282/ Gov. Ducey appoints Clint Bolick to AZ Supreme Court] (video), USA Today (January 6, 2016).{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Judges_appointed_by_Doug_Ducey|title=Judges appointed by Doug Ducey |publisher=Ballotpedia|accessdate=August 27, 2018}} Before his appointment, Bolick worked as an attorney for the conservative Goldwater Institute. In April 2019, Ducey appointed Court of Appeals Judge James Beene to the Arizona Supreme Court.{{cite web |url=https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2019/04/governor-ducey-appoints-james-p-beene-supreme-court-arizona |title=Governor Ducey Appoints James P. Beene|date=April 26, 2019|accessdate=April 26, 2019}}

In September 2019, Ducey controversially appointed Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery to the Arizona Supreme Court.{{cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Jonathan J. |title=Ducey appoints Montgomery to Arizona Supreme Court |url=https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2019/9/5/157680-ducey-appoints-montgomery-to-arizona-supreme-court/ |work=Arizona Public Media |agency=Associated Press |date=September 5, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Meg |title=Despite Growing Controversy, Bill Montgomery's Supreme Court Bid Moves Ahead |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/despite-controversy-montgomerys-supreme-court-bid-moves-on-11318344 |access-date=28 July 2022 |work=Phoenix New Times |date=June 25, 2019}} The nomination occurred after Ducey replaced several members of the state's judicial nominating commission, who had refused to submit Montgomery's name for a vacancy earlier in the year.{{cite news |last1=Montini |first1=EJ |title=Gov. Doug Ducey's rigged system gets Bill Montgomery on the Arizona Supreme Court |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2019/09/04/bill-montgomery-joins-arizona-supreme-court-doug-ducey-rigged-system/2214807001/ |work=The Arizona Republic |date=September 4, 2019}}

In July 2021, Ducey appointed his former deputy general counsel, Kathryn Hackett King, to succeed Gould on the Supreme Court. King is the court's fifth female justice and the first appointed by Ducey.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2021/07/08/governor-doug-ducey-appoints-kathryn-hackett-king-arizona-supreme-court/7902098002/|title=Gov. Doug Ducey appoints Kathryn Hackett King to Arizona Supreme Court|first=Lacey|last=Latch|website=The Arizona Republic}}

Ducey has also appointed several judges to state appellate and trial courts. In 2017, he became the first governor since 1991 to appoint a judge from the opposing political party to the Arizona Court of Appeals.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2017-04-12/judges-from-yavapai-yuma-counties-going-to-court-of-appeals|title=Ducey Picks Include His First Democrat for Appellate Courts|publisher=|accessdate=August 27, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/20120912brewer-fills-arizona-courts-republican-judges.html|title=Brewer fills Arizona courts with Republican judges|publisher=|accessdate=August 27, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.azmirror.com/blog/ducey-appoints-democratic-judge-to-court-of-appeals/|title=Ducey appoints Democratic judge to Court of Appeals|publisher=Arizona Mirror|accessdate=September 13, 2019}}

File:Doug Ducey (38169478006).jpg, November 2017]]

In May 2018, Ducey signed into law a bill that requires people who collect unemployment benefits for more than four weeks to take any job that pays 20% more than the unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits in Arizona are capped at $240 a week or half what people earned before they were laid off. The new legislation means that people must take jobs paying $288 a week (about $15,000 a year) regardless of what they used to make.{{Cite news|url=http://tucson.com/news/local/new-law-will-make-it-harder-for-jobless-arizonans-to/article_662c4129-e9a4-5d90-bd3b-7d55e7e65140.html|title=New law will make it harder for jobless Arizonans to keep receiving benefits|last=Fischer|first=Howard |work=Arizona Daily Star|access-date=May 17, 2018}}

Ducey opposed a 2016 ballot measure to legalize cannabis for recreational use in Arizona. He stated that he didn't think "any state became stronger by being stoned" and helped raise funds in support of the initiative's opposition campaign.{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Gov. Ducey: A state battling opiate abuse shouldn't legalize marijuana |url=https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/gov-ducey-a-state-battling-opiate-abuse-shouldn-t-legalize/article_30d15a0d-1432-5f04-8366-06dac24a3f80.html |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=September 3, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Stern |first1=Ray |title=Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Battles AZ Pot Legalization With Behind-the-Scenes Fundraising |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona-governor-doug-ducey-battles-az-pot-legalization-with-behind-the-scenes-fundraising-8661072 |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=Phoenix New Times |date=September 19, 2016}} Ducey also opposed a similar ballot measure in 2020 (Proposition 207) which was approved with 60% of the vote.{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Gov. Ducey opposing three of four proposed ballot measures |url=https://tucson.com/news/arizona_news/gov-ducey-opposing-three-of-four-proposed-ballot-measures/article_299523eb-137a-5912-bbb1-e6c23256bfc5.html |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=July 30, 2020}}

{{Main article|COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona}}

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced the first case of COVID-19 in Arizona on January 26, 2020, a student at Arizona State University who returned from Wuhan, China.{{Cite web|date=June 14, 2020|title=COVID-19 Timeline|url=https://www.eacourier.com/covid-19-timeline/article_cf7b0552-ae81-11ea-8c85-eb333801f011.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Eastern Arizona Courier|language=en}} The number of cases rose to nine by mid-March. On March 11, Ducey declared a state of emergency and activated the state's emergency operations center.{{Cite web|last=Oxford|first=Andrew|date=March 11, 2020|title=Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs emergency health declaration on new coronavirus|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2020/03/11/ducey-declares-health-emergency-arizona-new-coronavirus/5025505002/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en-US}} He also issued executive orders directing the state health department to issue emergency rules to protect residents living in nursing homes and group homes. On March 15, Ducey and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman jointly announced a statewide school closure.{{Cite web|last=Helm|first=Bill|date=March 30, 2020|title=Ducey, Hoffman announce coronavirus school closures extended through end of school year|url=https://www.verdenews.com/news/2020/mar/30/ducey-hoffman-announce-coronavirus-school-closures/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Verde Independent|language=en}}

On March 30, 2020, Ducey issued a stay-at-home order for one month until April 30.{{Cite web|last=Polletta|first=Maria|date=April 29, 2020|title=Ducey extends stay-at-home order through May 15 but eases some restrictions on businesses|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2020/04/29/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-gives-update-stay-at-home-order-coronavirus-covid-19/3032731001/|access-date=May 9, 2020|website=azcentral|language=en}} On April 29, he extended the stay-at-home order until May 15. On May 12, Arizona began allowing certain businesses to reopen; both the lockdown and reopening were later cited in two recall efforts against Ducey.{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2020|title=Ducey: Arizona stay-at-home order expires Friday|url=https://news.azpm.org/p/news-topical-health/2020/5/12/172407-ducey-stay-at-home-order-expires-friday/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=news.azpm.org|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Fischer|first=Howard|date=May 2, 2020|title=Health department issues guidelines for reopening retail|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2020/05/02/health-department-issues-guidelines-for-reopening-retail/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Arizona Capitol Times|language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Doug Ducey recall, Governor of Arizona (2020) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Doug_Ducey_recall,_Governor_of_Arizona_(2020) |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}} The reopening contradicted the advice of academic experts.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2020|title=After outcry, Arizona restores partnership with team projecting increased coronavirus cases|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/after-outcry-arizona-restores-partnership-with-team-projecting-increased-coronavirus-cases/2020/05/07/a26b3976-909d-11ea-a9c0-73b93422d691_story.html|access-date=}}{{Cite web|date=April 23, 2020|title=ASU report warns that COVID-19 related deaths could rise by thousands if social distancing is lifted too soon|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/arizona-state-university-report-warns-that-covid-19-related-deaths-could-rise-by-thousands-if-social-distancing-is-lifted-too-soon/75-cb3a4fd2-2fce-4369-8d76-f6fb11516e39|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=12news.com|language=en-US}} At the same time Ducey was reopening the state, he ended cooperation with a team of epidemiologists and statisticians from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.{{Cite web|last=Sayers|first=Justin|date=May 7, 2020|title=Arizona reverses call to make state university experts stop work modeling the coronavirus outbreak|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-reverses-call-to-make-state-university-experts-stop-work-modeling-the-coronavirus-outbreak/article_16281bf4-909e-11ea-9a3e-67acaef9e110.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Arizona Daily Star|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Stern|first=Ray|date=May 7, 2020|title=Ducey: Don't Blame Me for 'Firing' Coronavirus Modeling Scientists|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona-fired-coronavirus-modeling-researchers-ducey-11469166|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Phoenix New Times}} After public criticism, the department resumed the cooperation.

In May 2020, Arizona sought a uniform approach to COVID-19 with consistent mitigation requirements statewide.{{Cite news|last=Christie|first=Bob|date=June 17, 2020|title=Arizona governor says mayors allowed to require face masks|work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/89d47a16869b4c9172b179a8f3c19192|access-date=}} On June 15, mayors and local governments requested the power to move forward with localized face mask ordinances, including a letter to Ducey from mayors of border towns.{{Cite news|last=Sturgis|first=Lisa|date=June 17, 2020|title=Ducey allows local leaders to mandate masks|work=KYMA-DT|url=https://kyma.com/news/arizona-news/2020/06/17/breaking-news-ducey-allows-local-leaders-to-mandate-masks/|access-date=}}{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 16, 2020|title=Officials seek permission to impose face mask mandate|work=Nogales International|url=https://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/coronavirus/officials-seek-permission-to-impose-face-mask-mandate/article_6ffa942e-b00e-11ea-a31c-47334ce22210.html|access-date=}}{{Cite news|last=Phillips|first=Nick|date=June 18, 2020|title=Governor: Local governments can impose face mask requirements|work=Nogales International|url=https://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/coronavirus/governor-local-governments-can-impose-face-mask-requirements/article_ca6902fa-b104-11ea-a6ba-eb15f7756d1c.html|access-date=}}{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 5, 2020|title=Nogales mayor asks Gov. Ducey for authority to require city's residents to wear masks|work=ABC 15 Arizona|url=https://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/nogales/city-of-nogales-mayor-asking-gov-ducey-for-authority-to-require-masks|access-date=}} Ducey gave mayors that power on June 17.{{Cite web|last=Fischer|first=Howard|date=June 17, 2020|title=Governor gives cities, counties power to require masks in public|url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2020/06/17/governor-gives-cities-counties-power-to-require-masks-in-public/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Arizona Capitol Times|language=en-US}} Since then, five counties and 47 cities and towns have issued face mask requirements covering more than 90% of Arizona residents.{{Cite web|date=|title=COVID-19 Response: County and Municipal Mask Requirements|url=http://www.leagueaz.org/e/covid_19/mask_requirements.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=leagueaz.org}}{{Cite web|last=Fifield|first=Joshua Bowling, Alison Steinbach, Sasha Hupka, Lorraine Longhi, Paulina Pineda, Rafael Carranza and Jen|title=Cities from Scottsdale to Surprise require face masks in public; Maricopa County mandate covers the rest|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2020/06/17/gov-doug-ducey-gives-cities-authority-mandate-face-masks-public/3210588001/|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en-US}} In July, Arizona launched a program to provide free masks to senior citizens and people with medical conditions.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=July 16, 2020|title=Doug Ducey ramps up public health funding, offers free masks for elderly|work=KTAR News 92.3|url=https://ktar.com/story/3401575/doug-ducey-ramps-up-public-health-funding-offers-free-masks-for-elderly/|access-date=}}

By June 2020, Arizona had become an epicenter of the pandemic.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2020|title=How Arizona 'lost control of the epidemic'|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/how-arizona-lost-control-of-the-epidemic/2020/06/25/f692a5a8-b658-11ea-aca5-ebb63d27e1ff_story.html|access-date=}} Public health experts said that was predictable given Arizona's failures to implement public health precautions and decisions by top officials. Arizona's COVID-19 cases increased significantly in June after Memorial Day celebrations, the reopening of businesses, and several weeks of protests over racial injustice over the murder of George Floyd.{{Cite web|last=Siemaszko|first=Corky|date=June 22, 2020|title=End of lockdown, Memorial Day add up to increase in coronavirus cases, experts say|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/end-lockdown-memorial-day-add-increase-coronavirus-cases-experts-say-n1231802|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=NBC News|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Innes|first=Stephanie Innes|date=June 10, 2020|title=Arizona protests and the spread of COVID-19: What you need to know|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2020/06/10/arizona-protests-may-spike-covid-19-cases/5320798002/|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=Arizona Republic|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Stone|first=Will|date=June 14, 2020|title=Health Experts Link Rise In Arizona Coronavirus Cases To End Of Stay-At-Home Order|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/14/876786952/health-experts-link-rise-in-arizona-coronavirus-cases-to-end-of-stay-at-home-ord|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=NPR|language=en}} Ducey was criticized for the state's failure to require social distancing, mask wearing and other restrictions.{{Cite web|last=Swanson|first=Ian|date=June 17, 2020|title=Rising COVID-19 cases start political brawl in Arizona|url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/503306-rising-covid-19-cases-start-political-brawl-in-arizona|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=TheHill|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Loew|first=Morgan|date=May 12, 2020|title=Governor Ducey's social distancing order not being enforced, likely not enforceable|url=https://www.azfamily.com/news/continuing_coverage/coronavirus_coverage/governor-duceys-social-distancing-order-not-being-enforced-likely-not-enforceable/article_58f2616a-94d1-11ea-ad5e-33dab5349797.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=AZFamily|language=en|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708023517/https://www.azfamily.com/news/continuing_coverage/coronavirus_coverage/governor-duceys-social-distancing-order-not-being-enforced-likely-not-enforceable/article_58f2616a-94d1-11ea-ad5e-33dab5349797.html|url-status=dead}}

File:President Trump Meets with the Governor of Arizona (50194947208).jpg

On June 29, 2020, Ducey ordered some businesses that had reopened, including bars, gyms, and waterparks, to close for 30 days.{{Cite web|last=Gifford|first=Jeff|date=June 29, 2020|title=Ducey order closes bars, gyms and other gathering places to slow spread of Covid-19|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2020/06/29/ducey-order-closes-bars-gyms-theaters-gatherings.html|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=bizjournals.com}} The order also prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people. Although Arizona activated a hospital crisis standards of care plan that allowed hospitals to maximize surge staffing and capacity, no hospitals reported rationing health care at the state's infection peak.{{Cite news|last=Grigg|first=Nicole|date=July 3, 2020|title=Health officials backtrack as no 'triage' taking place in hospitals under Arizona's Crisis of Care Plan|work=ABC 15 Arizona|url=https://www.abc15.com/news/coronavirus/health-officials-backtrack-as-no-triage-taking-place-in-hospitals-under-arizonas-crisis-standards-of-care-plan|access-date=}}{{Cite news|last=Fifield|first=Jen|date=July 3, 2020|title=Arizona hospitals aren't rationing care to COVID-19 patients yet, but staff, capacity a growing concern|work=The Arizona Republic|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2020/07/02/staff-capacity-concern-arizona-hospitals-covid-19-spreads/5359910002/|access-date=}}{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2020|title=Arizona activates hospital plan with guidance for rationing health care|url=https://ktar.com/story/3351722/arizona-activates-hospital-plan-with-guidance-for-rationing-health-care/|access-date=July 14, 2020|website=KTAR.com}}

On August 6, Ducey, State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman, and the Arizona Department of Health Services released public health benchmarks for reopening schools.{{Cite news|last=Lerner|first=Danielle|date=August 6, 2020|title=Arizona health officials release benchmarks to help districts weigh reopening schools|work=ABC 15 Arizona|url=https://www.abc15.com/news/back-to-school/state-officials-to-release-new-benchmarks-for-school-districts-in-regards-to-in-person-learning|access-date=}} The school benchmarks track COVID-19 statistics by county, including cases per 100,000 people over two weeks, low rates of positive tests, and declining COVID-19 cases in hospitals, for schools to meet before moving to hybrid or fully in-person instruction. Eleven counties met the benchmarks for hybrid schooling in September.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=September 17, 2020|title=Most Arizona counties meeting schools COVID hybrid benchmarks|work=KTAR News 92.3|url=https://ktar.com/story/3571510/most-arizona-counties-meeting-schools-covid-benchmarks/|access-date=}} On August 10, Arizona's health department released similar benchmarks for reopening higher-risk businesses such as bars, gyms, and movie theaters.{{Cite news|last=Bassler|first=Hunter|date=August 10, 2020|title=Guidance for businesses to reopen released by Arizona Department of Health Services|work=12 News|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/guidance-for-businesses-to-reopen-released-by-arizona-department-of-health-services/75-242c65ee-3c07-44e9-8a81-a5d729109d3f|access-date=}}

Due to unhappiness with Ducey's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, some constituents filed recall petitions against him.{{cite news |last1=Services |first1=Howard Fischer Capitol Media |title=Arizona coronavavirus protest organizer seeks recall of Gov. Ducey |url=https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/arizona-coronavavirus-protest-organizer-seeks-recall-of-gov-ducey/article_7934a2b6-3ff2-524e-aab3-4527ee0579e9.html |work=Arizona Daily Star |language=en}} One such group, Arizonans for Liberty, a largely conservative group believing that Ducey infringed on personal freedoms with lockdowns in late March 2020, filed on May 1, 2020; the group did not publish estimates of the number of signatures collected, but failed to collect enough signatures to initiate a recall.{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.arizonaliberty.us/aboutus.html |website=www.arizonaliberty.us}} Another group, Accountable Arizona, a nonpartisan, grassroots movement believing that Ducey had not done enough to combat the pandemic, filed on September 18, 2020, and gathered over 150,000 signatures before their January 16 deadline, but far fewer than the 594,111 required to trigger a recall election.{{cite web |title=FAQ |url=https://www.accountablearizona.org/faq |website=Accountable Arizona}}{{cite web |title=Petition |url=https://www.accountablearizona.org/petition |website=Accountable Arizona}}{{cite news |last1=Reyes |first1=Anthony Victor |title=Non-partisan group seeks to recall Gov. Ducey over efforts combatting COVID-19 |url=https://kvoa.com/news/top-stories/2020/09/18/non-partisan-group-seeks-to-recall-gov-ducey-over-efforts-combatting-covid-19/ |work=KVOA |date=September 18, 2020}}

On March 3, 2021, Ducey ordered all Arizona schools to offer in-person learning by March 15, with exceptions for counties with high transmission rates, including Pinal, Coconino, and Yavapai.{{Cite web|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/education/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-orders-public-schools-back-to-in-person-learning-by-march-15/75-92acb8f2-71f3-4c33-9037-4fa5a968f8d0|title=Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey orders public schools back to in-person learning by March 15|date=March 3, 2021|website=12news.com}} On March 5, after a decrease in cases and deaths, Ducey lifted specific capacity limits on businesses, and made it easier for baseball games to reopen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kold.com/2021/03/05/gov-ducey-announces-next-phase-covid-reopening/|title=Gov. Ducey announces next phase of COVID-19 reopening|website=www.kold.com|date=March 5, 2021 }} On March 25, he removed all restrictions, allowing bars and other businesses to operate at 100% capacity, and barred counties and cities from issuing mask mandates.{{Cite web|url=https://tucson.com/news/local/gov-ducey-lifts-mask-mandates-reopens-bars-across-arizona/article_2af9cba5-a436-560c-8e38-0c3fac468dc2.html|title=Gov. Ducey lifts mask mandates, reopens bars across Arizona|first=Howard |last=Fischer |website=Arizona Daily Star|date=March 26, 2021 }} Later in the year, Ducey challenged an Arizona school district that required unvaccinated students who had been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine for 10 days.{{Cite news|title=Vaccine hesitancy morphs into hostility, as opposition to shots hardens|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/covid-vaccines-biden-trump/2021/07/15/adaf6c7e-e4bd-11eb-a41e-c8442c213fa8_story.html|access-date=July 15, 2021|issn=0190-8286}} He also said that schools that required mask wearing would be excluded from new education grants.{{Cite web|author=Paul LeBlanc and Andy Rose|title=Arizona governor to exclude school districts with mask mandates from new education grants|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/17/politics/arizona-school-funding-mask-mandate/index.html|access-date=August 18, 2021|website=CNN|date=August 18, 2021 }}

After the 2020 presidential election, Ducey signed legislation that purges voters from the vote-by-mail system unless they voted by mail every two years. The bill was estimated to lead to the immediate removal of 100,000 to 200,000 voters from the vote-by-mail system.{{Cite news|last=Rogers|first=Katie|date=May 11, 2021|title=Live Updates: White House Will Allow Undocumented College Students to Access Pandemic Aid|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/05/11/us/biden-news-today|access-date=May 11, 2021|issn=0362-4331}} In 2021, Ducey signed legislation that would prevent mail-in voters from fixing missing signatures on their ballots after election day.{{Cite web|title=Ducey signs bill limiting post-election ballot signature fix|url=https://apnews.com/article/az-state-wire-elections-government-and-politics-a4d2f7a1d980c4b01547a4b895bf39f9|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=AP NEWS|date=May 7, 2021}}

File:President Trump Travels to Arizona (50040465238).jpg

In the last weeks of his administration, Ducey ordered the construction of an impromptu wall made of shipping containers in Cochise County on the Mexico–U.S. border. The wall was being built in contravention of federal law in the Coronado National Forest, without the authorization of the United States Forest Service, which owns the land.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-07 |title=A rogue barrier threatens wildlife on Arizona border |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/illegal-border-barrier-threatens-wildlife-arizona-mexico-border |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207175246/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/illegal-border-barrier-threatens-wildlife-arizona-mexico-border |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=Environment |language=en}} His successor Katie Hobbs has pledged to remove the wall.{{Cite web |last=Bosque |first=Melissa del |title=Gov. Ducey's Illegal Shipping Container Wall is Worse Than You Can Imagine |url=https://www.theborderchronicle.com/p/gov-duceys-illegal-shipping-container |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=www.theborderchronicle.com |language=en}} The sheriff of neighboring Santa Cruz County has advocated for federal agents to seize vehicles associated with the project to enforce federal law.{{Cite web |last=Devereaux |first=Ryan |date=10 December 2022 |title=Sheriff Calls on Feds to Seize Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's Illegal Border Wall Equipment |url=https://theintercept.com/2022/12/10/border-wall-illegal-arizona-ducey-container/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=The Intercept |language=en}} On December 21, 2022, Ducey reached an agreement with the Biden administration to stop building and begin dismantling the border wall.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-22 |last=Lozano|first=Alicia Victoria|title= Arizona agrees to dismantle shipping container border wall|website=NBC News|url= https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arizona-agrees-dismantle-shipping-container-border-wall-rcna62979 |language=en}}

In May 2015, Ducey's fifth month in office, a poll found his approval rating was just 27 percent statewide, which was likely due to mixed support among Arizona Republicans.{{Cite web |date=2015-05-11 |last=Jensen |first= Tom |title= Arizona Miscellany |website=PublicPolicyPolling|url= https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/polls/arizona-miscellany/#more |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2015-05-18 |title= Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey receives poor approval rating early in gubernatorial term |website=KTAR News|url= https://ktar.com/story/446411/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-receives-poor-approval-rating-early-in-gubernatorial-term/ |language=en}} For most of his tenure as governor, Ducey maintained 40–50 percent approval on average.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-09 |last=Sarwari |first= Khalida|title= New survey shows 'systematic decline' in domestic approval for US leaders|website=Northeastern Global News|url=https://news.northeastern.edu/2020/07/09/new-survey-shows-systematic-decline-in-domestic-approval-for-u-s-leaders/ |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Gubernatorial approval ratings (2015-2019) |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Gubernatorial_approval_ratings_(2015-2019)#Q3_2018 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2018-07-31 |last=Dalbey |first=Beth |title=Here's How Arizona's Doug Ducey Ranks Among Country's Governors|website=Patch.com News|url=https://patch.com/arizona/across-az/here-s-how-arizona-s-doug-ducey-ranks-among-country-s-governors |language=en}}

Ducey met his wife, Angela, while attending Arizona State University. They live in Paradise Valley with their three sons.{{cite web|url=http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/current-governors/col2-content/main-content-list/governor-doug-ducey.html|title=Arizona Governor Doug Ducey|website=Biographies: Current Governors|publisher=National Governors Association|accessdate=February 14, 2015}} Ducey is a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.{{Cite web | url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2015/09/22/doug-ducey-catholic-faith-governing/32520019/ | title=As Gov. Doug Ducey prepares to meet pope, how does he navigate demands of faith, realities of governing? }}

{{Election box begin | title=Arizona Treasurer election, 2010}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Doug Ducey

| votes = 859,672

| percentage = 51.9

| change = -4.84

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Andrei Cherny|votes=685,865|percentage=41.4|change=-1.93}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Libertarian Party (United States)|candidate=Thane Eichenauer|votes=66,166|percentage=4|change=n/a}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Green Party (United States)|candidate=Angel Torres|votes=50,962|percentage=2.1|change=n/a}}

{{Election box total|votes=1,448,328|percentage=100}}{{Election box hold with party link no swing

| winner = Republican Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}{{Election box begin no change

| title = Republican primary results, 2014{{cite web|url=http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AZ/50936/139543/Web01/en/summary.html |title=Unofficial Results Primary Election |accessdate=August 28, 2014 |publisher=Arizona Secretary of State |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002100151/http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AZ/50936/139543/Web01/en/summary.html |archivedate=October 2, 2014 }}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Doug Ducey

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 200,607

| percentage = 37.1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Scott Smith

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 119,107

| percentage = 22.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Christine Jones

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 89,922

| percentage = 16.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Ken Bennett

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 62,010

| percentage = 11.5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Andrew Thomas

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 43,822

| percentage = 8.1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Frank Riggs

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 24,168

| percentage = 4.5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Write-in

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 1,804

| percentage = 0.3

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 541,440

| percentage = 100

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin

| title = Arizona gubernatorial election, 2014[https://apps.azsos.gov/election/2014/General/Canvass2014GE.pdf State of Arizona Official Canvass] November 4, 2014.

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

| candidate = Doug Ducey

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| votes = 805,062

| percentage = 53.4

| change = −0.9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = Fred DuVal

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 626,921

| percentage = 41.6

| change = −0.8

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = Barry Hess

| party = Libertarian Party (United States)

| votes = 57,337

| percentage = 3.8

| change = +1.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| candidate = John Lewis Mealer

| party = Americans Elect

| votes = 15,432

| percentage = 1.0

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = None

| candidate = J. Johnson (write-in)

| votes = 1,520

| percentage = 0.1

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Independent Party (United States)

| candidate = Brian Bailey (write-in)

| votes = 50

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Alice Novoa (write-in)

| votes = 43

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Independent Party (United States)

| candidate = Cary Dolego (write-in)

| votes = 29

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = None

| candidate = Curtis Woolsey (write-in)

| votes = 15

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Independent Party (United States)

| candidate = {{nowrap|Diane-Elizabeth R.R. Kennedy (write-in)}}

| votes = 7

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box total

| votes = 1,506,416

| percentage = 100

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

| winner = Republican Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Republican primary results, 2018

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Doug Ducey (incumbent)|votes=463,672|percentage=70.7}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Ken Bennett|votes=191,775|percentage=29.3}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Robert Weber (write-in)|votes=91|percentage=nil}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=655,538|percentage=100}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Arizona gubernatorial election, 2018}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party (United States)

| candidate = Doug Ducey (incumbent)

| votes = 1,330,863

| percentage = 56.0

| change = +2.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = David Garcia

| votes = 994,341

| percentage = 41.8

| change = +0.2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Green Party (United States)

| candidate = Angel Torres

| votes = 50,962

| percentage = 2.1

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = None

| candidate = Patrick Masoya (write-in)

| votes = 177

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = None

| candidate = Christian Komor (write-in)

| votes = 66

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Green Party (United States)

| candidate = Cary D. Dolego (write-in)

| votes = 13

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Republican Takeover

| candidate = Rafiel Vega (write-in)

| votes = 12

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box candidate

| party = Humanitarian

| candidate = {{nowrap|Brandon "The Tucc" Bartuccio (write-in)}}

| votes = 7

| percentage = nil

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box total

| votes = 2,376,441

| percentage = 100

| change = n/a

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

| winner = Republican Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.azgovernor.gov/ Governor Doug Ducey] official government site
• {{C-SPAN|77449}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Dean Martin}}

{{s-ttl|title=Treasurer of Arizona|years=2011–2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Jeff DeWit}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Jan Brewer}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Arizona|years=2015–2023}}

{{s-aft|after=Katie Hobbs}}

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{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Jan Brewer}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Governor of Arizona|years=2014, 2018}}

{{s-aft|after=Kari Lake}}

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{{s-bef|before=Greg Abbott}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Republican Governors Association|alongside=Pete Ricketts|years=2020–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Kim Reynolds}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before=Jan Brewer|as=Former Governor}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within Arizona}}

{{s-aft|after=Mike Castle|as=Former Governor}}

|-

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside Arizona}}

{{s-aft|after=Steve Cowper|as=Former Governor}}

{{s-end}}

{{Governors of Arizona}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ducey, Doug}}

Category:1964 births

Category:20th-century American businesspeople

Category:21st-century American businesspeople

Category:21st-century Arizona politicians

Category:American adoptees

Category:American chief executives of food industry companies

Category:Arizona Republicans

Category:Arizona State University alumni

Category:Businesspeople from Arizona

Category:Republican Party governors of Arizona

Category:Catholics from Arizona

Category:Living people

Category:People from Paradise Valley, Arizona

Category:Politicians from Toledo, Ohio

Category:Procter & Gamble people

Category:State treasurers of Arizona

Category:W. P. Carey School of Business alumni