Arizona Corporation Commission election, 2016

Arizona 2016 elections

* * *

Presidential • U.S. Senate • U.S. House • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • State judges • Local judges • State ballot measures • School boards • Municipal • Recalls • Candidate ballot access |

|
|

2018 →

<- 2014

Arizona Corporation Commission Election

* * *

Primary Date:
August 30, 2016
General Election Date:
November 8, 2016

* * *

November Election Winner:
Boyd Dunn (R)
Andy Tobin (R)
Robert Burns (R)
Incumbent Prior to Election:
Bob Stump (R)
Andy Tobin (R)
Robert Burns (R)

* * *

State Executive Elections Top Ballot
None
Down Ballot
Corporation Commission
Key election dates

* * *

Filing deadline (major parties):
June 1, 2016
Primary date:
August 30, 2016
Filing deadline (write-ins):
September 29, 2016
General election date:
November 8, 2016
Recount request deadline:
TBD
Inauguration:
TBD

Arizona held an election for Corporation Commission on November 8, 2016.Three seats were up for election. Incumbent Commissioners Robert Burns (R) and Andy Tobin (R) won re-election; former judge Boyd Dunn (R) won the third open seat.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Incumbents Robert Burns (R) and Andy Tobin (R) ran for re-election in 2016. Commissioner Bob Stump (R) was ineligible for re-election due to term limits. Burns and Tobin placed first and second in the Republican primary. Boyd Dunn placed third. The three advanced to the general election.
* Only two Democratic candidates filed, ensuring that Republicans maintained majority control of the commission regardless of the outcome of November's general election; both Democrats automatically advanced to the general election.
* The regulation of the state's solar industry was a major issue in the 2016 election.
* All three Republican candidates won election in 2016.

## Contents

* 1 Overview
* 2 Candidates
* 3 Results
* 3.1 General election
* 3.2 Primary elections
* 3.2.1 Democratic primary election
* 3.2.2 Republican primary election
* 4 Context of the 2016 election
* 4.1 Primary elections
* 4.2 Incumbents
* 4.2.1 Robert Burns (R)
* 4.2.2 Bob Stump (R)
* 4.2.3 Andy Tobin (R)
* 4.3 Party control in Arizona
* 5 Race background
* 5.1 Candidate field
* 5.2 Solar rates and net metering policies
* 5.2.1 Arizona Public Service Co. proposed rate hike and reduction of net metering rates
* 5.3 Dueling conflicts of interest: SolarCity and Arizona Public Service Co.
* 5.3.1 Arizona Public Service Co. alleged spending in the 2014 elections
* 5.3.2 Influence of SolarCity spending and allegations of bias on behalf of solar interests
* 6 Campaigns
* 6.1 Primary elections
* 6.2 Campaign finance
* 6.2.1 Use of public campaign funds
* 6.3 Satellite spending
* 6.4 Debates
* 6.4.1 Republican primary election debate: August 8, 2016
* 6.4.2 July 20, 2016
* 6.5 Endorsements
* 6.6 Campaign media
* 6.6.1 Campaign advertisements
* 7 About the office
* 8 Incumbents
* 8.1 Qualifications
* 9 Authority
* 10 Past elections
* 10.1 2014
* 10.2 2012
* 10.3 Recent news
* 10.4 State profile
* 10.4.1 Presidential voting pattern
* 10.5 See also
* 10.6 External links
* 10.7 Footnotes

## Overview[edit]

The Arizona Corporation Commission is the state's regulatory body for non-municipal utility companies, including energy, heat, trash, water and communications firms. It also oversees the incorporation of businesses, securities regulation, and railroad/pipeline safety. Corporation commissioners are elected statewide, with either two or three seats up for election in any given year. When three seats are up for election, as in 2016, the top three vote-getters in each party's primary election advance to the general, and the top three vote-getters in the general election win seats on the commission.

All five seats on the commission were held by Republicans heading into the November 2016 election. Only two Democratic candidates filed to run for the office, ensuring that Republicans maintained majority control of the commission regardless of the outcome of November's general election.

State Rep. Tom Chabin (D) and former Commissioner William Mundell (D) automatically advanced to the general election. Republican incumbents Robert Burns and Andy Tobin faced three primary challengers: state Rep. Rick Gray, former judge Boyd Dunn, and former state Sen. Al Melvin.

The regulation of Arizona's solar industry was a major issue in the 2016 election. Two incumbents ran for re-election in 2016; however, incumbent Andy Tobin (R) merged his primary campaign with Republican challengers Boyd Dunn and Rick Gray in a move to block the re-election efforts of fellow Commissioner Robert Burns (R). The three candidates cut costs by airing joint campaign advertisements in August 2016.[1] Tobin's attempts to oust Burns in the primary election were unsuccessful, as Burns placed first in the Republican primary.[2]

Burns, Tobin, and Dunn placed first, second, and third in the November 8, 2016, general election, winning the seats on the commission.

## Candidates[edit]

Tom Chabin (D)
Most recent position: State Rep., 2007-2012
Past experience: Coconino County supervisor, 1992-2000

William Mundell (D)
Most recent position: Director of the Registrar of Contractors, 2009-2015
Past experience: Corporation commissioner, 1999-2009

Robert Burns (R)
Most recent position: Corporation commissioner since 2013
Past experience: State Sen., 2003-2009; state Rep., 1989-2000

Boyd Dunn (R)
Most recent position: Maricopa County Superior Court judge, 2011-2015
Past experience: Mayor of Chandler, Arizona; 2002-2011

Andy Tobin (R)
Most recent position: Corporation commissioner since January 2016
Past experience: State Rep., 2007-2015

| Click [show] to see candidates who were defeated in the primary elections.|

|

Rick Gray (R)
Most recent position: State Rep. since 2011
Past experience: Small business owner, real estate agent

Al Melvin (R)
Most recent position: Adjunct lecturer, University of Arizona
Past experience: State Sen., 2009-2005; U.S. Naval Captain

## Results[edit]

### General election[edit]

Incumbent Robert Burns, incumbent Andy Tobin, and Boyd Dunn defeated William Mundell and Tom Chabin in the Arizona corporation commission election.

Arizona Corporation Commission, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Robert Burns Incumbent | 22.28% | 806,047
| Republican  |  Andy Tobin Incumbent | 20.61% | 745,843
| Republican  |  Boyd Dunn | 19.43% | 703,160
| Democratic  | William Mundell | 19.12% | 691,831
| Democratic  | Tom Chabin | 18.56% | 671,374
Total Votes | 3,618,255
Source: KNXV

### Primary elections[edit]

#### Democratic primary election[edit]

Tom Chabin and William Mundell were unopposed in the Democratic primary for corporation commissioner.

Democratic primary for corporation commissioner, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Tom Chabin | 50.69% | 265,620
| Democratic  |  William Mundell | 49.31% | 258,409
Total Votes | 524,029
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

#### Republican primary election[edit]

Incumbent Robert Burns, incumbent Andy Tobin and Boyd Dunn defeated Rick Gray and Al Melvin in the Republican primary for corporation commissioner.

Republican primary for corporation commissioner, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Robert Burns Incumbent | 23.85% | 279,348
| Republican  |  Andy Tobin Incumbent | 23.11% | 270,738
| Republican  |  Boyd Dunn | 18.94% | 221,855
| Republican  | Rick Gray | 18.07% | 211,718
| Republican  | Al Melvin | 16.03% | 187,772
Total Votes | 1,171,431
Source: Arizona Secretary of State

## Context of the 2016 election[edit]

### Primary elections[edit]

A primary election is an election in which voters select the candidate they believe should represent a political party in a general election. Primaries usually take place several months before a general election. Arizona utilizes a hybrid primary system. Unaffiliated voters may choose which party's primary they will vote in, but voters registered with a party can only vote in that party's primary.[3][4][5]

Corporation commissioners are elected statewide, with either two or three seats up for election in any given year. When three seats are up, the top three vote-getters in each party's primary election advance to the general; the top-three vote-getters in the general election win the seats. When two seats are up, two candidates from each party advance and the top-two vote getters win the seats in the general election.

Arizona's primary elections took place on August 30, 2016.

### Incumbents[edit]

#### Robert Burns (R)[edit]

Burns was first elected to the commission in 2012, placing second among the top three candidates who won election. He previously served in the Arizona State Senate from 2003 to 2011, and in the state House from 1989 until 2000. He is also the president of BMG Investments Incorporated and served four years in the U.S. Navy.

#### Bob Stump (R)[edit]

Stump was first elected to the commission in 2008 and won re-election in 2012, placing first among the three Republican winners. Stump serves as the commission chair.

#### Andy Tobin (R)[edit]

Tobin was appointed to the commission on January 4, 2016, by Governor Doug Ducey (R). Tobin was selected to replace former Commission Chair Susan Bitter Smith (R), who resigned in response to accusations of a conflict of interest. Tobin briefly held dual statewide positions in 2016: He also served as the Arizona Director of Insurance and Financial Institutions from October 2015 until February 16, 2016.

Tobin is a former member of the state House, serving from 2007 to 2015. He was speaker of the House from 2011 to 2014.

### Party control in Arizona[edit]

Ahead of the 2016 election, all five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission were held by Republicans. Three seats on the commission were up for election in 2016, technically making the commission vulnerable to a shift in party control in November. However, only two Democratic candidates filed to run for the office, ensuring that Republicans will maintain majority control of the commission regardless of the outcome of November's general election.

Elections for these positions have sometimes been close in recent years. In 2012, the top three vote-getters, all Republicans, won 17.5, 16.8, and 16.7 percent of the vote respectively. The three Democratic candidates who ran trailed at 15.5, 15.4, and 13.8 percentage points. In 2014, two Republicans won the general election with about 29 percent of the vote each; Democrats came in third and fourth at 22 and 21 percent.[6]

## Race background[edit]

### Candidate field[edit]

Elections for the Arizona Corporation Commission are held at-large, with multiple seats up for election every two years. During presidential election years, three seats on the commission come up for election. Voters select two commissioners during mid-presidential term elections.

The 2016 race for the commission attracted a large candidate field: Incumbents Robert Burns (R) and Andy Tobin (R) both sought re-election. Prior to becoming commissioners, Burns and Tobin served in the Arizona state legislature. Challengers included state Reps. Tom Chabin (D) and Rick Gray (R), former state Sen. Al Melvin (R), Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Boyd Dunn (R), and former Corporation Commissioner William Mundell (D). Burns, Tobin, and Boyd won the Republican primary while the two Democrats automatically advanced to the general election. The top three vote-getters in the general election won the seats.

### Solar rates and net metering policies[edit]

The regulation of Arizona's burgeoning solar industry was a major issue in the 2016 election. A value of solar analysis was scheduled to be completed in October 2016. Additionally, in 2006, the commission--then composed of different members--introduced the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which mandates that Arizona receive 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.[7] Major decisions on solar regulation in the state have also been the subject of national scrutiny as recently as 2015.[8]

Prior to the election, several utility providers in the state filed proposals with the Corporation Commission to set demand rates and to eliminate or reduce rates for net metering, a system in which solar users sell excess energy back to the grid. Without net metering, solar energy becomes less affordable for personal use. The push for the elimination of net metering stemmed from complaints that rooftop solar users--who often still use traditional electricity sources at night and on cloudy days--benefit from but make little monetary contribution to the upkeep of the electrical grid. Solar advocates called the push an attempt by traditional utilities to protect profits in the face of the expanding renewable energy industry.[8]

The issue prompted allegations of conflicts of interest, a federal investigation, and significant acrimony between several of the commissioners. Amid the controversy, two high profile staff members resigned from the commission for unspecified reasons: Director of Utilities Tom Broderick and lead counsel Janice Alward. Both employees were key figures in advising committee decisions.[9]

#### Arizona Public Service Co. proposed rate hike and reduction of net metering rates[edit]

In June 2016, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS)--the state's largest utility--submitted an application with the Arizona Corporation Commission, proposing an 8 percent rate increase for customers and a significant reduction in net metering rates for rooftop solar customers. The company, at the time, serviced about 1.1 million customers, and also was seeking to set rates based on demand and to adjust designated peak hours.[10]

APS officials asserted that the increase was necessary in order to fund additional generators, while solar energy advocates called it an attempt to damage the state's solar industry. "The APS demand charge plan will make it almost impossible for Arizonans to affordably go solar when so many are looking for ways to save on our electric bills," said former Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes (R).[11]

The commission ruled against a similar application from UniSource Energy in August 2016 and put off changes in net metering rates until a comprehensive analysis of the value of solar energy in the state was completed in October 2016. Four more such cases, including the APS application, were on the commission's docket as of August 2016.[12]

The first hearing on the APS application was scheduled for March 22, 2017--which means that the winners of the November general election voted on the proposal. The outcome of the case was anticipated to have a significant impact on regulatory policies for the rooftop solar industry across the nation.[11][13][8]

### Dueling conflicts of interest: SolarCity and Arizona Public Service Co.[edit]

#### Arizona Public Service Co. alleged spending in the 2014 elections[edit]

In June 2016, the FBI began an investigation into the influence of outside money in the 2014 commission elections. Though the full details of the investigation were unclear at the time of the 2016 election, special agent Matthew Reinsmoen stated that the FBI was conducting a "long-term investigation related to the financing of certain statewide races in the 2014 election cycle."[14]

A September 2015 commission filing accused Commissioners Tom Forese (R) and Doug Little (R) of receiving $3.2 million in campaign funds from the Arizona Public Service Co. The filing demanded a rehearing for a decision on net metering rates for APS, asserting that the two commissioners should have recused themselves from the decision given their conflicts of interest.[15]

The FBI interviewed multiple commission officials regarding the case, including former Commissioner Gary Pierce (R), who was prevented by term limits from running for re-election in 2014. Investigators also met with Scott Peterson, the director of the Washington D.C.-based public watchdog group Checks and Balances Project--at Peterson's request. Checks and Balances Project has sought to connect incumbent Commissioner Bob Stump (R), who did not run for re-election in 2016, to the Save Our Futures Now group, which allegedly funneled money from APS' parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., into the campaigns of Little and Forese.[16] In 2015, Checks and Balances filed an open records request to view Stump's text messaging history, which was later denied by an Arizona judge who ruled that the messages were not public record.[17]

The group was also instrumental in publicizing former Commissioner Susan Bitter Smith's (R) position as a cable executive. They argued that it was a conflict of interest. Bitter Smith denied the claim but ultimately resigned from the commission in January 2016 and was replaced by Andy Tobin. Peterson has said that the group turned its attention to the commission because of a 2013 decision, which instituted fees for rooftop solar customers. Bitter Smith characterized the project's campaign as a "dark-money group's continued attack on the entire commission."[18]

#### Influence of SolarCity spending and allegations of bias on behalf of solar interests[edit]

The Checks and Balances Project has been the recipient of contributions from one of the nation's largest rooftop solar providers, SolarCity, amid its efforts to uncover ties between commissioners and traditional utility companies. "[It is] astonishing that the biggest U.S. provider of rooftop solar power is funding the effort to harass regulators whose decisions affect their bottom lines," said Stump of SolarCity's involvement in the controversy. "While we receive some funding through Renew American Progress from SolarCity, we are not SolarCity," responded Checks and Balances director Scott Peterson.[18]

SolarCity endorsed incumbent Commissioner Robert Burns (R) in August 2016 and began airing advertisements on his behalf.[19] Burns was also supported in his re-election efforts by former Commissioner Kris Mayes (R), who, at the time of the 2016 election, led Save Our AZ Solar--a group funded by Energy Choice for America, which was, in turn, reportedly funded by SolarCity.[19]

In July 2016, Burns called for an investigation into the possible influence of outside money in commission decisions following the conflict of interest allegations surrounding the 2014 election. Burns hired attorney Scott Hempling to spearhead the investigation. Commissioner Little responded to the act by questioning Hempling's neutrality, pointing out that he had previously represented a foundation for which former Commissioner Mayes--a supporter of solar energy--was a board member. Hempling denied any conflict of interest, asserting that he had never directly provided legal representation to any solar interests. The commission ultimately voted down the investigation in August 2016.[20]

## Campaigns[edit]

### Primary elections[edit]

Two incumbents ran for re-election in 2016; however, incumbent Andy Tobin (R) merged his campaign with Republican challengers Boyd Dunn and Rick Gray in a move to block the re-election efforts of fellow Commissioner Robert Burns (R). The three candidates cut costs by airing joint campaign advertisements in August 2016.[1] The two Democratic candidates automatically advanced to the general election. Burns, Tobin, and Dunn placed first, second, and third in the November 8, 2016, general election, winning the seats on the commission.

### Campaign finance[edit]

Tom Chabin Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| July 11, 2016| $0| $22,820| $(9,559)| $13,260.67
| | | Running totals|
| | | $22,820| $(9,559)|
Note: Campaign finance figures are available through the Arizona Secretary of State
William Mundell Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| July 8, 2016| $0| $23,543| $(8,998)| $14,545.12
| | | Running totals|
| | | $23,543| $(8,998)|
Robert Burns Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
11/25/2014-12/31/2015| April 24, 2016| $0| $3,145.03| $(0)| $3,145.03
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| July 10, 2016| $3,145.03| $32,109.27| $(18,257.78)| $16,996.52
| | | Running totals|
| | | $35,254.3| $(18,257.78)|
Boyd Dunn Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| June 30, 2016| $0| $61,000| $(12,503)| $48,497
| | | Running totals|
| | | $61,000| $(12,503)|
Rick Gray Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
11/25/2014-12/31/2015| July 12, 2016| $0| $11,940| $(508.21)| $11,431.79
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| July 12, 2016| $11,431.79| $10,201.71| $(7,855.50)| $13,778.00
| | | Running totals|
| | | $22,141.71| $(8,363.71)|
Al Melvin Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
11/25/2014-12/31/2015| February 12, 2016| $0| $6,880| $(1,404.04)| $5,475.96
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| June 29, 2016| $5,475.96| $14,280| $(10,694.16)| $9,061.80
| | | Running totals|
| | | $21,160| $(12,098.2)|
Andy Tobin Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
01/01/2016-05/31/2016| June 10, 2016| $0| $30,200| $(025,529.29)| $4,670.61
06/01/2016-08/18/2016| August 20, 2016| $4,670.61| $19,179.72| $(19,355.46)| $4,494.87
| | | Running totals|
| | | $49,379.72| $(44,884.75)|

#### Use of public campaign funds[edit]

In Arizona, candidates running for public office are eligible to receive public funding for their campaigns through the Arizona Clean Elections Commission with the stipulation that candidates receiving such funds may not collect private donations.[21] Republicans Dunn, Burns, and Tobin were the only candidates who were not receiving public funding in 2016.[1]

### Satellite spending[edit]

Main article: Political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns

Groups unaffiliated with candidates or campaigns—such as political action committees, super PACs, nonprofit public welfare organizations, and labor unions—often spend money to influence the outcome of an election. This satellite spending can take the form of express advocacy, which encourages votes for or against a candidate, or issue advocacy, which supports broad political or social issues. Some groups are restricted on which kind of advocacy they can engage in based on their tax status.

Disclosure regulations vary from state to state and vary based on type of organization, complicating the process of determining a comprehensive picture of all spending in a given election.

For example, nonprofits are not always required to disclose their donors to the government; they submit financial information to the federal government through regular tax filings with the Internal Revenue Service, which are only publicly available through a Freedom of Information Act request. Other organizations are required to report election expenditures to a state elections division.

Known satellite spending in the Arizona Corporation Commission election, 2016

Election| Amount spent| Type of spending
SolarCity| Unknown| Advertisements on behalf of Robert Burns (R)[19]
Total known expenditures:| $0|
Note: All figures are estimates. Know of any other instances of satellite spending? Tell us!

### Debates[edit]

#### Republican primary election debate: August 8, 2016[edit]

All five Republican candidates for Corporation Commission debated on August 8, 2016. Among the major topics of discussion was whether or not manmade climate change is real: "I don't see the evidence of it," said state Rep. Rick Gray. "Where are the facts?"[22] Former county judge Boyd Dunn said he was undecided, former state Sen. Al Melvin said climate change naturally occurs and is not induced by human activity, and incumbent Commissioner Robert Burns also expressed doubt. Incumbent Commissioner Andy Tobin was the sole Republican candidate to assert that human activity has had a negative impact on the environment but, he said, "the question is, to what extent?"[22]

Candidates also debated allegations that Arizona Public Service Co. funneled money into the 2014 campaigns of incumbent Commissioners Doug Little (R) and Tom Forese (R). The allegations were the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation at the time of the 2016 election. Burns called for such expenditures to be disclosed to the public, while the other four candidates disagreed. Gray accused the incumbent of using the issue to generate free press in compensation for his lack of campaign funds; Burns retorted that he had begun pursuing the issue well before the 2016 election cycle. Commissioner Tobin questioned the use of investigating a two-year-old election: "What do you want to do about it?" he said.[22]

#### July 20, 2016[edit]

All seven candidates for corporation commissioner debated on July 20, 2016. The major topic of the debate revolved around recent allegations that outside interest groups, specifically the state's largest utility Arizona Public Service Co., spent money to influence the outcome of the 2014 elections. Incumbent Republican Robert Burns stated that such contributions may be protected by the First Amendment, but should be subject to disclosure: "My Number 1 priority is to ensure that in the future there is transparency, especially in election cycles," said Burns.[23] Democrats William Mundell and Tom Chabin both agreed with Burns' assessment, pledging to subpoena the APS if elected, while Rick Gray said utilities should stay out of elections.

"Rarely is it pointed out that the solar industry weighed in heavily in the election two years ago," responded Republican Al Melvin, claiming that the candidates who lost in the 2014 elections had been backed by solar interest groups.[23]

The candidates also weighed in on proposed rate changes and the controversy surrounding rooftop solar rates. "I believe coal is clean, as is nuclear power," said Melvin. Dunn called to preserve the 15 percent renewable energy standard. Both Democratic candidates stated they would consider raising the minimum renewable energy standard. Burns also called for the preservation of the state's hydroelectric energy allocations, saying "it is the cheapest electricity we have."[23]

Click here to watch a full video of the debate.

### Endorsements[edit]

Key endorsements, Republican primary candidates (1 of 2)

Robert Burns (R)| Boyd Dunn (R)| Rick Gray (R)
Casa Grande Dispatch| Chandler Chamber of Commerce| The South Arizona News Examiner
Arizona Republic|  |
Former U.S. Congressman John Shadegg (R)|  |
Chandler Chamber of Commerce|  |
What is a key endorsement?
Key endorsements, Republican primary candidates (1 of 2)

Andy Tobin (R)| Al Melvin (R)
Chandler Chamber of Commerce| The South Arizona News Examiner
Arizona Republic|
The South Arizona News Examiner|
What is a key endorsement?

### Campaign media[edit]

Note: If a candidate is not listed below, Ballotpedia staff were unable to locate any campaign media for that candidate. Do you know of any? Tell us!

Democrats

| Tom Chabin (D)  |

|

William Mundell (D)  |

Republicans

| Robert Burns (R)  |

|

Boyd Dunn (R)  |
Rick Gray (R)  |
Al Melvin (R)  |
Andy Tobin (R)  |

#### Campaign advertisements[edit]

Ballotpedia was unable to locate online campaign advertisements for this race.

## About the office[edit]

The Arizona Corporation Commission is a quasi-executive regulatory agency in the Arizona state government. The commission is Arizona's state regulatory body for non-municipal utility companies, including energy, heat, trash, water and communications firms. It also oversees the incorporation of businesses, securities regulation and railroad/pipeline safety.[24]

# Incumbents[edit]

At the time of the election, the commissioners were Robert Burns (R), Doug Little (R), Tom Forese (R), Andy Tobin (R), and chair Bob Stump (R).[25]

#### Qualifications[edit]

Commissioners must only satisfy the standard requirements for all Arizona state officers, who must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and able to speak English.

Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 38, Chapter 2, Article 2, Section 211

A. Every officer shall be not less than eighteen years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state.

B. No person is eligible to any office, employment or service in any public institution in the state, or in any of the several counties thereof, of any kind or character, whether by election, appointment or contract, unless he is a citizen of the United States, but the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the employment of any teacher, instructor or professor authorized to teach in the United States under the teacher exchange program as provided by federal statutes or the employment of university or college faculty members.

C. A person who is unable to speak, write and read the English language is not eligible to hold a state, county, city, town or precinct office in the state, whether elective or appointive, and no certificate of election or commission shall issue to a person so disqualified.

D. Except as provided in subsection E, a person is not eligible for employment by or service for the state or a political subdivision of the state, including all boards and commissions of the state or political subdivision, all multimember governing bodies of departments, agencies, institutions and instrumentalities of the state or political subdivisions unless the person has registered with the selective service system if required by the federal military selective service act (62 Stat. 604; 50 United States Code App. section 453).

# Authority[edit]

The commission's authority stems from the Arizona Constitution.

Arizona Constitution, Article 15, Section 1

B. A corporation commission is hereby created to be composed of five persons who shall be elected at the general election, and whose term of office shall be four years, and who shall maintain their chief office at the state capital.

# Past elections[edit]

The Arizona Constitution requires that commissioners be elected in statewide contests to four-year terms. Three commissioners are elected during federal presidential election years (2012, 2016, 2020). The two remaining commissioners are elected during gubernatorial elections (2010, 2014, 2018). Commissioners' terms begin on the first Monday in January after the year they are elected (e.g. January 2, 2017, and January 4, 2021.)

Arizona Constitution, Article 15, Section 1

B. A corporation commission is hereby created to be composed of five persons who shall be elected at the general election, and whose term of office shall be four years, and who shall maintain their chief office at the state capital. The two additional commission members shall be elected at the 2002 general election for initial two-year terms beginning on the first Monday in January, 2003. Thereafter, all terms shall be four-year terms.

### 2014[edit]

See also: Arizona down ballot state executive elections, 2014
Arizona Corporation Commission, 2014

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Doug Little | 28.8% | 766,864
| Republican  | Tom Forese | 28.6% | 761,915
| Democratic  |  Sandra Kennedy | 21.6% | 576,482
| Democratic  |  Jim Holway | 20.9% | 557,963
| Nonpartisan  |  Write-in votes  | 0% | 529
Total Votes | 2,663,753
Election results via Arizona Secretary of State

### 2012[edit]

See also: Arizona state executive official elections, 2012

Incumbents Paul Newman (D), Sandra Kennedy (D) and Bob Stump (R) all ran for re-election. Stump won re-election, and Republican candidates Robert Burns and Susan Bitter Smith edged out Newman and Kennedy for their seats in the general election on November 6, 2012.

Arizona Corporation Commission General Election, 2012

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Paul Newman Incumbent | 15.5% | 868,726
| Democratic  |  Sandra Kennedy Incumbent | 15.4% | 862,876
| Democratic  |  Marcia Busching  | 13.8% | 776,472
| Republican  | Bob Stump Incumbent | 17.5% | 979,034
| Republican  | Robert Burns | 16.8% | 943,157
| Republican  | Susan Bitter Smith | 16.7% | 935,575
| Libertarian  |  Christopher Gohl  | 2% | 112,490
| Green  |  Daniel Pout  | 1% | 58,607
| Green  |  Thomas Meadows  | 1.2% | 67,950
| Write-in  |  Various | 0.1% | 3,784
Total Votes | 5,608,671
Election results via Arizona Secretary of State

## Recent news[edit]

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Arizona Corporation Commission election. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Arizona Corporation Commission election, 2016 - Google News

## State profile[edit]

Demographic data for Arizona

| Arizona| U.S.
Total population:| 6,817,565| 316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):| 113,594| 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:| 78.4%| 73.6%
Black/African American:| 4.2%| 12.6%
Asian:| 3%| 5.1%
Native American:| 4.4%| 0.8%
Pacific Islander:| 0.2%| 0.2%
Two or more:| 3.2%| 3%
Hispanic/Latino:| 30.3%| 17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:| 86%| 86.7%
College graduation rate:| 27.5%| 29.8%
Income
Median household income:| $50,255| $53,889
Persons below poverty level:| 21.2%| 11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Arizona.

* * *

**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

### Presidential voting pattern[edit]

See also: Presidential voting trends in Arizona

Arizona voted Republican in six out of the seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.

More Arizona coverage on Ballotpedia

* Elections in Arizona
* United States congressional delegations from Arizona
* Public policy in Arizona
* Endorsers in Arizona
* Arizona fact checks
* More...

## See also[edit]

Arizona government:

* Arizona state executive offices
* Arizona State Legislature
* Arizona courts

Previous elections:

* State executive official elections, 2015
* State executive official elections, 2014

Ballotpedia exclusives:

* State executives compensation
* State of the state addresses
* Who runs the states?

|
|

## External links[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* Arizona Corporation Commission

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 ACC race anything but quiet this election cycle," August 22, 2016
2. ↑ Associated Press, "Arizona - Summary Vote Results," accessed August 31, 2016
3. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures Website, "State Primary Election Types," accessed January 6, 2014
4. ↑ Fair Vote, "Congressional and Presidential Primaries: Open, Closed, Semi-Closed, and 'Top Two,'" accessed January 6, 2014
5. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
6. ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Historical election information," accessed August 9, 2016
7. ↑ Solar Energy Industries Association, "RPS Solar Carve Out, Arizona," accessed August 24, 2016
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Washington Post, "Utilities wage campaign against net metering," March 7, 2015
9. ↑ The Arizona Republic, "Janice Alward, lead attorney at the Arizona Corporation Commission, to retire," August 19, 2016
10. ↑ 12News, "APS seeks 8 percent rate hike, huge cut in 'solar subsidy'," June 1, 2016
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 The Arizona Republic, "APS seeks $11 monthly rate hike, demand charges," June 6, 2016
12. ↑ PR Newswire, 'Arizona Corporation Commission Rejects Demand Charges, Maintains Net Metering For Unisource Customers," August 12, 2016
13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `prnewswire`
14. ↑ UtilityDIVE, "FBI questions Arizona utility officials, watchdog group in 2014 election investigation," July 8, 2016
15. ↑ Before the Arizona Corporation Commission, "Docket No. E-01345A-13-0248," September 17, 2015
16. ↑ The Arizona Republic, "FBI probing 'dark money' groups and APS. But what are they looking for?" August 16, 2016
17. ↑ Arizona Capitol Times, "Judge rules public can't see Stump's text messages," January 20, 2016
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Arizona Republic, "Susan Bitter Smith resigns from Arizona Corporation Commission, December 17, 2015
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 The Arizona Republic, "SolarCity backing re-election of utility regulator Robert Burns, a 'dark money' critic," August 9, 2016
20. ↑ UtilityDIVE, "Arizona regulators block political influence investigation, delay solar rate changes," August 12, 2016
21. ↑ Citizens Clean Elections Commission, "About," accessed August 23, 201
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Arizona Daily Sun, "Four Corporation Commission candidates discount manmade climate change," August 9, 2016
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 The Arizona Republic, "Arizona Corporation Commission candidates debate 'dark money'," July 20, 2016
24. ↑ Arizona Corporation Commission, "Background and Organization," accessed June 14, 2011
25. ↑ Arizona Corporation Commission, "Home," accessed January 5, 2015

Public Service Commissioners

Elected (by voters)

Alabama • Arizona • Georgia • Louisiana • Mississippi • Montana • Nebraska • North Dakota • Oklahoma • South Dakota

Appointed (by gov.)

Alaska • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • Ohio • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Elected (by state leg.)

South Carolina • Virginia

Elections

2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010

Other

State executive offices • Chart of state executive officers • News

v • e

2016 state executive official elections

Governor|

Delaware • Indiana • Missouri • Montana • New Hampshire • North Carolina • North Dakota • Oregon • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Lieutenant Governor|

Delaware • Indiana • Missouri • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Utah • Vermont • Washington

* * *

Secretary of State|

Missouri • Montana • New Mexico • North Carolina • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Attorney General|

Indiana • Missouri • Montana • North Carolina • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Down ballot offices|

Treasurer: Missouri • North Carolina • North Dakota • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Auditor: Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Superintendent of Schools: Indiana • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Washington

* * *

Insurance Commissioner: Delaware • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Washington

* * *

Natural Resources Commissioner: Washington

* * *

Agriculture Commissioner: North Carolina • West Virginia

* * *

Labor Commissioner: North Carolina

* * *

Public Service Commissioner: Alabama • Arizona • Georgia • Louisiana • Montana • Nebraska • New Mexico • North Dakota • Oklahoma • South Dakota

* * *

Comptroller: Illinois

* * *

Election information|

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • Filing deadlines and primary dates

v • e

State of Arizona
Phoenix (capital)

|

Elections |

What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2026 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

Government |

Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy

State executive offices

Offices

Governor • Lt. Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Schools • Insurance Commissioner • Controller • Agriculture Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commissioner

States

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Elections

2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010

Features

Chart of state executive officers • Compensation • How gubernatorial vacancies are filled • How vacancies are filled in state executive offices • State executive officials serving in home states • State government trifectas • State of the state addresses • Term limits

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

* * *

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Frank Festa • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond
External Relations:  Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

* * *

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams, Managing Editor of Events • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Victoria Edwards • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Jimmy McAllister • Brandon McCauley • Ellie Mikus • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox