Brian Matlock

Brian Matlock (Democratic Party) is running for election for Arizona State Mine Inspector. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on July 21, 2026.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

It's been 50 years since a Democrat was the Arizona State Mine Inspector.

The last two inspectors were appointments.

Its time for Arizona voters to have a choice.I believe complacency is the enemy of safety - both functional and electoral. For example, the last time the office issued a newsletter was in March 2024!

As State Mine Inspector I will reinstate regular Newsletters to keep Arizona voters informed about Arizona's booming mining industry and the efforts made by operators to assure miners' and their communities' health and safety are not at risk due to mining operations.Arizona's mining industry is booming and, due to staffing and funding shortages, federal oversight is struggling - now, more than ever maybe, the Arizona State Mine Inspector's role is critical to helping operators run their mine with due regard to health and safety as required by Arizona State statutes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Arizona produces about 70% of the nation's copper. With our vast resources, I think mining in Arizona should be an example to the world that mineral mining can be safe for miners, their communities and the environment.

Arizona has more than 100,000 abandoned mines - a testament to the historical mineral wealth of our great state. Those mines are dangerous and need to be secured.

Uranium mining in the Tribal Lands has polluted the environment and severely affected Native American health and safety. Reclaiming contaminated land and protecting the Native American communities from further exposure to toxins is a high priority.