Walter "les" Presmyk

Walter "les" Presmyk is a candidate for State Mine Inspector Arizona Primary Election in 2026 in Statewide, Arizona.

Incumbent State Mine Inspector in AZ

Also running: Brian Matlock.

Walter "Les" Presmyk is the incumbent 13th Arizona State Mine Inspector, appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs in September 2025. A Republican, he is seeking a full term in the 2026 election. Presmyk is a native Arizonan and a seasoned mining engineer, having earned his degree from the University of Arizona in 1975. He spent 41 years in the field, including 30 with the Salt River Project, before retiring in 2017. He views the State Mine Inspector role as non-political, focused purely on ensuring safe working conditions for Arizona's miners, a dream he has held for two decades. His past community involvement includes co-founding "Operation Welcome Home" for veterans in Gilbert.