State Mine Inspector Arizona in Statewide, Arizona

2026 Primary Election

• Walter "les" Presmyk — Incumbent State Mine Inspector in AZ

  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.

• Brian Matlock — Mechanical Engineer in AZ

  Brian Matlock is a Marine Reserves veteran and mechanical engineer with decades of heavy industry experience, including forestry, pulp & paper, foundry, and mining. He holds six US patents, some directly related to mining safety, and has worked at industrial sites on nearly every continent. Matlock emphasizes his hands-on learning and practical insights as crucial for effectively serving as State Mine Inspector. A family man and outdoorsman, he is campaigning as the Democratic candidate for Arizona State Mine Inspector and invites support for his candidacy.