Former Arizona AG Mark Brnovich dead at age 59

Former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is dead at the age of 59, his family said.

“We are heartbroken with this loss
and are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from so many
wonderful people across the state and country,” a representative for the
family said in a written statement. “The family asks for privacy during
this difficult time. Memorial service arrangements will be made public
as they become available.”

The statement was first reported by ABC15.

A cause of death has not been announced.

Brnovich was elected attorney general
in 2014 after ousting incumbent AG Tom Horne in a contentious primary
election that centered on FBI investigations into Horne for alleged
campaign finance violations.

He served two terms as AG and ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, where he lost in the primary to Blake Masters.

Although he had a falling out with then-President Donald Trump in 2020 after he told the country that allegations of election fraud in Arizona were untrue,
Brnovich made up with Trump. After he was elected to a second term as
president in 2024, Trump nominated Brnovich to be ambassador to Serbia,
where his parents immigrated from. But in late 2025, Trump quietly
pulled his nomination.

Brnovich blamed the “deep state” for blocking his appointment.

“As the process dragged on, it became
clear that the bureaucracy of the ‘deep state’ does not want to serve
anyone with my political, ethnic and religious background in Serbia,” he
told the Serbian Times.

Arizona political leaders were quick to mourn Brnovich.

AG Kris Mayes, who replaced Brnovich as the state’s top attorney, said she was saddened by the unexpected news of his passing.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his
wife Susan and their entire family at this difficult time. Mark
dedicated many years to public service in Arizona, including his two
terms as Attorney General,” she said in a statement.

And Horne, who Brnovich defeated in 2014, said the pair long ago put aside their political differences.

“Mark Brnovich was an outstanding,
dedicated public servant and a devoted family man. He will be missed. At
one time we were political opponents, but we eventually became friends,
for which I am grateful. My hope is that his family finds peace as they
mourn this wonderful person,” he said in a statement.