Staff Reports
PHOENIX – Mark Brnovich, the former two-term Attorney General of Arizona, passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 59. His family announced the news in a statement expressing profound sorrow, describing him as a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and a dedicated champion of justice who served as Arizona’s 26th Attorney General and as a state and federal prosecutor.
Brnovich died of a heart attack, according to statements from family representatives and reports citing his longtime spokesperson, Katie Conner. He passed away while asleep in his Phoenix-area home on Jan. 12.
Born on Nov. 25, 1966, in Detroit, Michigan, Brnovich built a career rooted in public service and law enforcement. He served as a prosecutor in Maricopa County and at the federal level before transitioning into roles that included lobbying and directing state departments. In 2014, he was elected Arizona Attorney General as a Republican, taking office in 2015 and serving until 2023 after winning re-election.
During his tenure, Brnovich was known for high-profile consumer protection initiatives, pursuing cases against major corporations, and advocating for law enforcement priorities. He played a prominent role in reviving state executions and engaged in significant legal battles, including those related to immigration, opioid litigation, and other national issues. His time as AG also placed him at the center of debates surrounding the 2020 election, where Arizona became a focal point for efforts to challenge results—though he ultimately did not support specific extreme claims.
After leaving office, Brnovich ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022 but did not secure the Republican nomination.
He is survived by his wife, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich, and their two daughters.
Tributes have poured in from across Arizona’s political and legal communities, with many remembering him as a dedicated public servant, full of life and committed to upholding the rule of law. His sudden passing has been described as a loss felt deeply in the state he served for many years.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Attorney General Tom Horne said, “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.”
Brnovich’s legacy as a prosecutor and attorney general will be remembered for his tenacity in pursuing justice and his impact on Arizona’s legal landscape. He will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and those he represented.
