Mark Brnovich, Arizona’s 26th Attorney General and a prominent figure in state and national Republican politics, died on January 13, 2026, at the age of 59. His family confirmed the news in a statement, expressing their profound sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of support: “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.” They requested privacy as they mourn, promising to announce memorial service arrangements in due course. According to a spokesperson, Brnovich died of a heart attack.
Born in Detroit in 1966 to Serbian immigrant parents who fled communist Yugoslavia, Brnovich’s early life was shaped by his family’s search for freedom and opportunity. The Brnoviches eventually settled in Arizona, where Mark attended Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, before obtaining his law degree from the University of San Diego. His journey from the son of immigrants to Arizona’s top law enforcement official became a recurring theme in tributes from political allies and rivals alike.
Brnovich’s legal and public service career spanned decades and a variety of roles. He served as a Command Staff Judge Advocate in the Army National Guard from 1996 to 2005, a position that overlapped with his time as an assistant attorney general in Arizona, representing the Department of Gaming. He also worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona, a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and briefly as a lobbyist for the Corrections Corporation of America. In 2009, then-Governor Jan Brewer appointed him director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, a post he held until 2013.
Brnovich’s political star rose sharply when he resigned from the Department of Gaming to challenge incumbent Attorney General Tom Horne in the 2014 Republican primary. In a contentious race that centered on FBI investigations into Horne’s alleged campaign finance violations, Brnovich prevailed. He went on to defeat Democrat Felicia Rotellini in the general election, beginning his first of two terms as attorney general, serving from 2015 to 2023.
During his tenure, Brnovich developed a reputation for taking on high-profile and sometimes controversial legal battles. He reached several notable settlements in consumer fraud cases, including a $4.65 million settlement with Theranos in 2017 over fraudulent advertising, a $6.28 million settlement with General Motors in 2018 related to faulty ignition switches, a $40 million settlement with Volkswagen in 2018 over the diesel emissions scandal, and a $71 million settlement with Ticketmaster in 2020 that provided refunds to Arizonans for live events disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brnovich also made headlines for his willingness to challenge both state and federal authorities. He sued the Arizona Board of Regents—ordinarily his client—over plans to build a hotel at Arizona State University. His office urged the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down part of the Voting Rights Act in a case brought by the Democratic National Committee. He became a vocal opponent of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, filing a lawsuit in 2021 after the Biden administration halted construction on the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
His assertive style and sometimes outspoken nature led to clashes not only with Democrats but also with fellow Republicans. According to Axios, he was known for his “happy warrior spirit” and his passion for the law, justice, and victims’ rights. His personal interests added color to his public persona—he was a passionate Grateful Dead fan and, in a lighter moment, once displayed his nunchuk skills on social media.
Brnovich’s ambitions extended beyond Arizona. In 2022, he ran for the U.S. Senate, seeking to unseat Democrat Mark Kelly. He lost the Republican primary to Blake Masters, who was ultimately defeated by Kelly in the general election. After leaving office, Brnovich joined the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP as a partner.
In March 2025, then-President Donald Trump nominated Brnovich to serve as U.S. ambassador to Serbia, the country from which his parents had emigrated. The nomination was seen by some as a recognition of his heritage and public service. However, the appointment was quietly withdrawn in October 2025, with no official reason given at the time. Brnovich later blamed the “deep state” for blocking his appointment, telling the Serbian Times, “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.”
Brnovich is survived by his wife, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich, and their two daughters, Milena and Sofija. Tributes from across Arizona’s political spectrum poured in following news of his death. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who succeeded Brnovich in 2023, said, “Mark dedicated many years to public service in Arizona, including his two terms as Attorney General.” Former Governor Doug Ducey wrote, “His passion for the law, justice, and victims were hallmarks of his career in public service. For those of us blessed to call him a friend, his humor, positivity, and happy warrior spirit were infectious.” Former Governor Jan Brewer shared her grief, saying, “He deeply loved America and Arizona, and he always fought for our state with strength and conviction.”
Tom Horne, the man Brnovich defeated in the 2014 primary, remembered him as “an outstanding, dedicated public servant and a devoted family man.” Horne added, “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.” Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen praised Brnovich’s commitment to public service, stating, “Mark’s story reflected the best of Arizona—the son of immigrant parents who believed in this country, a veteran who served in the Arizona National Guard, and a public servant who took his oath seriously.”
Majority Leader John Kavanagh said Brnovich “stood firm when it mattered, and Arizona is better off because of his service.” President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Brnovich’s belief in freedom and the rule of law. Majority Whip Frank Carroll highlighted Brnovich’s integrity and devotion: “He believed public office was about responsibility, not headlines, and he carried out his duties with integrity.”
Even those who disagreed with Brnovich politically acknowledged his dedication. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes remarked, “While we often found ourselves on differing sides of political arguments, our shared love of Arizona was always common ground.”
Memorial service arrangements for Mark Brnovich will be announced by his family. As Arizona reflects on his life and career, the legacy of a principled, sometimes polarizing, but deeply committed public servant endures.
