Mark Brnovich, the former Republican attorney general of Arizona and a former U.S. Senate candidate, has died at age 59, a representative for his family announced Tuesday afternoon.
Brnovich died earlier in the day. The cause of death has not been announced.
Born in Detroit on Nov. 25, 1966, Brnovich was the son of Serb immigrants from the former Yugoslavia. His family later moved to Arizona, where he grew up and went on to build a distinguished career in law enforcement and conservative legal circles.
After graduating from Arizona State University and earning a law degree from the University of San Diego, Brnovich served as a command staff judge advocate in the Arizona Army National Guard from 1996 to 2005. He later worked as a prosecutor in Maricopa County, served as an assistant U.S. attorney, and held senior roles in state government and at the Goldwater Institute.
Brnovich won election as Arizona attorney general in 2014 and served two terms from 2015 to 2023. His tenure featured consumer protection cases, high-profile legal fights with the federal government, and a prominent role in Arizona’s political battles during the Trump era.
In 2022, Brnovich ran for the GOP Senate nomination but lost to Blake Masters after failing to secure Trump’s endorsement. Brnovich drew fire from Trump and allies over his office’s handling of the 2020 election investigation, which raised procedural concerns but did not substantiate claims of widespread fraud.
Trump later called Brnovich “lackluster” and backed Masters instead.
In 2025, Trump nominated Brnovich to serve as U.S. ambassador to Serbia, a post tied to his family heritage, but the nomination was later withdrawn without explanation.
The AZ Mirror has more on the fallout that followed:
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,” Mayes said in a statement.
Former Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne, who lost to Brnovich in the 2014 Republican primary, said the two had 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.”
Gov. Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
Brnovich is survived by his wife, U.S. District Court Judge Susan Brnovich, and their two daughters. Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and other leaders praised Brnovich’s service following news of his death.
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