Evan Mecham

Evan Mecham, born on May 12, 1924, was an American businessman and politician who made his mark as the 17th governor of Arizona. His tenure began on January 5, 1987, but was marred by controversy, leading to his impeachment on April 4, 1988. A decorated World War II veteran, Mecham was known for his automotive dealership and occasional forays into newspaper publishing.

Before his governorship, Mecham had a reputation as a perennial candidate, earning the nickname 'The Harold Stassen of Arizona.' His political career included a single term as a state senator, followed by a series of unsuccessful bids for various offices. His unexpected victory in the 1986 election was facilitated by a split in the Democratic party, resulting in a three-way race that ultimately favored him.

Mecham's governorship was characterized by a series of racially charged statements and actions, including the controversial cancellation of the state's paid Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His remarks attributing high divorce rates to working women and his defense of the term 'pickaninny' in reference to African American children sparked significant backlash, leading to a boycott of Arizona.

His administration faced mounting challenges, including accusations of cronyism and questionable political appointments, which strained his relationship with fellow Republicans. Ultimately, Mecham was impeached on charges of obstruction of justice and misuse of government funds, although he maintained that the funds in question were private. Following his removal, he remained active in politics for nearly a decade, participating as a delegate to the Republican National Convention and making further attempts to secure a governorship and a U.S. Senate seat, notably challenging John McCain as an independent.