Adrian Fontes

Public service is in Adrian’s DNA. Growing up in the border town of Nogales, he was surrounded by exemplary role models. Adrian’s Grandfather, Florentino ‘Tino’ Fontes, became a US Citizen after serving in WWII. And after taking on several jobs to help his own six children graduate from college, Tino Fontes became the Mayor of Nogales, AZ.

Inspired by his grandfather’s service, Adrian enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was on active duty from 1992 to 1996, earning a nomination for a meritorious commission. Serving his country taught him the importance of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice to fight for the American dream. After being Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, Adrian returned to receive his Bachelor’s degree from ASU before continuing to the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver.

Upon graduating from law school, Adrian spent his career advocating for justice and fighting for the vulnerable and disadvantaged; as a prosecutor in Colorado, Maricopa County, and the Arizona Attorney General’s office.

In 2016, after witnessing shameful voter suppression tactics, 6-hour lines at the polls, and Adrian decided to run for Maricopa County Recorder.

Adrian won, becoming the first Democrat to hold the Recorder’s office in 50 years and the first-ever Latino to hold an office in Arizona’s largest county.