Cousins by Chance, Allies by Choice

Democrats Cisco Aguilar and Adrian Fontes, both Latino men born in southern Arizona, are distant cousins. This unexpected family connection has helped forge an alliance between them ahead of their critical re-election battles this fall in Nevada and Arizona.

Both Aguilar and Fontes won closely watched secretary of state races in 2022, giving them election oversight authority in two crucial swing states. Aguilar took the office in Nevada while Fontes won it in Arizona.

Their family connection was discovered as they faced high-profile re-election battles this fall. This discovery has led to speculation about its impact on their campaigns and alliance.