[1] The Democratic nominee was incumbent governor George W. P. Hunt, his Republican opponent was the final Delegate to Congress from Arizona Territory, Ralph H. Cameron.

Cameron was disadvantaged [2] by the same reason the previous Republican nominee Wells was: he had opposed statehood with the present Constitution.

Two third parties also made strong challenges, the Progressives polled over 10% with nominee George Young, the final Territorial Secretary and then-mayor of Phoenix.

[4] By March it was reported that he would be the conservative Democratic candidate in the primary, to oppose the more liberal Hunt,[5][6] and he officially announced his candidacy by mid-March.

[11] In order not to splinter the party, Sutter withdrew from the race in early July, announcing his support for Hunt.