Arizona’s First Independent Governor? Hugh Lytle 2026

In this episode of Independent, Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Henry Thompson to react to the announcement speech of Hugh Lytle, the independent candidate for Governor of Arizona, a historic moment in a state that has never elected an independent governor.

As voter frustration with polarization and partisan gridlock continues to grow, the panel examines whether an independent governor could offer a real alternative to the two-party system. Paul breaks down what makes Lytle’s candidacy different, including his business and healthcare background and his emphasis on optimism, stability, and problem-solving.

The episode then turns to two of Arizona’s biggest challenges — housing affordability and the education crisis — before closing with a discussion of recent events in Minneapolis, highlighting how political polarization is worsening governance, eroding public trust, and creating an opening where an independent candidate could make a meaningful difference.