PHOENIX — Mark Brnovich, who served as Arizona’s attorney general during a contentious chapter of the state’s political history, has died following a heart attack. He was 59. The news, confirmed by family representatives, has drawn tributes from colleagues and friends, who remembered him for his commitment to public service.

Brnovich’s career included roles as a judge, prosecutor, and director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey praised Brnovich’s dedication to justice, emphasizing his passion for the law and compassion for victims. “His humor, positivity, and happy warrior spirit were infectious,” Ducey said on social media.

During his tenure, Brnovich was heavily involved in the investigations surrounding the 2020 election, a time when Arizona became a focal point for claims of electoral fraud pushed by former President Donald Trump. Despite extensive investigations, Brnovich’s office found no evidence of significant fraud, issuing an interim report in April 2022 that raised questions about election procedures but failed to support claims of widespread issues.

At the time of his report, Brnovich was seeking the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat and faced mounting criticism from Trump, who felt he had not acted decisively enough against alleged election irregularities. Ultimately, Brnovich did not secure Trump’s endorsement, which many viewed as a significant setback in his campaign.

After Brnovich left office, current Attorney General Kris Mayes disclosed that he had suppressed findings from his investigation, stating that the 2020 election was conducted fairly and accurately. In a revealing moment, Mayes noted that key documents were withheld from the public — including a memorandum disproving various conspiracy theories regarding the election, such as allegations involving deceased voters and foreign interference.

Mayes expressed her condolences following Brnovich’s passing, recognizing his years of service to the community. She emphasized the importance of his contributions while also bringing to light the complexities of his final years in office.

Brnovich had previously lost the 2021 Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. In a campaign launch video, he described his personal background as the son of immigrants from Yugoslavia, emphasizing his dedication to fighting against perceived government excesses and advocating for religious freedoms and border security.

In April, he was nominated by Trump to serve as the ambassador to Serbia, but the nomination was withdrawn later in the year. Brnovich’s political journey was marked by both significant contributions to Arizona’s legal landscape and controversies that underscored the division in contemporary American politics.