On this day April 4 1988 Arizona Governor Evan Mecham was impeached and removed from office making him the first governor in the state’s history to be ousted through impeachment. The Arizona State Senate convicted Mecham on charges of obstruction of justice and misuse of government funds.
His time in office was filled with controversy including his cancellation of the Martin Luther King Jr Day state holiday and several remarks that caused public outrage. These issues led to widespread protests and calls for his removal. Mecham also faced criminal indictments for perjury and failing to report a large campaign loan. After his removal Arizona Secretary of State Rose Mofford stepped in to take over as governor.
80s insight: Evan Mecham was the first governor in the United States since 1929 to be removed from office through impeachment.
His time in office was filled with controversy including his cancellation of the Martin Luther King Jr Day state holiday and several remarks that caused public outrage. These issues led to widespread protests and calls for his removal. Mecham also faced criminal indictments for perjury and failing to report a large campaign loan. After his removal Arizona Secretary of State Rose Mofford stepped in to take over as governor.
80s insight: Evan Mecham was the first governor in the United States since 1929 to be removed from office through impeachment.
