Arizona HCR 2060: open primaries; repeal

Bill Text

Odd Ball HCR2060 - 572R - H Ver of HCR2060 

 House Engrossed

 Honorable George 
 Cunningham; death resolution

 State of Arizona

 House of Representatives

 Fifty-seventh Legislature

 Second Regular Session

 2026

 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2060

A 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

On 
the death of the Honorable George Cunningham.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

The Honorable George Cunningham, 
dedicated former lawmaker and University of Arizona vice president, passed away 
on May 6, 2025 at the age of 80.

Born in 1945 in Nashua, New 
Hampshire, George was raised as a Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan.� At 11 years 
of age, George and his family moved to Tucson.� He attended Catalina High 
School, where he served as senior class president and ran cross country.� He 
graduated from the University of Arizona, where he met the love of his life, 
Marjorie.� They married in 1969 and remained in Tucson.

George Cunningham created a legacy 
of diligence and purpose.� Beginning his work in public service early, George 
was an army reservist and the assistant city manager of South Tucson while 
attending graduate school at the University of Arizona.� He later worked for 
the Arizona State Senate, where he served as special assistant to the Senate 
president.� He went on to serve his beloved University of Arizona, working in 
various administrative and financial capacities, including vice president for 
administrative services, associate vice president and director of planning and 
budgeting.� As vice president, he managed various aspects of the learning 
environment, such as managing residential life and ensuring that the roads on 
campus were paved.

In 1988, George became the chief of 
staff for Governor Rose Mofford. He returned to the University of Arizona from 
1990 to 1993 and helped form an international partnership with the Italian 
government to build the world's largest and most powerful telescope.� He also 
worked on special assignments for the University's president on economic 
development initiatives.� After his years of service there, he decided to run 
for office. In 1993 he became a member of the Arizona House of 
Representatives where he served in Democratic leadership, and in 1997 he moved 
to the Arizona State Senate where he served until 2001.� Throughout his 
legislative service, George focused on fiscal policy, economic expansion and 
investing in Arizona's future.� He was recognized by his legislative colleagues 
and business, labor and community leaders as an effective and knowledgeable 
legislator who worked to build bipartisan coalitions.

Continuing his service to the 
people of Arizona, George Cunningham served as Governor Janet Napolitano's 
budget director in her two terms. During that time, he also cofounded the Grand 
Canyon Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that provides fact-based 
research and education to lawmakers and the public on policies that affect the 
economic, social and fiscal future of this state.

Known to have a great sense of 
humor and a compassionate nature, George was a committed public servant to the 
people of Arizona and his hometown of Tucson.� He often erased partisan lines 
for the benefit of his constituents.� A natural-born leader, George was a 
trusted advisor to generations of elected officials.� He loved restoring old 
cars with his many friends, traveling with his wife and spending time with his 
grandchildren.� After retirement, George also used his time and energy to 
volunteer for multiple committees dedicated to improving the quality of life 
for all Arizonans.

A loving husband, father and 
grandfather, George Cunningham is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marjorie, 
his children, Paul Cunningham (Alisa), Eve Cunningham-Schvidler (Joe) and 
Molly Carey (Joe), and his grandchildren, Joe, Kyle, Ben, Sophia, Alex, Lute, 
Brady, Lily and Susie.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature 
express sincere regret at the passing of the Honorable George Cunningham and extend 
their deepest condolences to his surviving family members.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 19, 2026.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 19, 2026.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 19, 
2026.