By Ethan Faverino |
Mountainside Fitness founder Tom Hatten has endorsed Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, the Republican nominee for Arizona Attorney General, in a new 30-second campaign advertisement emphasizing fair enforcement of the law, support for Arizona businesses, and public safety.
Hatten, who has spent more than three decades building his Arizona-based fitness company, announced his support for Petersen while highlighting the importance of an attorney general who understands the challenges facing business owners, employees, and families across the state.
“Business owners need an attorney general who sees entrepreneurs as partners, not opponents,” said Hatten. “We’ll protect our neighborhoods and will stand with law enforcement.”
Hatten founded Mountainside Fitness in 1991 while attending Arizona State University, opening his first gym in a 4,800-square-foot facility in Ahwatukee. Since then, the company has expanded across Arizona and now serves more than 150,000 members.
The endorsement reflects Hatten’s support for Petersen’s approach to law enforcement, economic development, and the consistent application of state laws.
“That’s why I’m supporting Warren Petersen for Attorney General. As attorney general, Warren will enforce the laws fairly and protect the people building Arizona’s economy,” Hatten said.
“That matters to my employees and our customers who need safe neighborhoods and an affordable cost of living,” he added. “Please join me in voting Warren Petersen for Attorney General.”
Petersen welcomed the endorsement, emphasizing Hatten’s experience as a business owner and the responsibilities that come with operating a company employing Arizona workers.
“Tom knows what it takes to build something from the ground up and carry the responsibility of having employees and families count on you,” said Petersen. “I’m grateful for his trust.”
Petersen also criticized incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes over energy policies, arguing that rising electricity costs place additional financial burdens on Arizona businesses and households.
“When businesses face higher electric bills, those costs reach their employees and customers, too,” Petersen said. “Kris Mayes is fighting efforts to repeal costly energy mandates when families need relief.”
“I will bring an approach grounded in the law, fair treatment, and respect for the people working to make a living here,” added Petersen. “That means protecting consumers from fraud, standing with law enforcement, and giving business owners confidence that the rules will be enforced consistently.”
The endorsement comes as Petersen campaigns to unseat Mayes in the November general election, with recent polling indicating a closely contested race.
According to a September survey published by Equis Research, Mayes and Petersen each received 45% support among Arizona likely voters, placing the candidates in a statistical tie.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
