IN FOCUS - Mar 1, 2024
Forget the federal and state races. Maricopa County will host some of the hottest contests on the ballot this year.
Below is a look at high-profile races for Supervisor, County Attorney and Recorder that will determine control of the electoral battleground and nation’s 4th largest county.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
Supervisors Bill Gates and Clint Hickman are not seeking re-election, creating open seats in districts 3 and 4. The District 3 race includes former legislator Kate Brophy McGee (R) and former Phoenix City Councilman Danny Valenzuela (D), among other candidates. In District 4, GOP Congresswoman Debbie Lesko made a sizable splash with her candidacy. Meanwhile, Supervisors Jack Sellers (R), Thomas Galvin (R) and Steve Gallardo (D) are seeking re-election. These Primaries - especially for Supervisor Galvin, who faces GOP former legislator Michelle Ugenti-Rita - will be very contentious.
Maricopa County Attorney
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell faces a GOP Primary rematch against former Goodyear prosecutor Gina Godbehere. Some MAGA fans hold a grudge against Mitchell for her office’s defense of the county against multiple 2022 election-related lawsuits filed by Kari Lake and Abe Hamadeh. A late entrant into the race: Democrat Tamika Wooten, who was a prosecutor in Glendale.
Maricopa County Recorder
County Recorder Stephen Richer is a Republican, but that matters little to those who blame him for 2022 losses by Kari Lake and other MAGA faves. Richer shouldn’t lack for fundraising, but faces a tough GOP Primary challenge from state Rep. Justin Heap (R-Mesa), who launched his campaign this week. Though little-known Democrat Timothy Stringham has entered the race, watch for a bigger name to emerge.
Prospective candidates have one month from today - until April 1 - to file their paperwork to run for county office.
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