Republican voters in Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populous county, ousted a top elections official, Stephen Richer, in the primary re-election bid for Maricopa County recorder. Richer, who had defended the state’s voting system against claims of election fraud in 2020, lost to State Representative Justin Heap. The results were confirmed early Wednesday.
The closely watched campaign highlighted the divide within Arizona’s Republican Party, pitting the Trump-aligned faction against establishment Republicans. The outcome may significantly impact voting procedures in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix and its suburbs, and often influences the state’s political leaning.
As county recorder, Richer managed voter registration and mail-in voting, roles now controversial due to widespread election fraud. He positioned himself as a conservative who had enhanced transparency, improved voter roll accuracy, and strengthened verification procedures for voter signatures and ballot tracking. Richer was supported by former governors Jan Brewer and Doug Ducey, both Republicans.
However, Richer faced backlash from Republican voters for asserting that the 2020 election was not stolen from former President Donald Trump.
Heap will face Democrat Timothy Stringham, a military veteran, in the November general election.
Image by Gage Skidmore.
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