Republican candidates who have promoted conspiracy theories about elections won several primaries in Arizona this week, raising concerns among voting groups ahead of the hotly contested November election. Among the winners were U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, former state Sen. Sonny Borrelli, and former Arizona secretary of state candidate Mark Finchem, who could play pivotal roles in elections in 2025 if they win in November. These results reflect a concerning trend seen around the country where individuals who question the legitimacy of elections are seeking positions that oversee the electoral process.
Voting rights advocates are worried about the implications of election deniers winning key primary races in Arizona, as they fear that they will undermine the democratic process. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ office emphasized that election denialism undermines democracy and that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in elections. One of the significant outcomes of Tuesday’s primaries was the unseating of Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who has been critical of election deniers. Richer lost to state Rep. Justin Heap, who has not confirmed whether he believes Maricopa’s elections are fair. Heap has ties to right-wing groups in Arizona and has been endorsed by Kari Lake, known for promoting baseless conspiracy theories about past elections.
Maricopa County has been a focal point for election conspiracy theories, with activists targeting election workers with harassment and threats of violence. Richer, who administered the 2020 and 2022 elections, faced threats from individuals associated with the election denial movement. The county, a pivotal swing county in Arizona, could have a significant impact on future elections, given its high voter population. The election of denier candidates in November could lead to changes in how elections are administered in Maricopa and the appointment of officials involved in the voting process.
In addition to Maricopa County, other races in Arizona saw denier candidates winning primary races, including former state senator Sonny Borrelli, who defeated incumbent Buster Johnson for a seat on the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. Borrelli, known for his attempt to hand count ballots in previous elections, has been influential in pushing for changes in election processes. Mark Finchem, a Trump-endorsed candidate, won his primary for a state legislative seat and has been involved in efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 and 2022 elections. If these candidates win in the general election in November, they will have a significant impact on the rules and regulations governing future elections in Arizona.
The outcome of these primary races in Arizona has raised concerns about the influence of election deniers on the electoral process. With candidates who have promoted baseless claims about past elections winning key positions, there is a fear that the integrity of future elections could be compromised. The Arizona election results reflect a broader trend seen across the country, where individuals who question the validity of elections are seeking positions of power that oversee the electoral process. It remains to be seen how these candidates will impact the democratic process in Arizona if they win in November and take office in 2025.
