Republican state legislator Justin Heap has been elected to oversee the vote as Maricopa County Recorder, a position that could significantly impact the way elections are handled in the fourth-largest county in the U.S. Heap’s victory over Democratic challenger Tim Stringham comes after a contentious election cycle that saw a lot of scrutiny over the legitimacy of the vote, particularly following President-elect Donald Trump’s loss in 2020. Heap, who previously questioned the administration of elections in Arizona, has not explicitly stated that the 2020 and 2022 elections were stolen but has raised concerns about the security of the state’s practices for handling early ballots.
Heap’s win over current Recorder Stephen Richer in the July Republican primary marked the beginning of his path to victory. Richer had faced harassment, including death threats, and a barrage of misinformation while defending the credibility of the vote in Maricopa County, a key battleground in national politics. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Richer and the county Board of Supervisors faced criticism and attacks from Trump and his supporters who falsely claimed widespread election fraud. The recorder’s office shares election responsibilities with the Board of Supervisors, both of which have been under fire for their handling of elections.
While Heap has not explicitly claimed that the 2020 and 2022 elections were stolen, he has expressed concerns about the security of Arizona’s practices for handling early ballots. He has also questioned the processes involved in transporting, handling, and storing ballots after they are submitted. Earlier this year, Heap introduced an unsuccessful bill that aimed to remove Arizona from a multistate effort to maintain voter lists. In his victory statement, Heap emphasized his commitment to being a Recorder for every voter and to protecting the integrity of elections in Maricopa County. He expressed his intention to work with the state Legislature to restore the county’s reputation as a leader in elections management.
Heap’s opponent, Tim Stringham, who served in the military as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, conceded defeat and congratulated Heap on his victory. Stringham acknowledged the completion of a long campaign for both candidates and wished Heap luck in his new role as Maricopa County Recorder. Heap, in turn, expressed humility and honor at being elected to the position, vowing to fulfill his promise of serving as a Recorder for every voter. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the integrity of elections and expressed his desire to work with state legislators to position Maricopa County as a leader in elections management in the United States. Both candidates maintained civility and respect towards each other following the election results.
As Heap prepares to take over as Maricopa County Recorder, his victory signals a potential shift in how elections are managed and supervised in the county. His criticisms of current practices and his commitment to ensuring the integrity of elections will likely shape his approach to the role. With Maricopa County being at the center of national attention due to the controversies surrounding the 2020 election, Heap’s tenure as Recorder will be closely watched. The outcome of the 2022 election and the administration of future elections in Maricopa County will be influenced by Heap’s leadership and his efforts to restore trust and confidence in the electoral process.
