Justin Heap, a Republican state legislator, has been elected as the Maricopa County Recorder, overseeing elections in Arizona's most populous county. Maricopa County, with a population of approximately 4.5 million, has been a focal point for election-related controversies.
Heap's victory over his Democratic challenger, Tim Stringham, marks a significant shift in election management in the county. Stringham, a military veteran and attorney, conceded defeat and congratulated Heap on his win.
Heap's journey to victory began with his success in the Republican primary against the incumbent Recorder, Stephen Richer. Richer faced challenges defending the legitimacy of the vote amid widespread misinformation and threats following the 2020 presidential election.
The Maricopa County Recorder's office shares election responsibilities with the county Board of Supervisors, both of which have faced criticism and attacks while upholding election integrity.
While Heap has not explicitly claimed election fraud in the 2020 and 2022 elections, he has raised concerns about the security of early ballots and the handling of ballots post-submission. He previously introduced legislation aimed at removing Arizona from a multistate voter list maintenance program.
In his victory statement, Heap expressed humility and commitment to serving all voters by safeguarding election integrity. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the state Legislature to enhance Maricopa County's election management standards.
Stringham, in a social media post, extended his congratulations to Heap and acknowledged the completion of a challenging campaign for both candidates.
