Maricopa County races: Recorder Stephen Richer loses, Sheriff Russ Skinner trails opponent
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Justin Heap and Stephen Richer. Photos: Rebecca Noble/Getty Images and Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Maricopa County will say goodbye to Recorder Stephen Richer, who lost to MAGA-aligned state lawmaker Justin Heap in the Republican primary, the New York Times and other outlets project.
The big picture: The recorder's race was one of several close countywide contests, some of which could impact criminal justice, policing and the way we vote in metro Phoenix.
- Maricopa County results were last updated at 1:15am Wednesday. They do not include an unknown number of mail ballots dropped off at polling sites on Election Day. Those will be tabulated in the days ahead.
Attorney: Republican incumbent Rachel Mitchell led challenger Gina Godbehere by a significant margin. Godbehere unsuccessfully ran against Mitchell in 2022, as well.
- The winner will face judge Tamika Wooten, a political newcomer, in November's general election.
Board of Supervisors: The board will have several new faces next year.
- District 1: Chandler Council Member Mark Stewart was leading incumbent Jack Sellers by a significant margin. The winner will face Democrat Joel Navarro.
- District 2: Incumbent Thomas Galvin held a wide lead over challenger Michelle Ugenti-Rita. The winner will face Democrat Julie Cieniawski.
- District 3: Kate Brophy McGee led Tabatha Cuellar LaVoie by a large margin. The winner will face Democrat Danny Valenzuela.
- District 4: U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko held a dominating lead over Robert Branch. The winner will face Democrat David Sandoval.
- District 5: Democratic incumbent Steve Gallardo and Republican Cynthia Ann Niemann did not have primary opponents and will face off in November.
Sheriff: Republican Jerry Sheridan, who spent the end of his law enforcement career as the second-in-command to controversial former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, held a commanding lead over Frank Milstead and Frank "Mike" Crawford.
- On the Democratic side, Phoenix police officer Tyler Kamp was leading Russ Skinner, who was appointed as sheriff earlier this year.
School Superintendent: Republican incumbent Steve Watson held a narrow lead over challengers Nickie Kelley and Shelli Boggs.
- The winner will face Democrat Laura Schaffer Metcalfe in November.
Treasurer: Republican incumbent John Allen was leading William Lichtsinn.
- There is no Democratic challenger in November.