(CENTRAL PLAZA) — The Maricopa County Oversight Board appointed Julie Willoughby Friday morning to fill the vacancy of deposed Republican Rep. Liz Harris.

Willoughby was sworn in shortly afterwards.

Following Harris’ ouster, three names were selected by Republicans in the 13th Legislative District and decided by the board. Harris, Willoughby and Steve Steele were selected by the group. I was then interviewed individually by the board of directors.

“The conversation was thoughtful and heartfelt,” said supervisor Jack Sellers, the candidate who represented the area covering the 13th Legislative District and thus made the final nomination. talked about an interview with

Willoughby narrowly lost to Harris in the 2022 midterm elections. Harris was expelled from the state legislature for inviting guests to give a presentation filled with false claims accusing many Arizona leaders of having ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

“We would like to thank the PCs of District 13 for selecting three eligible candidates for our consideration,” Sellers later said in a news release. “We interviewed everyone on key issues such as Prop 400, homelessness, water, and elections. to give residents confidence in

While a motion was made to advance Willoughby’s appointment, Democratic head coach Steve Gallardo said he voted against Willoughby and did not vote for any of the three names on the list.

“I cannot support the candidate in good faith,” Mr Gallardo said at the meeting.

Willoughby will serve the remainder of Harris’ term through 2024.

This appointment means lawmakers can get back to work. Harris represented his one-seat dominance of the House Republican majority and their ability to pass partisan legislation.