Wiley Cline, John Hughes, Dee Jenkins, Thomas Thurman, and Anthony James Utz have expressed interest in filling the vacancy on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors left by the resignation of James Gregory, who stepped down on January 29 after being appointed as police chief in Williams.
To qualify for the position, candidates must be at least 18 years old, registered as Republicans, and residents of Yavapai County District 2. They must also be registered voters in Yavapai County and have the ability to read and write in English.
Cline, who first ran for the manager role in 2020, mentioned challenging Gregory again in the 2024 Republican primary and achieving 41.2% of the votes in July 2024. He expressed confidence that if appointed, he would continue to seek election in 2026.
Cline also noted his long-standing Arizona roots, being a fifth-generation resident, along with his 12 years of experience in law enforcement and 24 years living in Cornville.
Hughes reflected on his eight years as a councillor, stating it was both a privilege and honor to serve his community. With 47 years as a resident of Yavapai County, he believes his broad experience in ranching, agriculture, construction, and business could be an asset to the Board of Supervisors.
Jenkins, the current mayor of Camp Verde who was re-elected with 55.48% of the votes last year, confirmed in her application that she meets the necessary requirements for the position.
Thurman, who previously held the District 2 supervisor position, emphasized his extensive experience and familiarity with the area, including knowledge of the local road systems and community associations. He also mentioned his training in incident command and FEMA, especially relevant with wildfire season approaching.
Utz, a Cornville resident since 1987 and a licensed contractor for over 20 years, highlighted his 47 years of business experience. He discussed working with various government levels and agencies on multiple initiatives and his volunteer work with the Mason Lane Ditch Board over the past eight years.
Residents can provide feedback about the candidates via email to the county government by 5 PM on Friday, April 4th.
According to the Yavapai County website, those appointed will serve until the victor is elected on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Newly elected individuals can take office within 90 days after election results, with candidates required to run in both the 2026 primary and general elections to complete a term ending in December 2028.
The Board of Supervisors is set to address the appointments during their meeting on Wednesday, April 16, in Cottonwood.
