Learn more about the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors District 1 candidates: Republican Mark Stewart and Democrat Joel Navarro.

Both Democrats and Republicans believe the 1st District is a winnable race, after Republicans won it by just a few hundred votes in 2020. The 1st District election, along with the 3rd District election, could determine which party controls the Board of Supervisors next year.

Joel Navarro

party: Democratic Party
Website: Joel Navarro forsupervisor.com

Navarro, a former Tempe City Council member, is a longtime Phoenix firefighter and EMT. He has made “protecting democracy” a top priority, pledging to use resources to protect election workers, fight disinformation and make elections more accessible and secure.

His other priorities include public safety, early childhood education, and public health.

mark stewart

party: Republican Party
Website: markstewartas.com

Stewart, a retiring Chandler City Council member, defeated incumbent Republican Supervisor Jack Sellers in the Republican primary. Stewart told Chandler he is focused on public safety and customer service, and said he will take a similar approach with the county.

Stewart criticized the board’s handling of the 2022 election, which Trump lost to President Biden, or the 2020 election in which Republican Kari Lake lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs, according to Sun Sun News. He declined to answer a question about whether he would certify the 2022 election that he lost. Stewart said he wants to make sure the county provides transparency to residents in elections and other services.