Maricopa County voters will choose a new sheriff to take office in 2025. Republican candidate Jerry Sheridan and Democratic candidate Tyler Kump faced off Wednesday in separate debates held by Citizens for Clean Elections.
Sheridan served as chief deputy under former Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Both men were found in civil contempt for ignoring federal court orders stemming from a long-running racial profiling case that continues to harm taxpayers.
“They can elect someone like me and replace me as soon as I get on the scene, or they can elect someone with no sheriff’s experience, and he has a history of documented sexual harassment. It’s a crime,” Sheridan said.
Investigators with the Phoenix Police Department found evidence supporting claims that Kampf sexually harassed co-workers while he was an officer. Kampf said the federal oversight that began when Sheridan was chief deputy was both the best thing and the worst thing for the sheriff’s office.
“It’s great because the abuse and corruption is finally being exposed. The unconstitutional policies and practices, the discrimination that was going on when my opponent and Joe Arpaio were running the Sheriff’s Office,” Kampf said. said.
Kampf said federal oversight has also had a negative impact on the sheriff’s office, as it has had to take resources from jails and the streets to comply with court orders.
Kampf, who switched parties and ran for the Democratic Party, also criticized Sheridan’s role as chief of staff.
“Unconstitutional policies and practices, daily headlines, government overreach, and lawsuits that have cost taxpayers more than $350 million. And that amount will continue to grow until we comply with these court orders and graduate. Deaf,” Kampf said.
Sheridan countered that his role as Arpaio’s chief of staff gave him the experience he needed for the top job.
“When I retire as chief deputy, I want you to know that it is the highest uniformed position in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, but of course it’s a non-sheriff position. Because of this, I’m ready to lead from day one “the moment I arrive,” Sheridan said.
The winner will replace current Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner, who was appointed after the resignation of Paul Penzone. Mr. Skinner lost to Mr. Kampf in the July primary.
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