Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, who faced threats and harassment after voting to certify Maricopa County's 2020 election results, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election.

Hickman, a Republican who has represented West Valley's 4th District since 2013, said his decision not to run for re-election came from a desire to spend more time with his family. This is the first time that their children will be in college, one in high school, and the third in elementary school.

“At this age, you have a lot of life-changing and life-shaping experiences, so I want to be there for my kids. My wife has been great as a partner in this,” he said. Told. “Last night's Valentine's Day gift to my family was a little box called time. That time will be spent with my family.”

Hickman is the latest supervisor to announce his resignation, following fellow longtime Republican supervisor Bill Gates, who announced last June that he would not seek re-election.

Both men faced threats and harassment after the 2020 election because they refused to lend credence to former President Donald Trump's false claims of widespread election fraud. They included a conspiracy theory that falsely claimed that the fire at Hickman's egg farm was used to cover up the destruction of ballots.

And last August, an Iowa man who left a voicemail threatening to hang Hickman was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison.

Al Macias/KJZZ

Clint Hickman will be sworn in to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2013, managed by Secretary Fran McCarroll.

Hickman and Gates defended the integrity of Maricopa County elections, which they helped run, despite facing criticism for the highly publicized Maricopa County printer issue on Election Day 2022. .

The committee chaired by Hickman hired former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor to investigate the cause of the printer's problems.

Neither Gates nor Hickman directly linked their decision to leave to the harassment they faced while on the job.

“It was a really great experience,” Hickman said. “Even though it was a painful experience, I learned something.”

Hickman said his proudest accomplishments while serving on the Board of Supervisors include overseeing the West Valley's explosive growth and investing money in resident services.

“I know in my heart that I want to be the guy who opens more libraries than prisons. That's what happened,” he said.

Hickman said he doesn't have a hand-picked successor he would like to see take his place, but noted that some of his loudest critics are not yet in the race.

“Sure they scream and criticize, but I really didn't have anyone in some of the major critics and groups to stand up to me…This is someone who has the passion and vision for the growth of the West Valley. “I hope it gives you the strength to hurry up, get your feet wet, and help make the West Valley a paradise, as I know it,” Hickman said.

Three Republicans have announced their intention to run for Hickman's seat, including Peoria City Councilman Jack Hastings.

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