This election cycle is expected to be a crucial one for Arizona's county governments. In the July 30 primary, voters will choose the Democratic and Republican candidates who will face off in the November general election. Many of the county government primaries are contentious, forcing voters to make a choice.
In Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous, all top seats are up for grabs. Voters will be voting for their county supervisor, who sits on a five-member board charged with setting the vision and direction for the region. Also on the ballot is the county recorder, who maintains voter registration records and oversees early voting.
Neighboring Pinal County is one of the state's fastest-growing counties, and its future is increasingly in question ahead of a key election. Sandwiched between Phoenix and Tucson, and often forgotten in favor of its larger neighbors, the county is at a turning point as its population booms.
Once a Democratic stronghold, it became a conservative stronghold about a decade ago, with only a handful of Democrats running in each election, and the surrounding area is rapidly transforming into a dense suburban community filled with residents looking for affordable housing and easy commutes to the state's biggest cities.
Maricopa and Pinal County Supervisors
Maricopa County's five supervisors have direct control over the county's $4.5 billion checkbook, which gives them authority over the resources of the sheriff's office, the county attorney's office and other departments with elected heads.
The Supervisors serve as the local government agency for people who live in unincorporated areas of the county, who are not city or town residents and do not enjoy the same amenities as city or town residents.
Fierce primary elections are underway in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts.
The supervisor position is highly popular among Arizona politicians and is often a stepping stone to higher political office. Supervisors have no term limits, and all board seats are up for election in 2024.
Maricopa County Supervisors' report:
The Pinal County Board is made up of five elected supervisors, who manage a $1.1 billion budget in one of Arizona's fastest growing counties.
The Supervisors, elected from districts that serve various areas of the county, appoint the County Administrator, who serves as Pinal County's top administrator. While the County Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of most departments, the Board of Directors oversees the operations of the County Administrator and is responsible for managing the county's checkbook.
Fierce primary elections are taking place in Districts 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Pinal County Supervisor's report:
Maricopa County Supervisor's Election Voter's Guide | Pinal County Supervisor's Election Voter's Guide
Maricopa and Pinal County Recorders
County recorders maintain public records such as real estate documents and government information.
The Recorder is also responsible for maintaining voter registration records and managing early voting, including mailing out early ballots, setting up early voting locations and verifying voter signatures on early voting affidavits and petitions.
The Recorder of Elections has considerable power over the administration of elections in the county, and politicians who have held the position have pushed through major changes to how the county votes.
Maricopa County Recorder Steven Richer, a Republican, has been the target of criticism for the election. Two Republicans, Justin Heap and Don Hiatt, are running against Richer in the primary. Democrat Timothy Stringham is running unopposed in the primary.
Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis is running unopposed.
Recorder race coverage:
Maricopa County Recorder's Election Voter's Guide
Maricopa and Pinal County Assessors
The assessor is responsible for identifying, mapping, and appraising all real property within the county.
It's a little-known but extremely important job: Assessors determine property values and therefore how much taxes property owners pay. They also work with other county offices to keep records and provide assessment information.
Maricopa County assessor candidates, Republican Eddie Cook and Democrat Gregory Freeman, are both running unopposed in the primary.
Two Republican incumbents, Douglas Wolf and December “Storm” Cox, are running in Pinal County.
County Assessor Election Coverage:
- In their words: We asked both Republicans running for Pinal County assessor three questions, and here are their answers:
Maricopa County Assessor's Election Voting Guide | Pinal County Assessor's Election Voting Guide
Maricopa and Pinal County Treasurers
The County Treasurer serves as the county tax collector and protects the county's funds.
They are responsible for disbursing funds from the county treasury and pursuing those who do not pay their county taxes. They receive all county revenues, manage the trust accounts, and invest county funds under the direction of the County Supervisor.
They also serve as treasurers for all schools and special districts within the county.
Two Republicans are running for Maricopa County Treasurer: incumbent candidate John Allen and challenger William Lichtschinn.
Incumbent Pinal County Treasurer Michael McCord is running unopposed.
Maricopa County Treasurer Election Voter Guide | Pinal County Treasurer Election Voter Guide
Other races in Maricopa and Pinal counties
Maricopa County Attorney: Incumbent Rachel Mitchell will face Republican challenger Gina Godbehere in the primary. The winner will face Democratic Pro Tempore Judge Tamika Wooten in November.
Maricopa County Sheriff: Running for the post of county's top law enforcement officer are two Democrats, Sheriff Russ Skinner and Sheriff Tyler Kamp, and three Republicans, Jerry Sheridan, Mike Crawford and Frank Milstead. Sheriff Voter Guide
Pinal County Attorney: Incumbent Kent Volkmer will face challenger Brad Miller in the Republican primary. County Attorney Voting Guide
Pinal County Sheriff: Republicans Ross Teeple, Kevin Cavanaugh and Charles Austin Jr. are facing off in the Republican primary for the open U.S. Senate seat held by Mark Lamb. Democrat Patrick Melvin is running unopposed. Sheriff Voter Guide
Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools: Republicans Nikki Kelly and Shelley Boggs and Democrat Laura Metcalf are challenging incumbent Republican Steve Watson.
Pinal County Superintendent: Incumbent Jill Broussard will face challenger Tara Walters in the Republican primary. Superintendent Voter Guide
