Three Republicans running for Maricopa County recorder will face off in a debate Monday that is likely to center on election administration and voting conspiracy theories, which have been on the rise in recent years.
The debate was hosted by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission. Live Broadcast.
The county recorder is legally required to maintain public records such as property documents, but the seat is best known for its extensive power over voter registration and early voting.
Maricopa County is battling a three-way primary for this key position. State Assemblyman Justin Heap and information technology professional Don Hiatt are both running for the Republican nomination against incumbent Steven Richer. All three are running on a platform of election integrity, but in reality, their plans are very different.
Richer, who was elected in 2020, has touted his efforts to clean up voter rolls and improve record-keeping during his time in office. Along the way, he has positioned himself as a strong defender of county elections, pushing back against voting conspiracies and misinformation. He also says he has made improvements outside of elections, such as announcing a free service last year to fight title fraud and improving customer service.
Heap and Hiatt have both campaigned on issues in county elections. Heap has previously backed legislation to exclude Arizona from multistate voter registration efforts and has pledged to clean up voter rolls. He has also pledged to deliver election results faster, though his campaign website doesn't say how he would achieve that within the framework of existing state law.
Hyatt is also working to clean up the voter rolls and has said he will make election-related data public, including detailed records of the machines that tally votes. Heap's campaign website makes no mention of the clerk's non-election duties. Hyatt has said he will streamline the record-keeping process.
Whoever wins will face Democrat Tim Stringham, a lawyer and Navy Reserve officer, in the general election in a race that is expected to center on the future of democracy in Arizona.
Sasha Hupka covers county government and elections for The Arizona Republic. Contact her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter): Sasha HapkaFollow her on Instagram or Threads: Follow.
