Smith Projected to Win Mayoral Race, Potter Doubts the Outcome

Pinal County released the latest primary election results, revealing strong voter support for the city’s continued growth.

With over half the votes counted, projections indicate that Mayor Nancy Smith is likely to retain her position as Maricopa’s first female mayor. Smith has secured 63% of the votes, while challenger Leon Potter garnered 36%.

Write-in candidates received 30 votes, representing half a percent.

“I’m delighted with the first results and certainly hope that the final count results in a clear direction,” Smith told InMaricopa.

Despite a 27-point deficit, Potter stated he will not concede until the Pinal County Board of Supervisors finalizes the results on August 12.

“I’m not conceding yet because anything is possible, but it looks like Mayor Smith will be elected,” he noted. “I respect the outcome. The voters have spoken, and I respect that as part of the process.”

Potter emphasized that, despite the apparent outcome, his campaign highlighted community concerns about the current administration.

“Accountability doesn’t go away,” he asserted. “There was a concern about certain decisions that have been made and that doesn’t disappear. The mayor and council are still accountable to the public.”

According to an InMaricopa poll conducted on July 12, which included 258 voters, Smith was expected to win by a significant margin.