Pima County Sheriff Nanos Takes on GOP Rival Lappin in Must-See Online Forum This Tuesday

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos will confront GOP challenger Heather Lappin in an online debate scheduled for Tuesday. This one-hour Clean Elections forum will commence at 6 p.m. and can be accessed on the Clean Elections YouTube channel, moderated by Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel.

Nanos, appointed sheriff in 2015 after Clarence Dupnik’s retirement, has maintained a notable presence in the office. Dupnik, who led the department for 40 years, endorsed Nanos as his successor and continues to support him. Nanos previously lost the position in the 2016 election to Republican Mark Napier but regained it in a rematch in 2020.

In this year’s Democratic primary held on July 30, Nanos secured 57 percent of the votes against challenger Sandy Rosenthal, a seasoned former deputy. His campaign boasts endorsements from several labor organizations, including the Pima County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Stonewall Democrats. Nanos aims for a second term to stabilize the department and restore a sense of normalcy.

Conversely, Lappin argues that Nanos has perpetuated a harmful culture of favoritism within the sheriff’s department. She expressed concern over the exodus of deputies to other jurisdictions, citing that many of their most talented personnel are leaving. “I have watched our amazing employees leave in droves to Marana or Oro Valley or DPS,” said Lappin, a first-time candidate who emerged from the July GOP primary with 40 percent of the vote.

Lappin’s campaign has gained traction with endorsements from former sheriff Mark Napier and various labor groups, strengthening her position against Nanos in the forthcoming November 5 election.

As election season heats up, a busy week of debates is planned following Labor Day. On Tuesday, September 3, three Democrats will debate three Republicans for seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission. The following day, Democratic incumbents in Legislative District 18 will face off against Republican Leonard “Len” Rosenblum. Each debate is sponsored by Clean Elections and is set to begin at 6 p.m.

The schedule continues with Legislative District 23 debates on September 5, featuring various candidates vying for Senate and House seats. Later in the month, on September 17, District 2 Supervisor Matt Heinz will debate Republican John Backer.

October 7 is particularly significant as U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and former state lawmaker Kirsten Engel will meet for their rematch debate. Engel lost by a narrow margin in the previous election, making this rematch highly anticipated. Other key dates include the last day to register for the general election and the upcoming debates featuring Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego.

Amid these developments, voters will also receive early ballots from Pima County and have until October 25 to request one. Election Day is set for November 5, marking the culmination of a competitive election cycle.