Arizona County Official Linked to Voting Conspiracy Theories Announces Resignation Plan

BISBEE, Ariz. — Cochise County Recorder David Stevens announced his resignation on Friday, just 10 days after being sworn in for a third term. This decision comes amid a backdrop of controversy surrounding local election practices influenced by conspiracy theories.

Stevens, a Republican, submitted his resignation letter, although the county did not disclose specific reasons for his departure. According to the Sierra Vista Herald, Stevens stated that he aims to retire in order to “prioritize my family and health.” His office has not commented further, despite multiple inquiries from the Associated Press.

Having previously served four terms in the Arizona House, Stevens won re-election in November without much contest from his Democratic opponent. He was officially sworn in during a ceremony on January 7. Yet, his tenure has been marked by contentious election-related issues.

Some Cochise County officials have supported unconventional election methods, driven by claims propagated during Donald Trump’s presidency following the 2020 election. During the midterm elections, at the urging of supervisors Tom Crosby and Peggy Judd, Stevens was ready to conduct hand counts of ballots until a judge intervened. The refusal by Crosby and Judd to certify election results led to legal battles, as they protested alleged irregularities, particularly in Maricopa County. Ultimately, a judge compelled them to finalize the election certification.

This conflict has not been without consequences. In a move by the Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, Crosby and Judd face criminal charges for their delays in certifying the 2022 midterm election results. Recently, Judd entered a guilty plea on a misdemeanor charge, resulting in a probation sentence. Crosby, however, has maintained his innocence and is set for trial later this month. No other officials have faced charges in this incident.